Martin Lewis: You DO need to show boarding pass at duty free
Boarding passes have a lot of key information printed on them for both the traveller and the flight crew.
Flight times, boarding gates and flight numbers can all be found on the piece of paper to determine the destination.
However, the letters found on the tickets also tell a secret which passengers may not be aware of.
They alert cabin crew staff to which class the traveller is sitting in, and what luxuries they can enjoy.
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While the letter Q also means an economy ticket, is also signifies the passenger bought the seat for a discounted rate
B H M Y
If the letter B, H, M or Y is on the boarding pass, then the traveller is in the most basic class.
This stands for economy seats, revealing the passenger is sitting in some of the cheapest seats onboard.
Q
While the letter Q also means an economy ticket, is also signifies the passenger bought the seat for a discounted rate.
This means the person is the least likely to be given an upgrade and gets no additional add-ons or privileges.
The letter Q is one step below B, H, M and Y.
Flight secrets: Boarding passes have secret meaning to the letter printed on them (Image: Getty)
Flight secrets: The letters imply which class the passenger is sitting in (Image: Getty)
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E
In between basic and first class is Premium Economy, which is what the letter E stands for.
This can often include a few added extras on a flight, such as a meal or a free drink, so it is worth finding out what is included.
A F P
If an A, F or P is on the ticket then the holder is in first class. The passenger can expect some of the best services on the plane.
C J
Business class travellers will find either a C or a J on their ticket.
This means they could have an account with the airline and are most likely a frequent flier.
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Flight secrets: The boarding pass letters informs cabin crew of the passenger what class they are in (Image: Getty)
What does it mean if you have 'SSSS' on your boarding pass?
Passengers who find the code SSSS on their ticket may not be pleased to find themselves going through additional security checks.
The code, which stands for Secondary Security Screening Selection is added onto people who are deemed suspicious.
This can mean travellers with last-minute flights, one-way fares or buying tickets in cash. It can also be if the destination is a high-risk country.
Flights attendants check boarding passes on the plane to ensure the passenger is on the correct flight.
US flights do not require this - which has resulted in some passengers flying to the wrong destination.
