Why you should tear your baggage tag ‘vertically’ after a flight

 

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What details does a bar code entail?

Mittal explains that the typically encoded information includes the LPN, flight number, destination airport code, and the Passenger Name Record (PNR)—a six-character booking reference. “The barcode itself is not a storage device of detailed personal data. It links to backend systems,” he says.

Can someone access your details?

An average person scanning the barcode with a smartphone will not see sensitive financial data. “At most, they may retrieve your last name and PNR,” Mittal notes. “Even if someone attempts to access the ‘Manage Booking’ portal, credit card numbers are masked, CVV is never visible, and passport numbers are partially hidden.”

However, he adds a note of caution: “While the aviation system remains secure, basic booking details could potentially be viewed if someone misuses the PNR and surname combination.”

Is throwing the tag away risky?

“From an aviation security standpoint, discarding the tag does not threaten aircraft safety,” Mittal explains. “But from a personal privacy perspective, it’s always better to dispose of it responsibly.”

He also highlights an operational reason to remove old tags. “Leaving previous barcodes attached can confuse automated scanners, causing unnecessary system load or even baggage misrouting,” he says.

Best practice for travellers

Mittal recommends a simple solution: “Once you reach home or your hotel, remove the tag and tear vertically through the barcode. This makes it unreadable to optical scanners.” Alternatively, shredding or blacking out the PNR and name with a permanent marker works well.