The article makes it sound like OTAs and airlines are to blame for what goes into a PNR. Note that for decades the PNR was the only record of your requests to buy a ticket, change seats, meals etc. Basically think of it as a database record (in a flat database sort of way). Even in a modern environment the data in SABRE and Amadeus and Travelport (the companies that provide the massive databases for most all airlines in the world) still isn't much better than a PNR. These systems date back to the 60's. What is disturbing that the US Government apparently demanded the entire PNR before the trip. For decades PNR's were routinely deleted soon after the trip happened unless manually extended (to provide for refunds). Apparently HS insisted that the entire PNR be given to them without allowing any kind of scrubbing first. This is what is ridiculous. But people who regard your data as their personal fiefdom could care less about your security or privacy.
No, I think he has a legitimate claim that the airlines are putting too much information into the database. His credit card number should not be in the clear in the PNR database. That's just ridiculous.
Comments
The article makes it sound like OTAs and airlines are to blame for what goes into a PNR. Note that for decades the PNR was the only record of your requests to buy a ticket, change seats, meals etc. Basically think of it as a database record (in a flat database sort of way). Even in a modern environment the data in SABRE and Amadeus and Travelport (the companies that provide the massive databases for most all airlines in the world) still isn't much better than a PNR. These systems date back to the 60's. What is disturbing that the US Government apparently demanded the entire PNR before the trip. For decades PNR's were routinely deleted soon after the trip happened unless manually extended (to provide for refunds). Apparently HS insisted that the entire PNR be given to them without allowing any kind of scrubbing first. This is what is ridiculous. But people who regard your data as their personal fiefdom could care less about your security or privacy.
No, I think he has a legitimate claim that the airlines are putting too much information into the database. His credit card number should not be in the clear in the PNR database. That's just ridiculous.