It’s unfortunate that this happened, but it’s an important reminder for people that you should never, ever do this…
Continue reading: Traveler Learns Hard Way Why You Don’t Share Airline Ticket Details Online
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
There was the recent incident with the Professor at Rutgers (Bray) who was relocating he and his family from the US to Spain (earlier this month), and, while the full details are not yet apparent, it may have been his public announcement of his departure, and some online sleuths that involuntarily 'canceled' his flight (or it was this admin, seeking vendetta for anyone who speaks out against it.) Fortunately, he was able to rebook for the next day. Still, not cool, either way. Protect your details.
What you do online can potentially affect your life offline. Good words to live by.
And this is just another example of why I do not have social media. I rather have people guessing about me, I sleep better at night. If someone needs me, get on your knees (pause) and crawl to find me.
Would you consider commenting at OMAAT or other travel blogs as a form of 'social media' that could be traced back to you? There's been a recent stream of political hopefuls old aliases (like on Reddit, or group texts, even) getting exposed (see Ingrassia, Platner, etc.)
Saw a similar case in a points forum a few week back. An individual posted a question, but included a screenshot containing the PNR. A few hours later, a new post - "why was my booking cancelled"?
Never ever share details online, not before, not after.
Saw a similar case in a points forum a few week back. An individual posted a question, but included a screenshot containing the PNR. A few hours later, a new post - "why was my booking cancelled"?
Never ever share details online, not before, not after.
That must've been like watching a the movie the Titanic... 'maybe they'll make it this time...'
My son works as a senior engineer/team lead in one of IT companies. While in college, he stopped posting on social media. The only thing one can find about him on line is his LinkedIn page. He does not see reasons for posting details about personal life unless you are a blogger or influencer so your posts are a source of your income.
AA recently started requiring date of birth to view/change reservations. While that can also sometimes be known or found, I think it’s a worthwhile measure they implemented.
Some social media users are not the brightest bunch out there, but the fault here lies with the airlines, who let anyone knowing the PNR and the name to make changes to someone's ticket.
Girl should be happy to have it cancelled well before the trip. Sorting the same mess out on departure, or even worse - on return day would suck a lot more.
Good question. I just did an AI search and OMAAT is NOT a social media platform, so no. "In short, OMAAT is a content creator that uses social media as a tool for distribution and promotion, not a social media platform itself."
The most I would use would be dating apps.
But I'm talking about the likes of Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, etc. where you post specifically to gain likes and attention and I don't that. Maybe I have in the past, but no longer as I don't need an algorithm to let me know what someone is doing every few seconds of their life or how or what to feel. Social media was created primarily for connections, but morphed into something sinister IMO.
I remember back in the day I had AIM, Friendster and myspace lol now everybody needs to use the likes of snapchat to get noticed.
I'm on the blog as I enjoy planes and travel I feel like my contributions are worth it, but in reality, I like hiding a rock.
And QR (and some others) require an OTP to access your booking - they will send to the email address or phone number (via SMS) in your PNR. It's a bit of a pain but way safer
It helps but for anyone in the USA, their DOB is just one click away on google. SSNs two clicks. DLs three clicks.
You gotta be careful even with your boarding pass at the gate. Remember that incident where someone surreptitiously snapped a picture of another passenger’s boarding pass and boarded the flight using it?
how did that go? The passenger will still try to board and find out someone already took his seat? This is too easy to get caught?
Would two-factor authentication make this better? Or can that be spoof'd too...
One interesting thing I noticed in Australia, at least for domestic flights, they rarely even ask for identification at security... so long as you have a boarding pass, and in some cases, even without one, you can enter the 'secure' area... at least that was the case at SYD Terminal 3 for me.
One more idea: Would offering the option of two-factor authentication to users/customers on all these airline/program sites at least prevent some of these issues? Just seems like good personal cybersecurity hygiene.
Like, was reading about someone who lost most of their Alaska miles (sorry, Atmos points or whatever), recently because someone hacked-in to that account. Perhaps, after an investigation, it is all resolved, points returned, but that can take a while, and no guarantees. Might 2-factor have helped? Maybe.
