In the airline industry, PNR stands for Passenger Name Record. It is a unique alphanumeric code—usually six characters long—that serves as a "digital folder" for a traveler's entire itinerary. When you book a flight, the airline's Computer Reservation System (CRS) generates this code to store all the vital details of your journey, including your full name, contact information, passport details, flight numbers, seat assignments, and meal preferences. It also tracks your payment status and any "special service requests" like wheelchair assistance. For the passenger, the PNR is often referred to as the Booking Reference or Confirmation Code. This code is essential because it allows different airlines (in the case of codeshare flights or alliances) and travel agencies to access the same centralized record to ensure your transit is seamless. Security agencies also use the PNR to screen passengers before they board. Without this code, an airline would have no way of "finding" your ticket in their system, which is why it is the most important piece of information to have when checking in or managing your flight online.