Qantas will no longer print passengers’ frequent flyer numbers on their boarding passes, citing privacy concerns.
AFF members started noticing that their Qantas Frequent Flyer membership numbers were not listed on their boarding passes from last week. The change is being progressively rolled out across the airline’s network, and has not yet been fully implemented.
Under the new system, your Qantas boarding pass will still display your frequent flyer status and the code of the airline with which you hold status. For example, if you’re a Qantas Silver frequent flyer, the text “FF Silver Ruby QF” will appear under “service information” on your boarding pass.
A Qantas spokesperson confirmed to Australian Frequent Flyer that the change is for privacy and security reasons.
“Qantas Frequent Flyer numbers were recently removed from boarding passes including printed boarding passes to maintain customer privacy.
“Customers tier status remains visible on boarding passes and Qantas Frequent Flyer numbers can also be found within the Qantas App and on digital Qantas Frequent Flyer cards.”
It’s alarmingly easy for would-be hackers to access your personal information by obtaining a copy of your boarding pass. (This is also why you should never post unedited photos of your boarding passes online!)
This recent Qantas change goes some way to improving passengers’ privacy. It follows the recent implementation of two-factor authentication to protect Qantas Frequent Flyer accounts.
Other airlines have also stopped printing passengers’ frequent flyer numbers on boarding passes, including Air New Zealand and Air Canada. Alternatively, some airlines only show part of the membership number.
Virgin Australia prints customers’ frequent flyer numbers, and even the booking reference number (PNR), on their boarding passes.
Join the discussion on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum: QF No Longer Printing FF Number on Boarding Passes
