A single post can trigger a multitude of issues. You’re excited. You’re headed off on vacation, passport in one hand, coffee in the other—and what better way to celebrate than a quick snap of your boarding pass? You receive a few likes and feel a tinge of travel jealousy. What could go wrong?
Plenty.
That innocent shot can reveal more than just your seat number. Buried in that barcode or QR code are personal details like your full name, frequent-flyer number, travel plans, and yes—even your passport information. If shared publicly, it essentially provides hackers with a digital key to your trip.
Security experts have warned about this type of theft for years, and yet it keeps happening. All it takes is a smartphone and a free scanner app, and someone can decode your barcode in seconds. From there, it’s easy to alter your booking, access your airline account, or worse—use your identity for fraud.
Real stories, real consequences
Not long ago, a family traveling out of Hong Kong posted a charming photo of their boarding passes as they headed off on vacation. However, upon their arrival at the airport, they found their entire reservation tampered with, with meals removed and seats reassigned. What’s more distressing? The parents were now seated far from their children.
Even public figures aren’t immune. Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott once shared his boarding pass online, and a white-hat hacker quickly pulled his passport number and flight details from the image—just to prove how easy it was. That story went viral for all the wrong reasons.
The bottom line: once your boarding pass is online, you’ve given away far more than you think.
What criminals can do with your boarding pass
Here’s what’s really at risk:
| Threat | What Can Happen |
|---|---|
| Identity Theft | Access to passport and personal info to open fake accounts |
| Booking Tampering | Seats changed, meals canceled, or flights rebooked |
| Mileage Theft | Frequent-flyer miles stolen or accounts hijacked |
| SSSS Flagged | Targeted for extra airport screening with SSSS designation |
What is the significance of the SSSS designation?
It stands for Secondary Security Screening Selection. It flags you for intense security checks—long lines, additional bag inspections, full-body scans, and sometimes questioning. It’s not random if someone with your info can trigger it.
So, how do you keep your trip secure?
Here are a few simple ways to avoid disaster before you even board:
- Please refrain from taking photos of your boarding pass. It’s not worth the likes.
- Use a mobile boarding pass with biometric security like Face ID or fingerprint protection.
- Please shred printed boarding passes after your flight instead of discarding them in the airport trash.
- Avoid public phone charging stations at airports. They’re a target for “juice jacking.”
- Always screenshot your digital pass as backup in case your airline app fails at the gate.
Already posted it? Here’s what to do
If you’ve shared a photo with your boarding pass—even once—please delete it promptly. Then log into your airline account and change your password. Monitor any unusual activity in your frequent-flyer program. And if your reservation looks off, call your airline and ask for a manual review of your itinerary.
Keep your travel tools safer, too
Traveling smart isn’t just about skipping the boarding pass selfie. It’s about using the right tools that protect you. Whether you want to store boarding passes securely, manage flights, or get real-time alerts on schedule changes, you’ll want travel apps and wallets that prioritize your privacy.
To help you prep for a stress-free journey, you can browse trusted travel apps and accessories that make your next trip smoother and safer.
Requesting compensation for a delayed flight is simpler than you might expect. Learn more here!
Final thoughts: keep it off the ‘gram
Although it may appear insignificant, that small piece of paper holds a wealth of data. Treat your boarding pass the same way you treat your ID or credit card. Don’t flash it around. Don’t leave it behind. And definitely don’t post it online.
Your travel photos should be full of ocean views, cocktails, and sunset dinners—not stories about canceled flights and stolen miles.
Be careful, travel smart, and enjoy the journey without the unexpected detours.
Are you planning your dream trip but feeling anxious about leaving your home unattended? You’re not the only one. Here are five vacation fire hazards that every homeowner should unplug.