Once your flight lands, it may seem harmless to toss your boarding pass or delete the digital version from your phone, but doing so can come with unexpected risks. Beyond simply marking your seat, a boarding pass holds important details that could be useful long after your trip ends. From protecting your personal information to supporting insurance claims or earning travel rewards, this slip of paper (or screenshot) serves multiple post-travel purposes. Whether it’s for safety, convenience, or financial reasons, here are six smart and practical reasons why you should never discard your boarding pass too soon.
Think before you toss: 6 reasons to keep your boarding pass after flying
Your boarding pass serves as backup proof of travel
Although most airlines keep digital records, mistakes can happen, especially when multiple airlines are involved or if there are connecting flights. In such cases, your boarding pass becomes a crucial backup that proves you were on that flight. This kind of documentation can be useful for reimbursement purposes, applying for certain visas, or submitting travel expenses to an employer. Even printed passes have an advantage here, as mobile versions may automatically disappear from your phone after landing or get lost when switching devices.
It helps resolve missing frequent flyer miles
Loyalty programmes don’t always register your flight details correctly, and it’s not uncommon for frequent flyer miles to go missing after a trip. Your boarding pass contains flight and ticket information that can help airline customer service verify your journey and credit your miles manually.Holding onto your pass ensures you have all the details necessary to claim your points or rewards if there’s a technical issue or data mismatch.
It’s useful for travel insurance and disruption claims
Flight delays, cancellations, or lost luggage are unfortunate but common travel problems. In such cases, whether you’re relying on travel insurance, credit card protections, or requesting a refund from the airline, your boarding pass can be a key piece of evidence.It includes flight details like departure and arrival times, flight number, and travel dates—all of which may be required when filing a claim or requesting compensation.
It can be needed for lounge access and upgrades
Airport lounges often require passengers to show their boarding passes at the entrance. Even after entering, lounge staff may ask for another verification during your stay. If you’re eligible for lounge access through a bank card, frequent flyer status, or business class booking, the boarding pass acts as confirmation of your entitlement.Similarly, if you receive a complimentary upgrade, keeping your pass handy ensures you can verify your new seat or cabin class.
It protects your personal data from being misused
A paper boarding pass may look harmless, but it holds more information than you might realise. The barcode on the pass can contain sensitive data, including your full name, frequent flyer number, booking reference, and sometimes even contact details. If thrown away carelessly, this information could be scanned and potentially used by someone else.For your own safety, keep your boarding pass until you are completely sure it’s no longer needed. When disposing of it, shred it or tear it into small pieces to prevent misuse of any data.
Keep it safe and dispose of it properly
Although it may seem like a small detail, keeping your boarding pass after flying can prevent future issues, help you access benefits, and protect your identity. Rather than discarding it immediately after your trip, store it in a travel folder or safe place for a few weeks.When you are ready to get rid of it, make sure you destroy it securely; don’t just toss it in a public bin. Taking this simple precaution can make a big difference in your post-travel peace of mind.Also Read: Over 40% of Indian travellers forget chargers, clothes, and even pets but never leave these items behind, says a report
