What is a Flight Confirmation Code Number? What You Need To Know
A flight confirmation number, or code, is an alphanumeric sequence that identifies a specific reservation.
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Key takeaways
- A flight confirmation number is an alphanumeric code that identifies your specific reservation and is used alongside a Passenger Name Record (PNR), which contains your personal details.
- If your trip involves multiple airlines, each segment may have a different confirmation code and PNR, so you might need to track and manage each separately.
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These are used in conjunction with a PNR, which stands for “Passenger Name Record.” A PNR contains personal information about the passenger, so, taken together, a record locator and PNR tie a specific person to a specific reservation. Technically, a PNR isn’t the same thing as a flight confirmation code, but the two are often conflated.
Passengers and airline employees use flight confirmation codes and PNRs to manage existing reservations or check into a flight.
Note that while you may have booked an entire flight itinerary in one transaction, if your itinerary includes more than one airline you may have different record locators and PNRs for the same trip. For instance, if the first segment of your trip is on United Airlines and the second is on Lufthansa, the PNRs will be different for each segment.
Sometimes, the airline through which you booked your trip will show both their PNR and the partner airline’s PNR, but that’s not very common. You may need to call both airlines to make sure you’ve got all the confirmation codes you need.
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What is a confirmation code?
A confirmation code is an alphanumeric sequence that uniquely identifies your flight reservation.
Where do I find my flight confirmation code?
When you receive an email confirming your ticket purchase, it should include your flight confirmation number prominently—often in the subject line as well as near the top of the email itself. Many airlines will also show your confirmation number on the screen just after you’ve booked, even before an email is sent, and the code will also be on your boarding pass once you’ve checked in. If you have any trouble finding it, call the airline.
At any point after booking, you can use your confirmation code to check your reservation on the airline’s website. It’s a good idea to write the number down somewhere, whether that’s an app on your phone or an actual piece of paper in your wallet, so it’s handy until you’re back from the trip.
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What can someone do with a flight confirmation number?
With a flight confirmation number, someone can access and manage your reservation, including checking flight details, making changes, or checking in for the flight.
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Last updated Jun 10, 2025