Northwest Airlines defends handing over passenger data to Feds [priv]

[Declan McCullagh <declan () well com>]

http://www.epic.org/privacy/airtravel/nwa_answer.pdf

Northwest Airlines categorically denies that its actions were
"unfair," "deceptive," or in any matter manner violated 49 U.S.C.  §
4171...

Passengers have no inherent right or expectation of total privacy in
the information provided when traveling on commercial
airlines-particularly after September 11.  The only relevant basis for
privacy protection is Northwest Airlines' privacy policy, which does
not support EPIC's and MCLU's allegations...

The plain meaning of the policy is an assurance that customer
information will not be commercially exploited and that it is secure
from hackers. Northwest Airlines fulfilled those promises, but it did
not promise that it would not share information with the govemment.
The type of total privacy that EPIC and MCLU interpret from the policy
conflicts with the plain terms of the policy, the requirements of
federal law and the expectations of customers...

A reasonable person does not expect privacy in his personal
information, personal effects, or behavior on an aircraft or in an
airport because he or she knows that the price of privacy is
diminished public safety...

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