PNR is the abbreviation of Passenger Name Record and it is a digital certificate allowing passengers to do online check-in or manage their bookings in a short time. Also used as booking number, Passenger Name Record is a code with 6 alphanumeric characters (letters and numbers are used together).

A PNR, or Passenger Name Record, is a digital file stored in a Global Distribution System (GDS) that contains the complete itinerary and personal details for a passenger or a group of passengers traveling together. To the traveler, it is most commonly recognized as the 6-character alphanumeric code (e.g., AB12CD) often called a "Confirmation Number" or "Record Locator." This high-fidelity digital record includes much more than just a name; it contains flight numbers, seat assignments, meal preferences, frequent flyer details, and payment information. When you "manage your booking" on an airline website, you are essentially accessing your PNR. The PNR is the fundamental building block of the travel industry, allowing airlines, travel agents, and airport security (like TSA) to communicate your travel data across different systems. It was first developed by airlines in the 1960s to automate the reservation process and remains the "Single Source of Truth" for any individual journey, ensuring that your bag, your seat, and your boarding pass are all linked to a single, secure identifier.