The 1 Boarding Pass Mistake You Should Never Make—It Could Cost You Your Vacation

Travel + Leisure

a day ago

Snapping photos and posting them on social media is a fun way to share a travel adventure. However, experts are sounding the alarm on one type of photo that could turn a dream vacation into a travel nightmare. Security experts have published a warning against posting screenshots or photos of boarding passes on social media. In recent years, online scammers and thieves have been able to extract significant personal information from a boarding pass, even if the confirmation number is obscured.
As an added precaution, experts also advise not posting photos of luggage tags which can also contain additional personal information and other traveler information.
The warning was authored by the United Kingdom-based law firm HD Claims, which says that advanced scammers can scrape the personal data from a QR code or a barcode on the boarding pass, even when the main personal information is concealed. In addition to not sharing the information on social media, the firm recommends shredding and destroying all travel documents, as they have observed cases where tickets had been picked out of hotel trash cans.
'This isn't just about social embarrassment, it's a serious data protection issue,' legal expert at HD Claims Adam Douglas shared in a statement to Travel + Leisure . 'If your ID or travel account is compromised as a result, you could end up footing the bill or losing your holiday altogether.'
In May 2025, a family who innocently posted photos of their boarding pass online to celebrate an upcoming international trip became victims of a travel nightmare, according to a report detailing the alleged 'sabotage' from Wake Up Singapore. The Hong Kong-based family claimed in the report that their seats were re-assigned, and special kosher meals were replaced from their initial requests. Worst of all, the parents were separated from their two children, according to the report.
When former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott posted his boarding pass for an upcoming flight on his Instagram account, his personal information was obtained by a third party. However, the self-described hacker who obtained Abbott's passport details and number used it as an opportunity to spotlight the importance of internet security, versus any negative outcome, according to a BBC report.
In addition to not posting a boarding pass, there are many other easy tips to enhance safety when traveling. The United States Department of State recommends carefully researching a destination, not telling strangers where you are staying, locking windows and doors, and avoiding carrying anything expensive.