What Is a PNR and How Do I Verify It?
PNR stands for Passenger Name Record. In everyday airline use, the PNR or record locator is the booking reference used to identify a reservation. It is usually a short alphanumeric code shown on the itinerary and in the delivery email.
PNR, order number and ticket number
The Avionward order number tracks the purchase and support history. The airline booking reference identifies the reservation. An e-ticket number is created only when transportation has been ticketed.
These references serve different systems, so do not use the Avionward order number on an airline Manage Booking page.
Where to find the booking reference
Look for labels such as PNR, booking reference, reservation code or record locator. The code appears near the passenger and flight details on the completed itinerary.
Keep the passenger surname exactly as entered during booking because airline lookup pages commonly request both values.
How to check it
Open the operating airline’s official website and choose Manage Booking or My Trips. Enter the airline booking reference and passenger surname there.
Do not post the code and surname publicly. Together, they may provide access to reservation details.
Frequently asked questions
Is a PNR the same as a booking reference?
The terms are commonly used for the same airline reservation locator shown to the passenger.
Is a PNR an e-ticket number?
No. A PNR identifies a reservation; an e-ticket number relates to issued transportation.
Why might an airline site not recognize a code immediately?
New reservations can take a short time to appear, and some bookings must be checked through the operating or validating airline.
Sources and further reading
PNR verification