safetytechbookings

How to Protect Your Privacy When Using Airline and Hotel Apps Abroad

sscanflights

2026-03-10

11 min read

Practical steps UK travellers can take in 2026 to secure airline and hotel apps: audit permissions, strengthen logins, use VPNs like NordVPN, and safer price trackers.

Don’t let a cheap room or quick check‑in cost you your identity — how to protect app privacy when booking and checking in abroad

Using airline and hotel apps when you’re overseas is one of the fastest ways to save time and snag last‑minute deals — but it’s also when travellers are most exposed. Public Wi‑Fi at airports and cafés, roaming SIMs, and pressure to “just tap to check in” combine to make app permissions and login credentials a prime target for attackers. This guide gives UK travellers practical, 2026‑ready steps to reduce that exposure: auditing app permissions, hardening logins, using VPN protection (yes, NordVPN is still a top contender), and safely using price trackers, alerts and comparison plugins.

The key takeaways (read first)

Audit app permissions — deny background location and access to contacts/camera unless strictly needed.
Harden logins — use passkeys or an authenticator app, a password manager, and avoid SMS 2FA when abroad.
Use a trusted VPN on public networks — it’s not perfect but far better than nothing. NordVPN remains a strong, audited option in 2026.
Price trackers and plugins save money, but treat browser extensions like apps — check permissions and use a dedicated profile for booking.
Device hygiene — updates, disk encryption, backups, and removing saved Wi‑Fi networks are non‑negotiable.

Why app privacy matters for travellers in 2026

Since 2023 mobile and app bookings became the default for many travellers; by late 2025 industry briefs and vendor reports showed continued growth in app usage for check‑in, digital keys and in‑stay services. That means more personal data — passport numbers, payment details, home addresses, travel itineraries and frequent flyer accounts — is living inside apps. App developers rely on third‑party SDKs (analytics, ads, social logins) that may collect or leak data. Meanwhile, cybercriminals refined SIM‑swap and credential‑stuffing techniques to target travellers who use the same passwords and SMS codes across services.

Regulatory pressure (GDPR enforcement and the EU’s tightened cyber rules) pushed some firms to improve transparency in 2024–2025, but app privacy remains uneven. New authentication standards such as FIDO2 passkeys saw accelerated adoption in 2025, making passwordless logins more common — but only if you enable them.

App permissions: what to check and how to reduce exposure

Permissions are the single biggest, simplest risk. Here’s a practical audit you can run in five minutes before a trip.

Run a permissions audit

Open Settings → Privacy (iOS) or Settings → Apps (Android) and check permissions for airline and hotel apps.
Ask: Does this app need background location? If not, set location to “While using app” or deny entirely.
Revoke access to contacts, SMS and call logs unless the app explicitly needs them for a core function. Many apps request contacts for referral bonuses — it’s optional.
Disable microphone/camera unless you use mobile check‑in with a photo of your passport or identity document. Revoke immediately after use.
Turn off “start on boot” or background auto‑run for apps you rarely use while travelling.

Watch for trackers and SDKs

Many travel apps bundle analytics and ad SDKs that estimate your location, device and behaviour. If privacy labels are available (App Store privacy summary, Google Play data safety), check them — look for extensive data sharing or tracking. Use a separate device profile or Android work profile to isolate travel apps if you want stronger separation.

Stolen credentials and weak account recovery are still common entry points for fraud. Follow these steps to make your airline and hotel accounts much harder to breach.

Use password managers and unique passwords

Generate long, unique passwords for every travel account with a password manager (Bitwarden, 1Password). Don’t reuse your email password or banking password.
Store recovery codes and emergency access securely in your manager so you can regain accounts if you lose a device.

Prefer passkeys or hardware 2FA over SMS

Passkeys (FIDO2) are now widely supported by major airlines and hotel chains in 2026 — they remove the need for passwords entirely. Where passkeys aren’t available, use an authenticator app (TOTP) or a hardware key (YubiKey, Titan). Avoid SMS 2FA when travelling: it’s subject to SIM‑swap attacks. If you must use SMS, lock your SIM with a PIN and notify your carrier of travel plans so automatic SIM swaps are less likely.

Check active sessions and revoke unused devices

From your account settings (most airlines and hotel apps have it): log out of all other sessions before travelling and enable activity alerts. If someone logs in, you’ll get an email immediately.

VPN protection abroad: when it helps, and when it doesn’t

Using a VPN on public networks is one of the most effective, practical steps to reduce your exposure. A VPN encrypts the path between your device and the VPN provider’s server, preventing local intercepts on open Wi‑Fi. But there are caveats and nuances you should know in 2026.

Why use a VPN

Protect credentials and payment data when signing into airline/hotel apps on public Wi‑Fi.
Stop network‑level eavesdroppers (malicious hotspots, ISP tracking in countries with weak privacy laws).
Maintain privacy when using airport and hotel Wi‑Fi that commonly logs device traffic.

Choosing a VPN in 2026

Not all VPNs are equal. Look for:

Clear no‑logs policy and third‑party audits.
Jurisdiction outside surveillance alliances if you need stronger guarantees.
Good performance — low latency servers in key regions for fast booking flows.
Features like threat protection, split tunnelling, kill switch and multi‑hop if you want extra layers.

NordVPN continued to be a market leader in 2025–2026 with audited policies and features tailored to travellers, including reliable apps for iOS/Android, a kill switch, and threat protection. If you choose NordVPN or another paid provider, take advantage of long‑term deals (there were major discounts in early 2026) but always check the provider’s latest audit and transparency reports.

