What Is a PNR Number?
PNR stands for Passenger Name Record. It is a unique alphanumeric code — typically 6 characters — that identifies a specific booking in an airline's reservation system. Think of it as the "ID number" for your flight booking.
Every time a flight booking is made, a PNR is generated. This applies to both real airline tickets and flight itineraries (dummy tickets).
What Does a PNR Contain?
A PNR record in the airline system stores:
- Passenger name(s) — all travelers on the booking
- Flight details — flight number, date, departure/arrival airports
- Contact information — phone number and email of the booker
- Ticketing information — whether tickets have been issued
- Special requests — meal preferences, wheelchair assistance, etc.
PNR vs Booking Reference
The terms "PNR," "booking reference," "confirmation code," and "record locator" are often used interchangeably. They all refer to the same thing — the unique code that identifies your booking. Different airlines and booking systems may use different terms, but the concept is the same.
What Does a PNR Look Like?
A PNR is typically a 6-character code using uppercase letters and numbers. Examples:
- ABC123
- X7K9P2
- HFGT4R
It appears prominently on your flight itinerary, booking confirmation email, and boarding pass.
Why Is PNR Important for Visa Applications?
The PNR number on your flight itinerary serves several purposes for visa applications:
- Verification: Visa officers can potentially use the PNR to verify the booking in the airline system
- Legitimacy: A document with a PNR looks more professional and credible
- Reference: It serves as a unique identifier for your specific booking
EchoFlights includes a booking reference number on every flight itinerary PDF, ensuring your document looks professional and complete.
GDS Systems and PNR
PNR records are managed by Global Distribution Systems (GDS) — large computer networks used by airlines and travel agents worldwide. The major GDS systems include:
- Amadeus — used by most European airlines
- Sabre — popular with American and Asian airlines
- Travelport (Galileo/Worldspan) — used by various international carriers
Get Your Flight Itinerary with PNR
Every EchoFlights booking comes with a unique booking reference. Search your route and get your professional flight itinerary with PNR in minutes. Learn more about how it works.