What is a record locator?

The six-character code of a booking, also called a booking reference, confirmation code or PNR. You use it to manage the trip.

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Record locator (PNR), explained

Each booking gets a code of six letters and numbers. The airline's code is the one to use on its website or app to choose seats, check in and see the trip.

A booking made by an agency can have two codes, the agency's and the airline's. Your itinerary shows the airline's one.

The record locator stays the same when flights in the booking change, so it is the code to keep for the whole trip. It is not proof of payment: a booking can hold seats before a ticket is issued. The proof is the 13-digit e-ticket number, which appears once the ticket is paid and issued.

On a business class trip

To check in online, you enter the airline's six-character code and your last name on the airline's website.

Related terms

E-ticket number
The 13-digit number of an issued airline ticket. Its first three digits identify the airline, and it proves the ticket exists in the airline's system.
TSA PreCheck
A US program for faster airport security: approved travelers keep their shoes, belt and light jacket on and leave laptops and liquids in the bag.

Further reading: After you book. Every term in the glossary.