Definition
The six-character booking reference, such as K7XQ2M, that an airline or booking system creates for your reservation. You use it to check in, change or cancel, track the flight and manage seats and meals. It is not the same as the 13-digit ticket number.
What a PNR actually is
A PNR is the file behind your booking. It holds the passenger names, flights, fare, contact details, and seat and meal requests. The six-character code on your e-ticket is the key to that file. Indian Railways uses the same idea with its 10-digit PNR.
The PNR is not your ticket number. The 13-digit ticket number (Air India's start with 098) is proof that the fare has been paid. You need the PNR for check-in and changes; the ticket number helps with refunds and some baggage claims.
Why one trip can have two PNRs
If you book through a portal or travel agent, the booking system and the airline can each show a different code for the same trip. Say a Kolkata family books Kolkata–Delhi–London on Air India through a portal. The portal's code may not work on Air India's website, while the airline reference printed lower down on the e-ticket does. On a codeshare flight, the operating airline may issue its own reference too.
Separate tickets always mean separate PNRs, and the second airline owes you nothing if the first flight runs late. See self-transfer.
Practical tips
- Check that every name matches the passport exactly. Under the DGCA refund rules in force since March 2026, a name correction within 24 hours of booking is free on tickets bought directly from the airline. Later corrections can cost a fee or a fresh ticket.
- Keep the whole family on one PNR so seats and changes are handled together.
- Save the PNR and ticket number offline. A screenshot is enough when airport Wi-Fi fails.