Tag Archives: Airlines

Frequent flyer miles and travel rewards are worth money and just like money can be stolen. Protect your frequent flyer miles from hackers and theft from out of your account or wallet. Most of us just let them accumulate in our frequent flyer or mileage rewards accounts without much thought until it’s time for a flight upgrade, vacation, or redemption for merchandise. Thieves think of loyalty points or frequent flier miles as currency and that is why they target mileage and loyalty accounts for theft because they are valuable. According to Comparitech, hackers have now started infiltrating frequent flyer accounts and are selling stolen reward miles on the dark web.

How Thieves Steal Frequent Flyer Points

Thieves just need access to your account to book flights or hotels with your points or to transfer the points out for cash, gift cards, or merchandise. So how do they get access to your online accounts? The answer is by phishing scams and password theft. Once they have your login credentials they are in your account and your valuable points are at risk. Your personal data is becoming increasingly easy for thieves to steal via data breaches as data breaches are occurring multiple times a day each and every day.

What Hackers Do with Stolen Frequent Flyer Miles

Your frequent flyer miles can actually be sold on the dark web for money. The dark web is a network of black market sites for the selling of personal data including various account information details, credit card numbers, and social security numbers. Typically, redeemed frequent flyer points are valued at one to two cents per point or mile. Consider that an account holding 100,000 miles is then worth between $1000 and $2000. Miles from popular airlines like Delta, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic were listed for sale from $1,000. For 100,000 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club miles, one dark web seller was asking for $884. Another listing offered 45,000 Delta SkyMiles for $884. So you can see frequent flyer miles are valuable to thieves and hackers. The purchaser can possibly transfer the miles to their account and they can definitely buy many different types of gift cards, which of course, can’t be traced.

How to Protect Your Miles From Hackers and Theft

Follow these actions to mitigate the risk of having your frequent flyer accounts hacked.

Check your account balances regularly so you know how many points you have. Once a month is a good rule of thumb. if you notice any changes not authorized by you report them.
Rip up or shred boarding passes immediately after your flight as they can have your account number plus your name printed on them.
Use a strong and complex username and password, remember you’re guarding valuable points.
If your login suddenly doesn’t work, contact the airline or credit card points, program administrator.
Set up email auto alerts that are sent went points are withdrawn. Look under the “settings” tab to set up auto alerts or contact the site customer service team for advice on how to do so.
Use a points manager program where you consolidate and track all your points and miles. A good one is Awardwallet.com as they will notify you of any withdrawals.
Don’t use free public WiFi to access your frequent flier account.
Don’t put your frequent flier account number on your bag tag.

Where Photography is Forbidden Other Countries

Photography restrictions in foreign countries often include taking photographs of certain government buildings. It appears that most of the problems arise when the destination you are visiting is having an internal security issue. If you are caught taking photographs/videos of certain locations you could be detained, fined, and have your camera equipment and film confiscated.

General Areas to Avoid Taking Photos in Foreign Countries

Some of the locations travelers have run into trouble taking photos and/or videos are listed below. It’s sound advice to simply skip these locations, do you really the photo that badly to risk having trouble with the police or foreign federal agencies?

Border areas
Scene of a civil disorder or other public disturbance
Police and or military personnel or installations
Industrial structures including harbor, rail, airport facilities

Taking Photos in These Foreign Countries Can be Dangerous

Always check with the consulate and other sources about the protocol of taking pictures in your destination country. Do your homework and understand where photography is forbidden and what is allowed and is culturally customary in the countries you plan on visiting. If unsure, pass on the photo op.

Algeria-Photos of government infrastructure, including airports, military installations, and police, are not allowed.
Netherlands- Amsterdam – The Red Light District has zero-tolerance of photos taken there. Especially any photos that include the windows of a brothel. This zero-tolerance includes photos you may take with your phone. Be forewarned and responsible and don’t take any photos there. Those who have been beaten or had their camera confiscated.

