Is it okay to give someone a copy of your boarding pass?

The Surprising Security Risk Hiding in Your Boarding Pass

We’ve all been there. You’ve just disembarked, collected your luggage, and you’re finally on your way to your destination. In the rush, that flimsy piece of paper – your boarding pass – often gets crumpled up and tossed in the nearest bin without a second thought. But what if I told you discarding it so carelessly could be a bigger mistake than forgetting to charge your phone?

The truth is, your boarding pass, both physical and digital, is a goldmine of information for potential hackers. While it might seem like just a piece of paper that got you from point A to point B, it contains encoded data that, in the wrong hands, can be used to access personal details and even manipulate your airline account.

So, is it okay to give someone a copy of your boarding pass? Absolutely not. Giving someone access to your boarding pass, whether intentionally or accidentally, exposes you to a range of potential security threats.

Here’s why:

• Decoding the Barcode: The barcode or QR code on your boarding pass holds more than just your seat number. It typically contains your full name, frequent flyer number (if applicable), and, most critically, your reservation reference number (also known as a PNR or Passenger Name Record). This PNR is the key to unlocking a wealth of information online.

• Accessing Your Travel Details: With just your name and PNR, someone can potentially access your entire flight itinerary, including future flights booked under the same reservation. This can reveal your travel plans, your travel companions’ information, and even your contact details.

• Manipulating Your Account: In some cases, hackers can use this information to change your seat assignments, cancel flights, or even access your frequent flyer account, potentially stealing your miles or points.

• Phishing and Identity Theft: Knowing your travel patterns and personal details makes you a target for highly targeted phishing attacks. Scammers can use this information to craft convincing emails or texts that trick you into divulging even more sensitive information, leading to identity theft.

Therefore, giving someone a copy of your boarding pass, even if it seems harmless, is a serious security risk. Think of it as giving them a key to a small portion of your personal information kingdom.

So, what can you do to protect yourself?

• Shred It or Delete It: The most effective way to protect your information is to destroy your boarding pass after your flight. If it’s a physical pass, shred it thoroughly. If it’s a digital pass on your phone, delete the image or email from your device.

• Be Mindful of Social Media: Avoid posting pictures of your boarding pass on social media. Even blurred or partially covered passes can sometimes be deciphered using specialized software.

• Protect Your Online Accounts: Use strong, unique passwords for your airline accounts and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.

• Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your frequent flyer accounts and credit card statements for any suspicious activity.

Your boarding pass is more than just a ticket; it’s a gateway to your personal information. By taking a few simple precautions, you can safeguard your data and travel with peace of mind. Don’t let your boarding pass become a security risk; protect it like you would any other sensitive document. The extra few seconds it takes to properly dispose of it could save you a whole lot of trouble down the road.