Then I also read: While SMS-based 2FA is better than using no 2FA at all, it is considered a weaker method because it is vulnerable to social engineering and network-level attacks. Ok, so someone would need to 'social engineer' (trick you into divulging details, some of which you may inadvertently be doing by posting online...)
I hear ya. I'm not on any of those mega-corp sites. I like how the various Boarding Area sites (OMAAT, VFTW, LALF, FM, etc.) are still *relatively* small-scale (sorry, fellas), and community-based. Like, the difference of tens of thousands of 'visits' per month, verses millions or billions. Ask the average person on the street: "Hey, have you heard of 'One Mile at a Time'...?" They'd look at you like, 'yeah, bud, I'm tryin'... every freakin' day...' (clueless.)
This is precisely why I never show my ID at the airport. Instead, I approach the gate agent and confidently boom, "I have gold status, and you should know who I am. Where is your manager?"
Surely a company person like you 1990, would know all about “Two-factor(ing)” …. Oooops! Have I blown your cover?
I think in that case, the stowaway managed to remain in the lavatory until boarding completed, and took an empty seat. When the real passenger scanned his boarding pass and it came up with an error, the gate agent manually checked the boarding pass and ID, saw it looked good, and waved it away as a system glitch.
Stop using the term "social media". There is absolutely nothing "social" on these platforms.
I'd sure hope our intelligence services aren't wasting their time on travel blogs...
Airlines should require 2-factor for changes and cancellations. Problem solved.
I know Gary Leff's AAdvantage number because he posted a QR code of his boarding pass and I extracted all the data.
Very common in most of Europe too. Most of the time no one wants to see my ID unless I'm flying on LCC or from one of the few states where ID checks are compulsory (e.g. France or Spain) - but even then they only happen at the gate.
While Gary is obnoxious and terrible, it's more obnoxious and terrible to be keeping the private information of someone you don't like. Grow up.
"As much as we’d like to think that most people are decent humans, unfortunately that’s not always the case."
I'm sure you are limiting the universe of decent humans as non-maga.
I had a serious conversation with an acquaintance, a teacher who was a chaperone for an international school trip. They posted a pic on instagram of their boarding pass, and i sent them screenshots of the booking which included 9 of the students (and their full names).
I was happy to see a story from them a few months later, traveling solo, where they redacted their boarding pass!
I don't 100% get why people share as much as they do in the first place, but I'm glad I talked one person into being more careful
I think you were reading about Ben! (Or maybe it was Ford).
Alaska reps have indicated they recognize the need for 2FA, but they haven't been able to implement it yet for whatever reason (cough, their awful backend technology, cough)
Also don't litter your boarding pass in a public place! I've seen people do that.
Hey..."They're bringing crime. They're ra(c)ists. And some, I assume, are good people."
@PENILE, you're not fooling anyone; your new alias basically means 'cringy nouveau riche' in Mandarin. And, please, no need to get into the nuances of Zhongwen, Hanyu, and Putonghua.
Yet people still give their biometric data AND extra money to private companies like CLEAR or 23andMe.
Even Snowden and Trump proved that governments can and will misuse your personal data. Thank you PATRIOT act. There goes Global Entry.
If you use any of the above service ask your hypocritical self again;
"I don't 100% get why people share as much as they do in the first place,"
Agreed. Relatively easy for these companies to do this, yet, they don't, so those companies should be liable when things go awry.
A friend of mine is a travel influencer. His posts are about 1-2 weeks behind where he is - in part to avoid exactly this.
Tell us how you really feel...
Side note, on the recent 'hot towels' post, there's a IAD_And_DCA_Are_My_Second_Homes who admits he "decided to rip (you) off." Niccce.
1990, my name is 跟阴茎有关 which means "of or relating to the yinjing (jiba) (xiaoniao)" - you remember from Doctor of Credit.
Another decade of reading OMAAT and VFTW comments and you'll be fluent in Chinese which bodes well for your next visit to the Taiwan province of China which you like.
Remember, I don't read LALF because the author is a demonstrable loser - just look at which law school he went to.
1990 …. please do not get the ORD started …. ORD will soon show you the true ORD character.
Oh, how could I forget! 3x the fun!
And, so true, ...it is indeed the (Republic of) China! *wink*
On Matt, hey now, an active California bar license is an accomplishment to anyone that can pass their three-day exam. Not to mention, a free ride for law school is still a free ride. Besides, Drexel is #79 (tie) out of 195 in 2025!
