air travel

When you’re picking vacation photos to post on social media, there are some you should leave out: any shots of your boarding pass. Here’s what Globe Aware travelers should know about the risks of sharing those documents and how they can protect themselves.

Don’t do it for the likes: Why travelers shouldn’t post their boarding pass online

By Nathan Diller
JULY 24, 2023
USA TODAY

When you’re picking vacation photos to post on social media, there are some you should leave out: any shots of your boarding pass.

Outside their primary function at the airport, the documents might seem like nothing more than travel scrapbook fodder, but they can reveal a lot more than flyers may think. “People often think, like, ‘Just this information isn’t enough to compromise (me),’ but that’s not how the attackers view that information,” said Amir Tarighat, CEO of cybersecurity firm Agency.

According to the airlines its for safety, but what do our Globe Aware volunteers think of this new and voluntary process?

This airline is weighing passengers before they board international flights

May 30, 2023
By Bill Chappell
NPR

It’s normal to weigh passengers’ bags when checking in for an international flight — but in Auckland, it’s the passengers who are now getting onto scales before flying abroad on Air New Zealand.

The goal isn’t to single out passengers who might contribute to a plane being overloaded or out of balance — instead, the airline says, the process is part of a survey to gather real-world information.

“For safety reasons we need to know the weight of all items onboard the aircraft,” the airline says. The survey is mandated by the country’s Civil Aviation Authority, the airline said in a message to NPR.

For those of us Globe Aware volunteers who haven’t flown in a while, here’s a quick run through to help you pack easier!

What Is Allowed in a Carry-on Bag?

Follow this guide to pack like a pro and ensure airport security is a breeze.

By Erin Vasta
June 1, 2023
US News & World Report

As all air travelers know, it can be incredibly frustrating to discover you’ve packed something that isn’t allowed through airport security. Whether traveling for pleasure or business, you can make your flight smoother by understanding the restrictions affecting your carry-on luggage. Use this guide to take the hassle out of your next trip.