South Korea – Culturally shooting strangers without permission is considered rude. If the photographer does not have the express permission of those who appear in the picture, these photographed individuals can contact authorities or press charges against the photographer under the pretense that their right to privacy is being violated particularly if the photo is going to be posted publicly.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) –Taking photos of military areas, palaces, courts, and government buildings is banned. Typically you need permission before taking pictures of others. Visitors taking forbidden pictures have been jailed and fined about $1350 for illegal photography.

Japan – Some temples and Shinto shrines have banned photography and it appears more are doing so each year. Before you take a picture it is best to ask if it is allowed. Temples are places of worship and some tourists who have forgotten that and have ruined grounds and disturbed those who are there to contemplate or worship in pursuit of the perfect photo.

India – Taj Mahal Photography of the exterior of the most famous building in India is allowed. However, the interior is a tomb and it is disrespectful to shoot photos in there.

China, Nanjing – Located here is the Jiangsu National Security Education Museum. Only Chinese citizens are allowed to enter this spy museum. The museum housed spying devices and papers from 1927. The items are considered too sensitive for foreigners to see. Even Chinese citizens must follow the rule that photography is forbidden and can’t photograph the contents.

England, London – The crown jewels are housed in the Tower of London. All photography of the jewels is strictly forbidden. They are protected by bombproof glass, security guards and over 100 security cameras.

Photography Tips for Foreign Countries

Equipment transportation – What do you need to do to protect your camera and equipment?
Customs consideration – It may be helpful to register your equipment with U.S. Customs before leaving the country. You will receive a receipt verifying that you owned the equipment before departing. Ask at the check-in counter at the airport.
Batteries – Do you have spare batteries? Will you need a power converter for your battery charger? Do you have the correct type of plug for the electrical supply?
Security – What special consideration must you give regarding the security of your equipment?
Cultural Differences – How will the people in the country react to being videotaped? Will you need to ask permission or “pay” to shoot video? Are certain items restricted from being videotaped?
Language – Do you know the basic language to communicate with people when you want to videotape?

IMPORTANT POST 9/11 FILM INFORMATION

One thing you definitely need to take into consideration is the inspection process of at airports post-September 11. Hand-inspection — which averts the risks X-rays pose – may not be available at some airports.

Travel Advisories are always being updated by the U.S. State Department. It’s important to know which destinations are on the DO NOT TRAVEL list for your safety and security. The U.S. State Department updates destinations regularly with a Travel Advisory Level.

TRAVEL ADVISORY LEVEL DETAILS

Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions: This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. There is some risk in any international travel. Conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States and may change at any time.

Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution: Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.

Level 3 – Reconsider Travel: Avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.

Level 4 – Do Not Travel: This is the highest advisory level due to the greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. During an emergency, the U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance. The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or leave as soon as it is safe to do so. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.

It’s critical when planning any trip abroad to check the Travel Advisories for your intended destination. The World-at-a-Glance map is color-coded to further help travelers. If you’re traveling to a certain location, you can find the locations of the Embassies and Consulates as well.

If you’re a first-time traveler, it’s especially important to be informed on the safety of your destination.

In February 2018, the current list shows the following countries on the Do Not Travel list:

Afghanistan

Central African Republic

TRAVEL ADVISORY LEVELS

The Travel Advisories also provide clear reasons for the level assigned, using established risk indicators, and offer specific advice to U.S. citizens who choose to travel there:

C – Crime: Widespread violent or organized crime is present in areas of the country. Local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.

T – Terrorism: Terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist.

U – Civil Unrest: Political, economic, religious, and/or ethnic instability exists and may cause violence, major disruptions, and/or safety risks.

H – Health: Health risks, including current disease outbreaks or a crisis that disrupts a country’s medical infrastructure, are present. The issuance of a Centers for Disease Control Travel Notice may be a factor.

N – Natural Disaster: A natural disaster, or its aftermath, poses danger.

E – Time-limited Event: A short-term event, such as an election, sporting event, or another incident that may pose a safety risk.

O – Other: There are potential risks not covered by previous risk indicators. Read the country’s Travel Advisory for details.

The Travel Advisories for each country replace previous Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts.

