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Why Qantas is getting rid of frequent flyer numbers on boarding passes

Oct. 12, 2019
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2 min read
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Why Qantas is getting rid of frequent flyer numbers on boarding passes
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Qantas is usually close to the top of our list to fly, thanks to cabin upgrades on the 787 and its simple rewards program (and no, you don't have to be traveling to Australia to take advantage of it).

If you find yourself on a Qantas-operated flight soon, though, you'll notice that your boarding pass will look a little different. Namely, that your frequent flyer number is missing.

The airline said that its removing the number to "maintain customer privacy," according to Executive Traveller — although your status level isn't going anywhere. The reasoning behind it is simple: Travelers are increasingly posting photos of their boarding passes on social media, leaving themselves vulnerable to hackers in the process — often without even knowing it.

If given access to a boarding pass, hackers can see a plethora of personal passenger information: your frequent flyer number, name, and your six-digit PNR (Passenger Name Record) code — and voilà! Not only can someone hack into your booking, but also other personal details such as the last four digits of the credit card you used to book. In theory, a hacker could move your seat or cancel your trip entirely.

While Qantas is taking precautions to protect travelers from malicious hackers, it's still in your best interest to be careful what you post on social media, no matter which airline you're flying. When in doubt, play it safe. Having your information stolen isn't worth the momentary gratification of a travel humble brag on Instagram.

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  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
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  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.