What Information Can Flight Attendants See About Passengers?

As you board a flight, you may wonder what information the flight attendants can see about you. While they cannot access your entire life history, they do have access to certain personal and travel-related data to ensure a safe and efficient flight.

Personal Information

Upon check-in, flight attendants can view the following personal information:

• Name and booking reference number: This verifies your identity and booking.
• Contact details (phone number and email): This is used for communication purposes in case of emergencies or flight changes.
• Date of birth: This is required for security checks and to calculate any age-related discounts or restrictions.
• Gender and passport details: This information is used for identity verification and border control purposes.
• Frequent flyer status: This helps the flight attendants provide personalized service and potential upgrades.
• Disability or special assistance needs: This ensures that appropriate accommodations are made for passengers with specific requirements.

Travel Information

Flight attendants also have access to your travel itinerary, including:

• Flight itinerary: This shows your departure and arrival cities, flight numbers, and seat assignments.
• Ticket type: This indicates the class of travel, such as economy or business.
• Fare basis code: This is an industry code that determines the fare rules and restrictions associated with your ticket.
• Payment information: This includes the method of payment used to purchase the ticket.
• Baggage allowance: This shows the number of checked bags and carry-on items permitted.
• Security screening status: This may indicate any additional security measures you have undergone or may need to undergo.

How Flight Attendants Use Passenger Information

Flight attendants use this information for various purposes, including:

• Verifying identity and facilitating boarding: To ensure that you are the person who booked the ticket and to assign you the correct seat.
• Providing personalized service: To address you by name, acknowledge your frequent flyer status, and cater to any special needs or preferences.
• Handling emergencies and medical situations: To access medical information or contact emergency services in case of an incident.
• Maintaining passenger safety and security: To identify potential security risks or manage any disruptive passengers.
• Enhancing flight efficiency: To allocate seats and serve meals efficiently, and to track passenger movements during boarding and disembarking.

Privacy and Data Security

Flight attendants are required to adhere to strict privacy regulations and data protection laws. They are only permitted to access and use passenger information for legitimate purposes related to the operation of the flight. Unauthorized access or misuse of this data is strictly prohibited.

Limitations of Flight Attendant Visibility

While flight attendants have access to certain passenger information, there are also limitations:

• They cannot access your financial or credit card details.
• They cannot view your medical records or other sensitive personal data without your consent.
• They cannot track your movements outside the airport or during layovers.

Questions and Answers

Q: Can flight attendants see my passport number?
A: Yes, flight attendants can view your passport number for identity verification and border control purposes.

Q: Can flight attendants see my address?
A: No, flight attendants typically do not have access to your address unless you have provided it voluntarily or have registered for a frequent flyer program that requires it.

Q: Can flight attendants see if I am on a watchlist?
A: Flight attendants do not have direct access to government watchlists. However, they may be notified if a passenger is identified as a potential security risk by law enforcement or other security agencies.

Q: Can I request that flight attendants do not view my personal information?
A: No, it is not possible to request that flight attendants withhold passenger information necessary for the operation of the flight.

Q: What can I do if I have concerns about the use of my personal information by flight attendants?
A: Contact the airline’s customer service department to inquire about their privacy policies and procedures.