Be prepared with the best anti-theft travel gear for your next trip by visiting Corporate Travel Safety.

Frequent flyers are always prepared for air travel. They’re on the right lists, they know the layout of airports, they own anti-theft travel gear, they use the best travel tools, and they always pack the right travel products. Here’s how you can up your travel game to travel like a pro even if you’re an occasional air traveler.

FREQUENT FLYERS REGISTER FOR TSA PRECHECK AND GLOBAL ENTRY

Frequent flyers join both TSA Precheck and Global Entry because they know the trusted traveler programs save time for frequent travelers. TSA Precheck and Global Entry both provide a fast track through security. Anything that saves time and stress is always a huge benefit for frequent flyers.

FREQUENT FLYERS RACK UP LOYALTY AIR MILES

Frequent flyers always join the airline’s loyalty programs so they can fly free in their leisure time. More importantly, they can use those miles to earn free upgrades on flights. It’s always good to arrive at the airport early so you can talk to the airline personnel at the gate. Sometimes a smile helps put your name at the top of the gate agent’s list so you can get an upgrade when it becomes available. Some airlines have now taken the management of upgrades out of the gate agents hands by creating a digital list based on flyer seniority.

Airlines love their loyal passengers and the benefits of traveling as part of a loyalty program include getting the best seats, free food, free drinks, and ongoing attention throughout the flight. Flight attendants know via the passenger manifest who the frequent flyers are so that they can make sure they take of them

FREQUENT FLYERS ARE NICE TO FLIGHT ATTENDANTS

It’s amazing how far being nice can take you while traveling. Flight attendants have challenging and stressful jobs. However, if you’re very nice from the moment you enter the airplane, you might be bumped to an empty first-class seat or be offered a free drink when the flight attendant comes through with the cart. Bonuses oftentimes go to the nicest, most loyal passengers.

FREQUENT FLYERS GAIN AIRPORT LOUNGE ACCESS

There are several credit cards that give you airport lounge access. Those cards include the Platinum Card from American Express, the Diners Club Premier, United MileagePlus Club Card by Chase, and Citi Prestige Card by Citi. Oftentimes, frequent flyers can buy a day pass to an airline club to gain access. Frequent flyers are never afraid to walk into an airport lounge to ask about a day pass. The cost of a pass is off-set by the free food and drink offered in the lounge.

FREQUENT FLYERS HAVE COPIES OF PASSPORT, CREDIT CARDS & AIRLINE TICKETS

In case any of your belongings are stolen or lost, you need to have a backup copy of everything so you can get home again, especially your passport, credit cards, and airline tickets. This is a smart tip that frequent flyers do automatically because they don’t want to be stranded half-way around the world without a passport or ID. Having copies will help you sort everything out much faster and may save you any delays in your return flight home. If you don’t have a physical copy, take a cell phone photo of all your travel documents.

FREQUENT FLYERS CHOOSE AISLE SEATS

Frequent flyers love having a little bit of power in their row on the airplane and the aisle seat provides the freedom that a middle seat or window seat does not allow. No matter where you’re sitting on the plane, an aisle seat is always a reward unless it’s in the very last row of the airplane and the seat does not recline.

FREQUENT FLYERS USE ONLINE TOOLS

One of the best online tools for finding the best seat on an airplane is SeatGuru.com. It’s a valuable tool that shows the limitations in reclining seats, lack of windows, proximity to lavatories, and the amount of room for personal items. The site is FREE! It was created to help frequent travelers choose the best airline seats and in-flight amenities.

AwardWallet helps you track and monitor your reward programs and itineraries so you’re notified when your balances change and before your points expire. Frequent flyers love this popular online tool. The cost for a one-year membership for AwardWallet Plus is only $30.

AwardMapper is also a great tool that provides a map to help you search for hotels based on your membership loyalty program. It’s also FREE!

FREQUENT FLYERS OWN A TRAVEL PILLOW, BLANKET & EARPHONES

For health safety, frequent flyers always bring their own small travel pillow, travel blanket, and earphones on every trip. Being comfortable on every flight is a priority. By using their own travel items, frequent flyers ensure that they’re not going to be exposed to excessive bacteria or germs from other passengers. Learn this tip from the expert frequent flyers so you can be healthy during your entire trip.

