Updated on December 2, 2024.
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After you’ve made your booking, there’s a lot of information on your confirmation. You’ll see your departure time and arrival times, destinations, and more. You’ll also see a reservation number. It’s often a mixture of letters and numbers. This is unique to you, and it’s called your Passenger Name Record, or PNR for short. Here’s all you need to know about this number and what it means for your trip. Spoiler alert, it’s pretty important, but you don’t need to memorize it just yet.

Key Takeaways

  • A PNR number, or Passenger Name Record, is a unique code assigned to you when you book a flight. It serves as a digital record of your trip and is necessary for making changes to your reservation or checking in for your flight.
  • Your PNR number is different from your flight number. Your PNR identifies you as a passenger, while your flight number identifies the flight you’re traveling on.
  • It’s important to keep your PNR number on hand during your travels, as it’s required to make changes to your reservation, check in for your flight, and access other services like purchasing in-flight services or additional baggage. While you don’t need to memorize your PNR number, it’s a good idea to have it easily accessible in case you need it.

What Is Your Reservation Number?

Your reservation number is also called your personal name record. This is a digital record of your trip, and it’s what you can use to call customer service with questions about your reservation, check in online, and more.

It’s one of the most important codes on your ticket because it’s your proof of travel. You can’t get on the plane without it, and it works hand in hand with your flight number. When you’re looking for your code, it will be a series of six letters and numbers. This is unique to you and your trip, though these numbers are reused following the completion of your trip.

What Does A PNR Do?

Your PNR can be used to look up your record in the system. If you need to make changes to your flight, you need this code. It can also help you complete the check-in process, including checking your luggage. You can purchase additional baggage, correct any errors in the reservation, purchase in-flight services in advance, and so much more.

If you don’t know your PNR, you will need to contact customer service and provide identification in order to receive it. While you don’t need to memorize it during your travels, it is important to have it on hand should it come up.

Is The PNR The Same As My Flight Number?

No, your PNR identifies you as a passenger. Your flight number identifies the flight that you’re travelling on. While they both use a mixture of letters and numbers, they are two completely different numbers.

  • Flight numbers typically start with two letters and then have one to four numbers after them. The letters designate the airline you’re on, while the numbers reference the route.
  • PNRs are a mixture of letters and numbers. They are used to identify passengers and reservations rather than flights. Your PNR is your personal record, and it tells the airline you are supposed to be on this flight.

Having both of these numbers and letters handy will keep your travel easy. They should be listed on your boarding pass, so you don’t need to memorize them. They are also included in confirmation emails, in your account, in the app, and more. If you need help locating either of these numbers, you can work directly with customer service.

Your PNR will change with each trip, so it’s not like a social security number. You don’t have a number assigned to you for all your travels.

So, What Is A PNR Number?

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Your passenger name record is assigned to you with your confirmed reservation. It includes your booking information, and if you need to make any changes to your reservation, that’s the number you’ll need to make it happen with customer service or online.

Your PNR is listed on your confirmation documents and in your account, so you don’t have to memorize it. If you lose it, your airline should be able to look you up in the system with alternative identification. These numbers are intended to make travelling easier, keeping your reservations separate from other travellers while protecting your information.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the PNR number for flights?

A PNR number is a unique code assigned to you when you book a flight. It serves as a digital record of your trip and is necessary for making changes to your reservation or checking in for your flight.

  • Is a PNR number the same as a flight number?

No, a PNR number is different from a flight number. Your PNR identifies you as a passenger, while your flight number identifies the flight you’re traveling on.

  • How can I find my PNR number?

Your PNR number is typically listed on your confirmation documents and in your account. It’s also included in confirmation emails and the airline’s mobile app. If you can’t find your PNR number, contact customer service for assistance.

  • Is it necessary to memorize my PNR number?

No, it’s not necessary to memorize your PNR number. However, it’s a good idea to have it easily accessible in case you need it while traveling.

  • What can I use my PNR number for?

You can use your PNR number to manage your travel reservations, including changing your flight, checking in online, purchasing in-flight services, and more.

  • Does my PNR number change for each trip?

Yes, your PNR number will be different for each trip you book. It’s different from a social security number that stays the same for all your travels.

  • What should I do if I lose my PNR number?

If you lose your PNR number, you can contact customer service and provide identification to have it retrieved. However, it’s a good idea to keep your PNR number easily accessible during your travels to avoid losing it.