Planning a vacation? Everyone wants to share 'Instagrammable' moments to showcase their holiday. Undoubtedly, many of us have an Instagram or Facebook photo 'check-in' with the boarding pass. But did you know that sharing flight ticket photos on social media can pose significant risks?
As soon as you book your flight for an upcoming trip, you're eager to share the excitement with friends, family, and your online audience. However, hidden behind this excitement are unforeseen dangers. You can't control all the information on social media, and there's no guarantee that 100% of your social media followers are actually your friends. Malevolent individuals can extract more personal information than you think just from the boarding pass. And you don't need a hacker for this. After reading this article, you'll think twice and never engage in such 'reckless' behavior again.
Anyone can alter your flight itinerary
With just your full name and booking code on the boarding pass, anyone can easily change your seat, flight schedule, or even cancel your entire trip. They only need to access the official website of the airline you're using, enter your name and booking code through the 'Manage my booking' section, and then alter your entire itinerary. So, you remain blissfully unaware of what might happen to your return flight. Too fast, too dangerous, right?
Sharing your boarding pass photos on social media is more dangerous than you think. @pinterest
Never underestimate the significance of the barcode on your boarding pass
Even if you obscure names and booking codes, it doesn't guarantee safety. All booking information is embedded in the barcode on your boarding pass. Not only airline personnel but also anyone with internet access can access information from this barcode.Just by capturing a screenshot of your check-in with your boarding pass, anyone can upload it to a barcode-reading website and obtain all the details.
Just the barcode alone can reveal your personal information. @pinterest
The amount of information obtainable from a barcode is beyond imagination. Who knows how malicious individuals might use this data to steal your identity and engage in unlawful activities? Therefore, it's best not to share pictures of your boarding pass online, even if you've blurred out your name and booking code.Frequent flyer points can vanish in the blink of an eye
Experienced travelers who frequently fly with a particular airline often sign up for membership programs to accumulate points. In this case, your membership number is right below your name on the boarding pass. While it may be challenging to infiltrate the airline's member information system, for professional hackers, having your membership number is enough to easily access your online account and steal all the hard-earned points you've gathered.
Carefully consider sharing pictures of your flight tickets on social media. @jaelynnalexis
Beware, intruders know when your home is empty.
We all love to 'check-in' our boarding pass photos and travel details on social media to share the excitement. However, if your Instagram or Facebook account is set to public (accessible to everyone), there's a chance that malicious individuals will have a clear view of your itinerary, meaning they know your house is 'unattended.' We never anticipate how far the information we share on social media might spread, and if it falls into the wrong hands, the risk is real.
Are these four reasons enough to make you rethink? Based on the travel experiences we've just shared, it's advisable not to 'check-in' with your boarding pass photos anymore! If you want to share information about your trip, choose photos at the airport or scenic views at your destination that are both magical and security-friendly.
Instead of posting your flight ticket photos, you can share check-in photos at the airport or your destination. @vorosbenisop
Furthermore, let me reveal that your personal data and credit card information will be securely protected if you book through Mytour. Mytour is equipped with RapidSSL technology to encrypt personal information, ensuring the security of online transactions.
Electronic tickets and hotel payment vouchers will be sent directly to your email. You can have full control of your bookings in the 'My Booking' section on the Mytour app anytime, anywhere.
To learn more about Mytour's technologies safeguarding customer transactions, you can find additional information here.