A booking reference is the six-character code identifying a reservation record for the airline, the agency and the airport.
A booking reference is the six-character code identifying a reservation record for the airline, the agency and the airport.
Also called: PNR, Record locator.
How it works#
One trip can carry several codes: one at the agency and one with each airline involved. They differ, and only the operating airline’s code works on that airline’s website. Anyone wanting to act fast during disruption keeps both to hand. The code is an access key, which is why it does not belong in photographs of boarding passes or bag tags.
Not to be confused with#
A booking reference is not the same as a ticket number: the reference identifies the reservation, the ticket number the issued and paid travel document.
In German#
The German term is Buchungscode. German version of this term
Related terms#
- Global distribution system: A global distribution system is the technical platform travel agencies and booking sites use to search flights, price them and send bookings to airlines.
- Ticket number: A ticket number is the thirteen-digit identifier of an issued flight ticket and the proof that a booking has been paid for and ticketed.
- Online travel agency: An online travel agency is an intermediary that sells flights and hotels in its own name, sitting between the traveller and the airline or hotel.
Articles that use this term#
TopicEvery article and term onBooking and flight search.