What Is a PNR (Passenger Name Record)?
Definition: A PNR (passenger name record) is the booking record in an airline or GDS reservation system containing passenger names, itinerary, contact details and ticketing information.
How a PNR works
A PNR is created when a seat is reserved, before any ticket exists. It is identified by a short record locator, usually six letters and numbers. The airline may keep its own locator for the same booking, which can differ from the GDS one.
A PNR typically holds:
- Passenger names, exactly as they appear in the passport.
- Itinerary: flights, dates, booking class.
- Contact details for the traveller and the agency.
- Ticketing information: the deadline to ticket, then the ticket number once issued.
- Service requests, such as a special meal or wheelchair assistance.
The PNR and the ticket are different things. The PNR reserves the seat; the e-ticket proves it has been paid for. A PNR that is not ticketed before its deadline can be cancelled by the airline.
Why it matters for travel agencies
Most customer problems at the airport start in the PNR: a misspelt name, a missing contact or an expired hold. Checking the PNR before ticketing is cheaper than fixing a ticket afterwards, because name corrections and reissues often carry airline fees.
The record locator is also what you give your customer and what airline call centres ask for, so keep it on every quote and confirmation.
Example
Hypothetical: an agent holds two seats for a couple travelling next month. The PNR shows both names, the flights and a ticketing deadline of 48 hours. The customer confirms the next day, the agent tickets, and the PNR now also shows two e-ticket numbers.
How QuickOTA handles PNRs
In the QuickOTA B2B Panel, holding a flight booking creates the PNR. You can ticket it after you top up your wallet; check the fare rules for how long the fare can be held.