YOUR boarding pass signifies an exciting trip abroad, be it a holiday or a flight to see friends and family.
But passengers often make the same two mistakes with their pass – which could both cost you money and put you at risk.
GettyA boarding pass has a lot of your information – and secret discounts[/caption]
The first thing lots of people like to do is take a picture of their boarding pass and post it online just before they fly.
However, the details on your pass share a lot more about you than you think, even if they don’t have your personal address and number.
The codes on the pass include your flight number and name.
These two details can be used to bring up your flight booking – and then access all your other personal information.
Caleb Barlow, president and CEO of cybersecurity consulting firm CynergisTek previously said: “All you need is your name, your booking reference number and your frequent flyer number.
“All three of those things are on the boarding pass”.
“There could be a couple of basic password reset questions – but I might be able to get the answers to those just by looking on the web. And now that I’ve got your frequent flyer account.”
And the barcode at the end could bring up some other details as well, according to NordVPN cybersecurity expert Adrianus Warmenhoven.
He previously said: “Even if only the barcode of your flight ticket is visible in the picture, hackers can scan it and find out such information as a traveller’s full name, reservation number, passenger name record, and sometimes even contact information.
“This data can later be used by the hacker to ruin a traveller’s vacation by cancelling their return flights, stealing money from their payment cards, or even stealing their identity.”
And the second mistake comes after you arrive on holiday – which is throwing away your boarding pass.
That’s because some airlines and hotels offer discounts and perks for showing your boarding pass.
For example, British Airways passengers can get discounts on brands such as DAKS and Hacketts as well as discounts or complimentary cocktails on hotel afternoon teas such as Ham Yard Hotel and St Hames Hotel.
And Emirates boarding passes get you discounts at restaurants, spas and shopping centres in Dubai, a well as some attractions.
This includes 30 per cent off tickets at the Wild Wadi Waterpark and Motiongate Dubai, while discounts at certain restaurants range from 10 per cent to 25 per cent
Singapore Airlines boarding passes get discounts on restaurants, attractions and tours.
Here’s a boarding pass code you never want to see.
GettyYour boarding pass should be kept in your bag – and not uploaded online[/caption]