Oh pish posh, perhaps we'll all learn something together... ORD, go ahead, tell us!
Esk, some pretend to “Share as much as they do in the first place” so that trolls take the bait. Ben’s clĩćķ bãïť …. 🙂
No such thing as a free lunch; a free ride is penny wise, pound foolish. Universities give free rides because they know they have to buy your attendance; you could matriculate at a better school. The rewards, pecuniary or otherwise, of attending a better school are lifelong and immeasurable.
Always, always, always attend the best school you can. And, realize it's not about the "quality of education" - you can indeed learn the same material anywhere, even for free online (a la MIT OpenCourseWare). You attend for the network, both social and professional. Invaluable.
First of all, my post was a reference to Animal House. Guess that's too old for most of you. Second, my feelings are summarized by the Arbiter from the musical Chess: "Don't try to tempt me, you've no hope. I don't like women, I don't take dope." And British Timbits, I will not forget what you said, and your death will be by my hands.
Why are liberals always the most intolerant of others? The constant projections are so tiresome.
Also swing and a miss with the Animal House reference.
Ooooo! Two published death threats ORD, I haven’t had this much fun since Op Granby. One predicted that your true character would be revealed soon and boy, Oh boy, you do not disappoint a chap ORD.
Do tell everyone, how much time I have before you attempt to carry out your threat? Should I be quaking in my boots or laughing my socks off?
Well now, please be advised ORD my socks are well and truly off my tootsies and my sides are splitting with laughing at you. So, get back in your pram and rearrange your toys before mummy finds out that you have been a very silly baby.
That's the beautiful of the internet. You can display to the entire world just how dumb you really are. A couple of cheeseburgers and she'll be fine.
discoherence, 9C, you might well be best advised to refrain from addressing ORD, at the moment. You see he is really upset with me and might be tempted to take out his frustrations on you.
NOOOO! I'm tired to these 2FAs!! You could be outside the country with no access to your local number (quite often this is the case) and you need to change your flights - are you gonna be stuck there trying to add an international plan w/ AT&T or T-mobile (if they even offer in the country you're in)..just to get a 2FA text?
No, but stating about lack of knowledge of my parentage when I was, in fact, adopted at birth hit a very sensitive nerve, sensitive enough to want your death for saying it, you stupid b1tch.
I'm intolerant toward everyone. It's part of being a misanthrope. I'm not projecting. I'm saying that you're an a-hole because you are one.
Surely US cellphone companies offer international roaming almost everywhere? I've never understood the burning desire to get a "local SIM" at the airport, just to save a few bucks. The inconvenience isn't worth the small saving.
Should add to this PSA that QR codes and bar codes also contain this information. Even if you scrub the PNR, ticket number or similar, they could still get the info from the QR/barcode. Best not to post anything before a flight.
Another thing to lookout for is posting screenshots of uber rides or map directions. People often self-dox their home address in these.
Why are right wingers always the most intolerant of others? The constant projections are so tiresome.
Eh, to each their own. Can still live a good life without Harvard, Yale, Stanford, MIT, NYU, Princeton, or Columbia. (Yes, I am aware that MIT and Princeton don't have law schools.)
Bad actors are using Linkedin data to create synthetic IDs. I have no SM presence not even a LinkedIn profile. I deleted my LinkedIn profile 2+ years ago. And never had a SM account as I never saw the need for one.
Of course the most important network is the one into which you're born. No academic achievement or annual income can elevate you into the true elite, those people for whom success and security is guaranteed without even lifting a finger. Those folks will be polite to you, 假中国人, and maybe even invite you over for the holidays, but you'll only ever be the help, not a friend.
Yes ORD, you certainly appear to possess all of the characteristics attributed to a person who is suffering from such a condition. One trusts that you are able to obtain the necessary assistance to overcome your unfortunate condition?
Regardless of whatever has upset one, making gratuitous public death threats is hardly acceptable. Prior to my thoughtless quip which upset you so, you had been most obnoxious towards me. As such, I simply responded in kind. As I have explained previously, had I been aware of your childhood history, then I never would have been so thoughtless. Again, I apologise for my remark. Truce?
