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.

An airline booking reference number, also known as a PNR (Passenger Name Record) or "Record Locator," is typically a unique six-character alphanumeric code. In 2026, it usually looks like a random string of capital letters and numbers, such as G8Z2KL or FLY792. It is important to note that many airlines exclude the numbers "0" and "1" to avoid confusion with the letters "O" and "L." This code is the primary "key" to your reservation and is found on your confirmation email, e-ticket, or the top corner of your boarding pass. It is different from your 13-digit ticket number, which usually begins with the airline's specific three-digit prefix (e.g., 006 for Delta, 001 for American). You will need this six-digit reference to check in online, manage your seat selection, or add baggage via the airline's mobile app. If you booked through a third-party site like Expedia, you may have both a "vendor reference" and a separate "airline reference" for the actual flight.