Giving Out Passport Number

[mahonia]

We are booking a trip to Europe with a small group tour operator based in Australia. We have been emailed a booking form to fill in online and it asks for our passport numbers. This seems a little dubious as well as unnecessary. We are arranging our own flights and meeting up with the group on arrival.
Are we being over-cautious in wanting to withhold our passport numbers?

[campbellking]

Have been asked before by various tour operators for passport number, so it doesn't seem that unusual a request.

[ChillDoubt]

It's standard procedure these days when booking online but specifically when checking in.

[zebo]

I think there's now a legal requirement for airlines to collect travellers' details, such a passport number, we've certainly always been asked for it in the last few years.

[LyndaB]

We are regular fliers and always gave to give our passport numbers. When you go to check in, they don't usually ask for your ticket, just your passport

[Prudie]

You pretty much always have to complete API (advanced passenger information) with all airlines now that involve foreign travel. Furthermore, certainly in Spain so probably elsewhere, all hotels and private rentals have to complete a form on each of their guests which includes passport number. It really isn't a secret number, it's not your PIN :-)

[237SJ]

I wouldn`t worry about giving out the passport number. It`s probably just for "red tape" from the tour operator. I doubt it`s for the APIS as they need passport expiry details as well as the number.

[bednobs]

i think mahonia's point is that the tour company have nothing to do with the flights though

[mahonia]

Yes, bednobs, that is exactly my point. We have already booked our flights independently. We are merely joining in the tour while we are in Europe so can see no reason why the tour company needs the passport numbers.

[237SJ]

Maybe the hotels that your tour company are using are requesting your passport details as security. Hotels in China do this - I have to photocopy the pages of my passport to give to them when I stay there.

[boxtops]

I agree with 237 - European hotels usually ask to see your passport when you check in, to prove you are who you say you are. It'll be for the group accommodation booking.

[janbee]

I'm usually asked my passport number when booking. It seems to be the norm these days.

[Peter Pedant]

yes

standard now - so everything is recorded on a computer somewhere before you roll up to the airport

it is this fact that allowed me and a pal to blag our way onto a flight to Jorday with only our passports and false teeth

( we were meant to be on it )

[waterboatman]

It will be a standard booking form. No problem.

[KARL]

You are correct, in your case the flights and accommodation are two separate issues.

The automatic requirement for filing passport details is essentially a USA initiated one, brought in after 11.9.2001. In my experience, when flying internationally within Schengen (EEA except UK and Ireland) it is not a requirement to log passport or ID details or on domestic flights, but it is anywhere else - in fact you cannot even board a flight to the USA unless you also possess a visa (one version of which is an ESTA). UK and Eire nationals additionally have to go through immigration in both directions when travelling anywhere to/from their countries (by ferry, air or whatever) whereas within Schengen no immigration facilities exist and all flights (Berlin-Rome, Paris Stockholm, etc., etc.) are treated as domestic. The Eire/UK situation is due to not being in Schengen and in the case of Eire the reason is the open border with the UK where no immigration facilities are maintained, else one suspects Eire would join the rest of restriction-free Europe in the Schengen Area.

It is a legal requirement in many countries worldwide to report to the authorities, or have available on file, passport or national ID details for all residents at hotels, etc.

[vindiboy1948]

Methinks the answer is simple. Give the number or don't travel. If you query the need to provide the number your carrier may become suspicious and demand other supporting ID's. I don't really see any problem as the number is not very private as many travellers are happy to show their passport without demur even at banks and hotels when asked.
Enjoy the trip.