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An airline reservation code is essential whether you're looking to get a seat assignment or check-in with an airline. However, when booking a flight involving more than one airline, the airlines involved may assign multiple reservation codes. To get the other reservation code, you typically need to call the airline you booked through to ask.
Recently, American Airlines eliminated the need for this phone call. Now, American Airlines travelers can see any partner reservation codes right on the website or app.
What is a PNR
Whenever you book a flight through American Airlines, you're assigned a PNR — or Passenger Number Record. This six-digit reservation code helps identify your reservation within the American Airlines system. However, when you book a flight that involves one of American Airlines' 20+ partner airlines around the globe, the partner airline may assign a second PNR code for the same reservation.
Now, this partner PNR is in plain sight for passengers booking through American Airlines.
Partner PNR Location
Partner PNRs now appear both on AA.com and in the American Airlines mobile app. Simply select the reservation of interest from the “My Trips” menu to find this information. Below is a screenshot showing the exact location on the American Airlines website:
A brief partner PNR description accompanies the actual record locator for those who may be unfamiliar with the topic.
Anecdotally, the addition of partner PNRs only seems to apply to new partner bookings — not to existing ones. So, if your travel plans were made months ago, you may still have to get on the phone to find out your partner PNR.
Why Does This Matter?
Your American Airlines PNR carries a great deal of importance, as this is the record locator used whenever dealing with the reservation directly with American. However, that PNR means little for a couple of key parts of a plane trip. Typically, partner airlines require a partner PNR to book seats or potentially even check in online for your flight.
Our Take
This marks a huge improvement and potential time saver for those booking partner flights via American Airlines. In the past this information was only available by calling in to American Airlines, which could be a lengthy process. Now, for those willing to wait a few days, that phone call can be avoided entirely.
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