Poor lonely @1990. Nobody talks to her IRL. So she feels like she must reply to every single post with gusto. I was sad for Dim Tunn. But this case is even sadder.
Same reason you don't post GPS photos of you in Italy captioned with - HERE FOR A MONTH AWAY FROM HOME, 123 Main Street, Minneapolis MN! Or bragging I got my Platinum card, here's my number and CVV!
Pete, you have an incredibly old fashioned way of thinking. The "true elite" is not aspirational for precisely the reason you cite - you have to be born into it. I look up to people who are self made.
@Pete Often big bucks, as in thousands, although less so than a few years ago.
Small cost?
I got a 2k bill once!
US cell companies? …there are other people who travel besides Americans..
Yup, Pete’s right; +$10/day Verizon while overseas for data/talk/text. Makes little sense to do the SIM, unless you’re into wacky stuffs.
Pete, if you’re the President and can quash dissent through fear and intimidation, then that’s a form of power (and perhaps an abuse of authority). Yet, sure, maybe that incident was just unaffiliated trolls (who happened to support the President) and they got that professor’s info via social engineering, or it was merely a coincidental mishap by the airline, but the timing was pretty suspect. We probably won’t hear more, unless it starts to become a pattern… like, huh, every-time someone outspoken about the administration goes on an international trip, they get flagged… Now, imagine if it were the Obama years and a professor who spoke poorly about him had trouble at an airport. Right-wing media would be in a frenzy, calling for Obama’s impeachment, 24/7, even if he had nothing to do with it.
That's always been the case in Australia. In the domestic terminals, you can pass through security and enter the "sterile" area even if you're not flying. Boarding passes are only checked at the departure gate on boarding.
But why? - So she got the refund, what's the point for the person doing it? If the person were to be able to steal the use of the ticket, may be I understand, but just to cancel her ticket and so she gets a refund, I'm not sure the point.
Obviously you (like me) are not living the TikTok life. I asked the same question and now understand that this is not uncommon. Basically people who find other flaunting glamorous trips or whatever so depressing or annoying that they take it upon themselves to burst the bubble. Basically that’s the age old meeting of someone stupid and someone mean.
I’m glad I’m not a teenager
If you wanted to complete the itinerary, someone else cancelling your ticket is not what you want, even if you get a 'refund.' This is why mere refunds are not enough when airlines significantly delay or cancel flights under their control. Other jurisdictions, like the EU and Canada (and even India) have laws that compel airlines to compensate affected passengers in those circumstances. So, a third party fraudulently accessing your tickets (and cancelling them without your consent) can be damaging to you personally. If the reason a third party is able to do that is because of a lack of good cybersecurity protections (say, them refusing to offer 2FA authentication), then, arguably, it could be the airlines' fault, but good luck proving it.
Make an account and select 'Helpful' for your own comment if you really feel the need to be one of the 'three best'... or, just say whatever you wanna say, and stop whining about format.
cairns, as I've reminded you on other sites, 'every breath I take without your permission raises my self esteem.'
Gen Yinjing Youguan and Pete, I'd say, both of you are looking about 'existence' totally wrong. These appeals or focus on 'status' or 'wealth' or becoming 'self-made' are pretty irrelevant, and an indictment of a society that has lost its priorities. We should judge ourselves on how we treat the least fortunate, not the most successful. At least in the USA, these days, we're failing that test, eviscerating the social safety net, and just chasing 'golden idols.' Shameful.
Well said, Mike O. I also prefer the way you approach these things. Email and group texts are the only things I do outside of commenting on these sites. Planes and travel are my jam, too.
I donno, both of y'all were pretty flippant here... which is totally fine. You do you.
Airlines should require PII to make changes or cancel - something they have on file. Passport #, DL# etc. Ready enough to do.
I'm not obsessed with status and wealth, because I was born into it. I'm merely explaining to our resident nouveau riche pissant that his "aspiration" counts for nothing in the real world.
Except they usually have nothing more than name and email on file. I suppose email with 2FA could work but it's far from perfect.
Besides the cancellation possibility, posting you have a ticket to Wherever also tells Mr. Burglar you won't be home. The same is true about bragging about your upcoming vacation trip.
If you absolutely have to brag online, there will be plenty of time after you get back home.