A Passenger Name Record (PNR), often referred to as a booking reference or record locator, is a digital file in an airline's database that contains a wealth of information about a traveler's journey. Beyond the 6-character alphanumeric code itself, the PNR includes five mandatory elements: the passenger's full name, the complete itinerary (including flight numbers, dates, and cabin class), the contact information of the passenger or booking agent, the ticketing details (such as the 13-digit e-ticket number), and the "received from" info (who made the booking). Additionally, a PNR can hold optional but vital "supplementary" data such as frequent flyer numbers, special service requests (SSR) like meal preferences or wheelchair assistance, seat assignments, and even payment information. In 2026, the PNR is the primary tool used by customs and border protection agencies for pre-arrival screening. Because it links your identity to your specific travel behavior, it serves as the "source of truth" for the airline, travel agency, and security officials throughout the entire duration of your trip.