Key Points about “Booking number – PNR number”
- Explains what a booking number is and its purpose.
- Provides guidance on where to find the booking number.
- Discusses the difference between a booking number and a ticket number.
- Offers advice for managing and storing booking numbers.
- Provides links to additional resources for managing travel reservations.
You had a flight delay or a flight cancellation? Check your rights now and increase your chances of compensation
The airline ticket is probably, next to the identity card or passport, the most important document that travelers need for their flight. It contains the name of the air traveler, the departure time (Tip: How early should you be at the airport?), and usually the gate at which the plane departs. However, in order to print this ticket or download it to one’s smartphone, the booking number (PNR number) is usually needed. How this booking number looks like and what’s the easiest way to find it, we’ll explain it to you here in our new blog article.
What is a PNR number?
Many air travelers are probably wondering this when they hear the term for the first time. What is a PNR number? A Passenger Name Record (PNR) is a unique reservation number or booking number issued by the carrier for one or more flights. This refers to certain data that airlines collect from passengers when booking flights in order to operate the flight.
The booking number is an important code that you receive when you book a flight. This code, also known as a filekey, booking code, or booking reference, is used to identify and track your booking. You can always check your booking number with the airline you booked with. For example, with Lufthansa, the booking code is called a filekey and can be checked online by logging onto the airline’s website or contacting customer service. Similarly, with TUI, the booking code is used as a reference. If you booked with Corendon, you will be assigned a Booking Reference that you must present at check-in. It’s a good idea to always keep an eye on flight times and status to make sure everything goes smoothly. You can do this either online through the airline’s website or through a flight tracking app.
Have you experienced a flight delay/cancellation?
According to the EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation, the amount of compensation is calculated according to the flight route (distance):
| Short distance up to 1500 km | Medium distance up to 3500 km | Long distance from 3500 km |
| e.g. London – Edinburgh | e.g. London – Athens | e.g. London – Tokyo |
| 250€ | 400€ | 600€ |
How does a PNR code look like?
The booking code is usually found in the confirmation of the flight booking or booking confirmation. It consists of 6 numbers and letters, e.g. YBIRI7, and the letters are always written in BLOCK LETTERS. If a flight is booked online, air travelers usually receive the booking code immediately after the booking is completed.
Where can I find my PNR number?
Now that we know what the PNR number looks like, the question is: Where can I find the PNR number in my documents? The PNR number can be seen on the e-ticket mostly in the corresponding segment of the itinerary. It is important to know that there can be a different PNR number for each part of the trip. This is common, for example, for separate bookings or for stopovers with their own transfer.
Is the PNR number the booking number?
Yes, in most cases the PNR number is also the booking number. There are slight differences with some airlines, but for the most part, air travelers have everything they need to check in with the PNR number.
Is the booking number the flight number?
No. While the flight number is used by air travelers for orientation at the airport, the booking number is more important for the airline. After all, they can use it to view the most important information about each booking. Unlike a flight number, which is valid for each individual passenger, the airline only assigns a number to each booking. If a family is traveling and several seats are reserved in one booking, only one number is assigned. If you have booked an outbound and return flight at the same time, you will also have the same booking number for both flights.
The booking number is most important for you when you check in at the airport. This is where it will be checked which services you are entitled to. If you want to check in online in advance (online check in), you will of course also need the flight number. An extremely important document, which you must not forget under any circumstances with all the numbers, is your ID. This will be checked together with your booking at check-in. If everything has gone according to plan, you will be given your boarding pass. This will contain a summary of the most important flight data.
When do I get the PNR number?
For the most part, air travelers who book their flight online receive the booking code directly after completing the booking on the website. Otherwise, the booking code can always be found on the e-ticket, in the booking confirmation, and on the invoice.
How can Flightright help you?
Your vacation is well planned. Your luggage is ready. You have all your documents including PNR and booking number ready, but now your flight is delayed or canceled?
Tip: Flightright helps you enforce your air passenger rights! With us, you can check your claims free of charge in two minutes. ✔️Easy, ✔️fast & without ✔️risk
According to the EU Passenger Rights Regulation, passengers are entitled to compensation in the event of a delay, cancellation, overbooking, or missed connection. You can claim up to 600 euros of compensation per person (minus commission fee). This compensation is independent of the ticket price. Flightright enforces your right for you. If necessary also in court.
As experts on the subject of air passenger rights, we enforce your right to compensation against the airline! Flightright’s air passenger rights experts are also happy to help you with ticket reimbursements