Technically, a PNR isn't the same thing as a flight confirmation code, but the two are often conflated. Passengers and airline employees use flight confirmation codes and PNRs to manage existing reservations or check into a flight.

While the terms are often used interchangeably in casual conversation, a PNR (Passenger Name Record) and a Confirmation Number serve slightly different technical roles. The PNR is a 6-character alphanumeric code that acts as a "digital folder" in a Global Distribution System (GDS), containing your entire itinerary, including flights, hotel bookings, and special requests. A Confirmation Number (or Record Locator) is the specific reference used by the airline’s internal system to identify your seat and payment. In 2026, many travelers find they have two different codes if they booked through a third party like Expedia: one for the agency’s system and one for the airline. When checking in online or using a self-service kiosk, you must use the airline-specific confirmation code to access your boarding pass. Always look for the 6-digit code labeled "Airline Reference" to ensure you are using the correct identifier.