Skip to main content
Airfare

What is an airline confirmation number?

Quick answer

An airline confirmation number, also called a PNR (Passenger Name Record), is a 6-character alphanumeric code that identifies your booking. It is different from the 13-digit ticket number. You will find it on your booking email.

Last updated

When you book a flight, the airline assigns two key identifiers: a confirmation number (PNR) and one or more ticket numbers. Most travelers only see and use the confirmation number, but knowing the difference helps when something goes wrong.

The confirmation number is 6 characters (letters and numbers, e.g. ABC123) and identifies the entire booking. If you booked 4 travelers on one trip, all 4 share the same confirmation number. The ticket number is 13 digits (e.g. 0142345678901) and identifies each individual seat — each traveler on a multi-traveler booking has their own ticket number.

For most check-in and seat-selection tasks, the confirmation number is enough. For changes, refunds, or escalations through the airline, the ticket number is what the agent needs.

Checklist

  1. Find your confirmation number on the booking email

    It is usually 6 characters, prominently labeled "Confirmation Number", "Booking Reference", or "PNR".

  2. Find the ticket number(s) on the e-ticket receipt

    A separate document from the booking confirmation. Ticket numbers are 13 digits and start with the airline's 3-digit identifier (e.g. AA = 001, DL = 006, UA = 016).

  3. Save both numbers somewhere accessible

    Confirmation number for check-in, seat selection, and most travel-day tasks. Ticket numbers for changes, refunds, and customer-service escalations.

  4. Use the confirmation number to find the booking on the airline site

    Enter the confirmation number on the airline's "Manage My Booking" page along with a passenger's last name. If it does not appear, contact the booking site immediately.

Frequently asked questions

Is the confirmation number the same as the ticket number?
No. The confirmation number is 6 characters and identifies the booking. The ticket number is 13 digits and identifies each individual seat. Multi-traveler bookings share one confirmation number but have multiple ticket numbers (one per traveler).
I lost my confirmation number — how do I find my booking?
Check your email for the booking confirmation; it is in the subject line or near the top of the email body. If you cannot find the email, call the airline customer service with your name and the flight date — they can usually look up the booking.
Does each airline use the same confirmation number format?
6-character alphanumeric is the standard. Some airlines use specific patterns (e.g. starting with a letter, mixed case). The format does not match across airlines, but the 6-character length is consistent across major carriers.