How to use a VPN practically when booking/checking in

Connect the VPN before you open the airline or hotel app on public Wi‑Fi — don’t sign in first.
Enable the kill switch so if the VPN drops you won’t fall back to an unencrypted network.
Use a server location that makes sense: a nearby country gives better speed; select your home country if you want pricing and payment verification consistency.
If an app blocks VPNs or shows odd pricing, temporarily switch the VPN off in a controlled way, or use split tunnelling for the app only.

Limits of VPNs

VPNs hide your network traffic from local observers but don’t stop an app from collecting data on your device. They also require trust in the VPN provider. Avoid free VPNs that monetise user data; paid, audited providers are the safer choice.

Using price trackers, alerts and comparison plugins safely

Price trackers and browser plugins are core to our Tooling & Resources pillar — they save money, but they can also be privacy traps. Here’s how to use them without giving away your itinerary or login tokens.

Browser vs app: where to compare

Use the web version of OTAs and comparison sites in a browser profile dedicated to travel shopping. This keeps cookies and trackers off your general browsing profile and reduces targeted dynamic pricing based on repeated searches.

Extensions and plugins — be wary

Only install reputable extensions with thousands of users and transparent privacy policies.
Review extension permissions: if it asks to "read and change all your data on websites you visit", that’s a big red flag for a price‑checking tool. Instead use price trackers that work via email alerts or a hosted dashboard.
Prefer standalone apps or server‑side trackers that store less raw browsing data locally.

Safe alerting and booking workflow

Create a travel‑only browser profile and email address for fare alerts.
Use a virtual or disposable card (Revolut, Monzo, Curve virtual cards) for bookings to limit stolen card exposure. Many providers let you set single‑use limits.
When an alert arrives, open an incognito window or the VPN and confirm price directly on the airline/hotel site before paying.

Device hygiene: the basics that stop 90% of attacks

Before you leave the UK, do this once and it will pay off:

Install updates for OS and apps — vendors patch vulnerabilities regularly.
Enable full disk encryption (most modern phones do by default) and a strong passcode.
Back up critical data to an encrypted cloud or local backup.
Remove saved Wi‑Fi networks you don’t trust; set "Ask to connect" for new networks.
Disable auto‑connect to Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi, and turn off AirDrop/Nearby Share in public places.
Install a reputable password manager and authenticator app, and add account recovery details you control.

What to do if an app or account is compromised

Immediately change the password (use your password manager to create a new unique one).
Revoke active sessions from the airline/hotel account settings and log out other devices.
Cancel or freeze payment cards used for bookings and request a charge reversal if unauthorised booking appeared.
Contact the airline or hotel to confirm the booking and lock the reservation — many firms will re‑issue vouchers for compromised accounts if alerted quickly.
Report UK fraud to Action Fraud and file a complaint with your bank.
If your phone shows signs of deep compromise (unknown admin apps, strange behaviour), back up essential data and perform a factory reset.

Real‑world example: quick case study

A UK traveller used a hotel app to check in on airport Wi‑Fi. The app stored the traveller’s passport image and saved their card. A malicious hotspot intercepted the session token; the attacker reused it to access the profile and change the booking. The traveller noticed an email alert, revoked sessions, contacted the hotel and bank, and used a virtual card to rebook. Lesson: don’t save payment details on apps you use over public Wi‑Fi and enable session alerts.

Checklist: pre‑trip privacy & security (printable)

Audit app permissions for airline and hotel apps.
Enable passkeys or authenticator app (no SMS) for accounts.
Install and configure a trusted VPN (connect before sign‑in).
Use a password manager and unique passwords.
Create a travel‑only browser profile and email for alerts.
Use virtual/single‑use cards for bookings.
Update OS and apps; ensure device encryption is on.
Record important numbers (bank, airline) in a safe place offline.

Recommended tools (UK traveller focus)

VPN protection: NordVPN — audited, fast apps and threat protection. Check current deals in early 2026 if you need a long‑term plan.
Password manager: Bitwarden or 1Password for robust cross‑device sync.
Authenticator / passkeys: Use built‑in platform authenticators (iOS/Android passkeys) or hardware keys (YubiKey).
Virtual cards: Revolut, Monzo or Curve for single‑use payments abroad.
Price trackers: Use reputable email‑based trackers, and keep browser plugins to a minimum.

Looking forward: travel cybersecurity trends to watch in 2026

Expect three big shifts through 2026:

Wide passkey rollout. Airlines and hotel chains will increasingly support passwordless logins, reducing credential theft risk for travellers who adopt passkeys.
Regulatory transparency. Continued GDPR and EU cybersecurity enforcement will force clearer privacy labels and easier data deletion for travellers.
Smarter, device‑level privacy controls. OS vendors will expand per‑app network controls and on‑device privacy protections, limiting what third‑party SDKs can harvest.

Even with these improvements, the fundamentals remain: limit permissions, use strong login protections, and secure your network traffic. VPNs like NordVPN are a practical tool in your security toolkit, but they’re not a silver bullet — combine them with good account hygiene and device care.

Final words — defend your trip, don’t compromise your data

Booking the best fare or using mobile check‑in shouldn’t come at the cost of your privacy. Small changes — auditing permissions, choosing passkeys, relying on a trusted VPN, and using virtual cards — make a big difference. These are the same steps our travel team uses before every UK departure.

Take action now: before your next trip, run the permissions audit, enable an authenticator or passkey, install a vetted VPN and use a travel‑only browser profile for price tracking. Want a quick start? Sign up for Scanflights alerts and use our curated list of travel cybersecurity tools to secure your bookings.

Safe travels — and if you want, we’ll send a one‑page checklist to your email to prep your phone before departure.

scanflights

Contributor

Senior editor and content strategist. Writing about technology, design, and the future of digital media. Follow along for deep dives into the industry's moving parts.