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$9.99 (as of November 20, 2024 15:23 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Have you ever thought about what happens to your boarding pass after you toss it into the trash or leave it in the seatback pocket on your flight? Most people probably don’t give it a second thought. After all, you’re done with your trip, and that little slip of paper no longer serves a purpose – or does it? Unfortunately, disposing of your boarding pass carelessly can put you and your personal information at significant risk. Let’s chat about why you should be a bit more careful when getting rid of your boarding pass.
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The Hidden Dangers in Your Boarding Pass
Scammers and Your Personal Information
You might wonder, what could possibly be harmful about leaving your boarding pass behind? The answer lies in the barcode on your boarding pass. Scammers equipped with scanning apps can easily access a treasure trove of your personal data, including your full name, date of birth, passport number, email address, phone number, information about your travel companions, and even special requests like in-flight meals for dietary restrictions.
Sharing these details might not sound too alarming – who cares if a stranger knows you ordered a gluten-free meal? But this information can open doors to a myriad of problems. Hackers might change your future flight reservations, steal your hard-earned miles, or send you phishing emails. Most terrifyingly, they could use your personal information to commit identity fraud.
The Pitfalls of Posting Boarding Pass Photos Online
Thinking of sharing a cool snap of your boarding pass on social media to commemorate your trip? Think again. By sharing a photo of your boarding pass, you’re giving potential hackers easy access to the same sensitive information stored in that barcode. It’s tempting to share those “I’m traveling!” moments, but your privacy should always come first.
Practical Reasons to Keep Your Boarding Pass
Lost Luggage Assistance
Imagine you’ve just landed after a long-haul flight, only to find your luggage hasn’t arrived with you. It’s a traveler’s nightmare, right? While the airline should give you a bag tag, your boarding pass can also be a critical piece of the puzzle in locating your lost luggage quickly.
Collecting Miles and Rewards Points
Airlines sometimes commit clerical errors, and your physical flight ticket can serve as proof that you were indeed on the plane. If the airline fails to credit miles or rewards points for your trip, you can contact customer service and provide the ticket number from your boarding pass.
Insurance Claims Proof
Unfortunately, illnesses and mishaps can occur during trips, requiring you to make insurance claims. Having your boarding pass can expedite this process as it acts as evidence of your travels. Whether it’s an out-of-country health insurance claim or reimbursement for lost or damaged belongings, your boarding pass proves you were where you say you were.
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How to Dispose of Your Boarding Pass Safely
Timing Matters
If you don’t want old boarding passes piling up at the bottom of your bag, it’s perfectly fine to hold onto them until you return home. This way, you can ensure you don’t need to keep the tickets as proof of your trip before disposing of them.
The Shredding Process
When you do decide it’s time to discard your boarding pass, make sure to shred it thoroughly. This includes destroying the barcode so that no one can easily piece it back together. Investing in a small, portable shredder can be a wise choice for frequent travelers.
| To Do | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|
| Keep boarding pass until back home | Ensures no further proof is needed |
| Shred boarding pass | Protects personal information from scams |
| Destroy barcode | Prevents reconstruction of personal details |
What About Luggage Tags?
Surprisingly, the codes printed on the tags of your checked luggage can also contain personal information valuable to hackers. Remember to remove and rip up any old luggage tags and stickers before discarding them in the trash.
Digital vs. Printed Boarding Passes
Pros and Cons of Digital Boarding Passes
Leaning towards a digital boarding pass to avoid the hassle of physical copies? It might not be the perfect solution. While going digital can be convenient, especially if you’re prone to losing things, it can create new issues. What happens if your phone dies or if an immigration officer needs to make a photocopy of your boarding pass? Similarly, airline apps that provide digital passes aren’t immune to security flaws.
Why a Printed Pass is Still Advisable
Opting for a printed boarding pass can save you a lot of trouble. Treat it with the same caution as you would your passport or credit card until you get home. Yes, it’s another thing to keep track of, but the peace of mind is worth it.
Conclusion
Being a savvy traveler means paying attention to details, including how you handle your boarding pass. It’s easy to underestimate the risks associated with these seemingly innocuous pieces of paper, but a little caution can go a long way in protecting your personal information and preventing unforeseen hassles. The next time you’re about to toss your boarding pass into the trash, remember the hidden dangers and think twice. Safe travels and stay vigilant!
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