Aviation Guides & Resources

With the vast range of airline knowledge we've got at Fares24, we've put together a series of guides to help you navigate the world of aviation. From aircraft types to airline codes, we've got you covered. Our ever expanding series of guides will help you inform and educate your clients on the best aircraft for their journey.

Understanding PNR (Passenger Name Records)

A Passenger Name Record (PNR) is a digital record used by travel agents, airlines, hotels, and other travel-related businesses to store details about a passenger and their booking. Originally developed in the airline industry to track travelers, PNRs have now expanded into other sectors, including car rentals, railways, and accommodations.

What Data Does a PNR Hold?

Personal Information

Name, contact details, and passenger information

Booking Details

Date, time, and destination of travel

Ticket Information

Ticket numbers and booking references

Special Requests

Meal preferences, seat assignments, accessibility needs

Payment Information

Payment details and billing records

Agent Details

Travel agent contact information when applicable

Understanding the Structure of a PNR

Here's an example of a typical PNR structure:

ABCXYZ  
1.1DOE/JOHN MR  
1 AA 100B 15JUL 2 LAXJFK*HK1 0800 1600 /DCAA*34DE5F /E  
2 AA 200T 16JUL 3 JFKLHR*HK1 1930 0730 17JUL /DCAA*34DE5F /E  
3 AA 201T 22JUL 1 LHRJFK*HK1 1200 1500 /DCAA*34DE5F /E  
4 HHL YX HK1 JFK IN22JUL 2-OUT23JUL 1NT 987654 TH

Key Components:

  • Booking Locator (e.g., ABCXYZ)
  • Passenger Name (DOE/JOHN MR)
  • Flight Details
  • Status Codes
  • Additional Services

Flight Segment Breakdown:

1 AA 100B 15JUL 2 LAXJFK*HK1
  • AA = Airline code
  • 100B = Flight number & class
  • 15JUL = Date
  • LAXJFK = Route
  • HK1 = Status code

How Is PNR Data Used?

Reservation Management

Tracks amendments or cancellations, ensuring all updates are logged and reflected in real-time.

Communication

Facilitates communication between airlines, travel agents, and operators for updates and changes.

Security & Fraud Prevention

Used at check-in and boarding to verify identity and match passengers with reservations.

Enhanced Experience

Consolidates travel details for seamless coordination of connecting flights and schedule adjustments.

Date Formats in PNRs

PNR dates use the format [Day][Month][Year] (e.g., 15JUL25) to eliminate ambiguity across different regions using varying date formats.

15JUL25
01DEC25
23MAR25
30SEP25

Data Protection & Security

Retention Limits

Data must be deleted after a specific period post-travel

Access Restrictions

Only authorized personnel can access PNR data

Audit Trails

All access and modifications to PNR data are logged