Picture this: it's the holidays, you're in a state of euphoria and can't wait to catch the flight that will take you to a far-away dreamy destination... Be careful once your flight is over, though. Even if you think your boarding pass is no longer useful when your trip is over, do not leave it on the plane, in the seat pocket in front of you, or throw it away right at the airport, or in any type of public place.
Discover our latest podcast
In addition to indicating the type of security you will have to undergo at boarding, it contains valuable information about you and could fall into the wrong hands. In fact, hackers and identity thieves could easily use your personal data if they manage to get a hand on your valuable boarding pass.
It contains a lot of your personal information
Winston Krone, a cybercrime expert for CBS, explained that a boarding pass has a very useful and important barcode. Indeed, when it is scanned, the barcode reveals a lot more confidential information about you, like your home address, your e-mail address, your phone number and even some of your financial data.
If you throw away your boarding pass at the airport directly, anyone could come and pick it up from the bin. Then, any hacker could have access to all of this personal information very easily, which could have serious consequences on your life (or bank account).
At the airport, keep your passport, boarding pass, & other travel documents in a safe & secure place, & don't leave them unattended or in plain sight.
— 30+ BABY BOY (@peero007) April 5, 2023
Never accept any items from people you don't know. Avoid carrying someone else's luggage unless you are certain of its contents. pic.twitter.com/DDrXOR06X4
Read more:The dangerous reason why you should never charge your phone in an airport revealed by expert
How to throw away your boarding pass safely
Of course, you don't have to keep all your boarding passes and collect them over time, but try getting rid of them once you're home so that nobody can get ahold of them. If you can, it is safer to rip them apart and throw them away in different bins, so the boarding pass cannot be reconstructed easily.
This will spare you the risk of being scammed afterwards, and of seeing your bank account severely damaged. In fact, it is even better if you have access to a shredder and can successfully shred your old boarding pass. Better safe than sorry!
TRAVEL TIPS:
— UPPORTUNE TRAVELS INT'L (@CanadaWithEase_) September 23, 2019
Never throw away your _Boarding Pass.
Always keep your *Boarding Pass* with you even while in your destination.
Your Boarding Pass holds records of your trip to your destination. In the event of missing Passport, your Boarding Pass comes handy as your defence.
Read more: Flight attendant reveals the shocking reason why you should never use the airplane seat pocket
Sources used:
CBS: I-Team: Experts Warn Passengers To Protect Boarding Pass