FREQUENT FLYERS INVEST IN ANTI-THEFT GEAR & RFID BLOCKING GEAR

When you’re sleeping on the airplane, you want to safeguard your valuables in the overhead bin. The best way to do that is to invest in an anti-theft backpack with locking zippers or locking compartments.

The Anti-Theft Urban Backpack with RFID Protection featured below is a favorite for travelers because it has slash-resistant body panels and straps, locking compartments, and RFID blocking slots and pockets for identity theft protection.

Anti-theft travel gear will frustrate a thief because it takes longer to open. If they see a backpack with locking zippers or locking compartments, thieves will move on to the guy who has his wallet sticking out of his pocket instead.

Due to RFID scanners being used to steal your identity, it’s also smart to invest in backpacks, handbags, or wallets with RFID blocking material, pockets, or slots. Protect your identity by turning anything into RFID protection with RFID sleeves.

FREQUENT FLYERS USE HANDS-FREE TRAVEL ITEMS

To make everything easier in the airport, frequent flyers know that hands-free travel gear will save you time and trouble. Instead of juggling extra carry-on items and a handbag or backpack, consider reducing it to only a backpack and a hidden neck pouch or a crossbody handbag for easy access to your passport or ID.

The Anti-Theft Classic Light Convertible Crossbody Handbag and Waist Pack will make traveling easier and safer because it provides security, organization, and peace of mind. The bag is compact, but also big enough for all of your basics. It has slash-proof body panels and straps, locking compartments, and RFID blocking slots to protect your credit cards and passport.

FREQUENT FLYERS USE A HOTEL SAFE LOCK

“Trust No One” may be an old motto, but that’s true when it comes to hotel safes. You don’t know how many people have access to your hotel safe when you’re on day trips away from the hotel. The Milockie Hotel Safe Lock is very popular among frequent flyers. The Milockie Hotel Safe Lock is a visual deterrent and it physically prevents the safe from being opened by hotel staff or anyone else who has access to a master key or master code to the safe.

FREQUENT FLYERS ASK FOR TWO SNACKS

Be the passenger who smiles throughout the flight. When the flight attendant offers you a single cookie package OR a package of peanuts or pretzels politely ask, “Could I have both please?” They will probably give it to you if you’re nice and friendly. The same is true if you ask for a can of soda instead of a single cup plus a cup of water. Ask politely and always smile!

In a press release from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) more stringent screening procedures for all incoming flights to the United States take effect today (10/26/17). The TSA is under the Department of Homeland Security. All passengers, both foreign and American citizens could face security interviews a U.S. government official said.

“The security measures affect all individuals, international passengers and U.S. citizens, traveling to the United States from the last point of departure international location,” said Lisa Farbstein, a spokeswoman for the TSA. “These new measures will impact all flights from airports that serve as last points of departure locations to the United States.”

She estimated the number of flights affected at around 2,100 daily. She also said it would include “heightened screening of personal electronic devices” and stricter security procedures around planes and in airport terminals.

The new practices could increase the time it takes to clear security screening, so contact your airline for guidance on how much time you should allow for passing through security to be sure you don’t miss your flight.

Read the full article at NBC News for information.

More Resources to Help You Get Through TSA Screening

Trusted traveler programs such TSA PreCheck can help get through screening quicker and keep your shoes on too. Enroll once and your membership is good for 5 years. Learn which trusted traveler program fits you best.
Take a few precautions before you go. Make sure you pack your carry-on luggage in accordance with the 3-1-1 liquids rule and keep electronics larger than a cell phone handy to be removed for inspection at screening. Also during popular travel times, like Thanksgiving check out the TSA wait times for specific airports to make sure you arrive at the airport in plenty of time.

If you want more clarity about what to expect prior to check-in at the airport, start with contacting the airline you’re flying with for guidance. Next, remember to leave yourself plenty of time for delays and your trip through the airport will be a lot smoother.