Travel Technology Specification
What is PNR?
Passenger Name Record
Definition: A 6-character alphanumeric record in a Computer Reservation System (CRS) or GDS that contains the complete itinerary, passenger identity, ticketing status, and contact data for a booking.
Simple Explanation
Think of a PNR as the unique digital master folder of your trip. Whenever you book a flight, this 6-character code (like 'W4KZ8Q') stores who is traveling, the exact flights, seat assignments, and payment status.
Technical & Protocol Spec
A valid PNR strictly requires five mandatory components according to IATA standards: PRINT (Phone contact, Received from info, Itinerary segments, Name of passenger, and Ticketing time limit). PNRs are synchronized between the GDS and the operating carrier's Passenger Service System via Type A and Type B EDIFACT messaging.
Production Example in Flight Operations
When booking London to Dubai on Emirates via Sabre, the travel agent receives a Sabre PNR (e.g., 'HX9T4B') while Emirates generates a carrier PNR (e.g., 'EK8721') in their Altéa PSS.
Key Technical Takeaways
- Always consists of a 6-character alphanumeric locator code
- Requires 5 mandatory IATA elements: Phone, Received-from, Itinerary, Name, Ticketing
- Can exist as both a GDS PNR and an Airline PSS PNR simultaneously