What is a passenger name record (PNR)?
A passenger name record, or PNR, is the booking record that holds a traveler’s full itinerary and details in one place. When you book a trip, the PNR is the file that ties together your flights, dates, seat, and contact information.
It is the reference everyone in the journey uses. The airline, the agent, and the booking site all point to the same PNR, identified by that short alphanumeric code on your confirmation.
If a flight changes or you need support, the PNR is what staff pull up to see your whole trip at a glance.
Sthenos builds airline and travel systems that manage bookings end to end, like a digital ticket booking platform for a leading UK airline.
Related terms: internet booking engine (IBE), global distribution system (GDS).
Is the PNR the same as my booking reference?
The short code on your confirmation is the locator for your PNR, so in everyday terms, yes, that is how you find your record.
