Sharing your personal details in an ‘airport selfie’ could open you up to scammers and fraud.

The age of social media has cultivated a generation keen on sharing our life moments, from mundane breakfast snaps to exciting airport check-ins. An airport selfie, especially one with a boarding pass, is seen as a hallmark of a jet-setting lifestyle and particularly popular in the summer holiday season.

However, this seemingly innocent act may expose you to unforeseen dangers. By snapping your boarding pass and passport for your socials, you may be unknowingly sharing personal details such as those stored in the EU-wide Passenger Name Record (PNR) system.

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What is a Passenger Name Record (PRN)?

A Passenger Name Record, commonly referred to as PRN, is a unique identifier used by airlines and travel agencies to store information about a passenger’s travel itinerary.  It typically includes details such as names, flight numbers, dates of travel, and ticket details.

When combined with other data on a boarding pass, it provides a comprehensive view of a passenger's journey. A PRN can unlock a plethora of personal details, including your contact details and travel plans, when plugged into the right databases.

Who has access to your Passenger Name Record (PRN)?

The PRN can be accessed and decoded by a surprising number of entities:

  • Airlines and Travel Agencies: Naturally, these are the primary entities that use your PRN to manage and store your travel details. Every time you book a flight, they create or access your PRN to store information about your travel itinerary.
  • Airport Staff: From check-in counters to boarding gate personnel, several airport employees can view your PRN to verify your identity and flight details.
  • Customs and Border Protection: In many countries, border protection agencies have the authority to access your PRN. This helps them track incoming and outgoing passengers and aids in various security and immigration procedures.
  • Third-party Service Providers: Some airlines and travel agencies might collaborate with third-party companies for services such as car rentals, hotels, or tours. These partners might be granted access to parts of your PRN to provide seamless services.

Understanding who has access to your PRN and why is crucial. While some entities require it to ensure your travel is smooth and secure, it's always best to be aware of the potential dangers for travellers associated with oversharing or misplacing your boarding pass.

If you aren't careful with your boarding pass or if you share it online, unauthorised individuals can access your PRN. Armed with this and other details, they can potentially breach your privacy or commit fraud.

Other confidential information found on a boarding pass

Beyond the PRN, boarding passes conceal a wealth of confidential information. These seemingly innocuous slips of paper also contain your:

  • Frequent Flyer Number: Linked to your rewards account, which may contain personal details.
  • Booking Reference: This can be used to access your booking online, potentially allowing changes to your itinerary.
  • Seating Details: While not inherently confidential, this can provide information on your whereabouts during a flight.

Simply put, a boarding pass is a key that can unlock vast amounts of personal data, much of which we'd rather keep private.

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Risks of sharing your boarding pass data

If you’re in any doubt about the harm that could come from sharing boarding pass details, be aware that it could lead to: 

  • Identity Theft: With your name and frequent flyer number, malicious actors could impersonate you, making unauthorised changes or bookings.
  • Stalking: By revealing travel plans, you inadvertently give a roadmap to your movements, potentially putting personal safety at risk.
  • Financial Frauds: Access to your travel itinerary could lead to targeted phishing scams or fraudulent charges if linked with other pieces of personal data.

Sharing boarding pass details online is akin to broadcasting sensitive personal data to a global audience. The inherent dangers of this oversharing cannot be overstated.

How to protect your personal information

Awareness is the first step to protection. Here are a few measures to keep your information secure:

  • Be Discreet: If you must share an airport selfie, ensure your boarding pass is not visible, or blur out any identifiable information.
  • Stay Updated: Regularly check the privacy settings on your social media accounts. Ensure only trusted contacts can view your personal posts.
  • Protect Physical Copies: Keep your boarding passes and other travel documents safe. Dispose of them securely after use.
  • Be Cautious with Digital Data: Avoid using public Wi-Fi to access personal data. Ensure your devices have updated security software.

In conclusion, while the digital age offers unparalleled connectivity, it also comes with unique risks for holidaymakers. The line between sharing and overexposing is fine but crucial. So, next time you're about to post that airport selfie, pause for a moment and think of the potential repercussions.