You receive your flight itinerary, open the document, and notice a short combination of letters beside the words “booking reference” or “reservation code.”
That code is commonly known as a PNR.
For visa applicants, a PNR can be useful because it connects the itinerary to a reservation record. It may allow the traveller, airline, travel agency, or reservation provider to retrieve details such as the passenger’s name, route, flight numbers, and travel dates.
However, having a PNR doesn’t automatically mean that the airfare has been paid. It also doesn’t guarantee that the reservation will remain active throughout visa processing.
A PNR for visa application should be genuine, accurate, and consistent with the other documents in your file. Your flight dates should match your hotel bookings, travel insurance, invitation, leave approval, and application form.
This guide explains what a PNR means, where to find it, how to check it, why it may stop working, and what visa applicants should review before submitting a flight itinerary.
Quick Answer
PNR stands for Passenger Name Record.
It is a digital booking record created when a flight reservation is entered into an airline or travel reservation system. The record may contain the traveller’s name, flight route, dates, contact information, booking status, and ticketing details.
A PNR is commonly identified by a short booking reference. In many airline systems, the reference contains six letters or a mixture of letters and numbers, although formats can vary.
For a visa application, the PNR can help support that the submitted itinerary is connected to a genuine reservation record. It does not, by itself, prove that a paid ticket has been issued.
What Is a PNR?
PNR means Passenger Name Record.
It is a digital record created in an airline reservation system when a booking is made for one passenger or a group travelling together.
Amadeus describes a PNR as a digital file containing information about the passenger and the booking. IATA notes that a PNR may contain basic details such as the traveller’s name, itinerary, and ticket indicator, although the exact information stored can vary.
The PNR acts as a central record for the reservation.
It may connect:
- Passenger details
- Flight segments
- Airline information
- Travel dates
- Contact details
- Special service requests
- Reservation status
- Ticketing information
- Travel agency details
You’ll usually see a shorter code on the itinerary that allows the record to be retrieved. This code may be labelled as:
- PNR
- Booking reference
- Reservation code
- Record locator
- Confirmation number
- Airline reference
These terms are often used for the same practical purpose, although the exact terminology depends on the airline and booking system.
A Simple PNR Example
Suppose a traveller named Rohan Sen plans to fly from Delhi to Paris and return ten days later.
The itinerary may show:
Passenger: Rohan Sen
Route: Delhi–Paris–Delhi
Departure: 10 September
Return: 20 September
Airline: Example Airways
Booking reference: AB12CD
Status: Confirmed
In this example, AB12CD is the booking reference used to retrieve the Passenger Name Record.
The PNR may contain more information than what appears on the printed itinerary. Some details remain visible only to the airline, issuing agency, or reservation system.
Why Does a PNR Matter for a Visa Application?
A PNR can give the flight itinerary more context.
When a visa checklist asks for a flight reservation, the officer usually wants to understand your intended journey. The itinerary may help show when you plan to enter, how long you intend to stay, and when you expect to leave.
General Schengen guidance may request a round-trip reservation or itinerary showing the travel dates and flight numbers for entry into and departure from the Schengen Area.
A PNR can support this document by connecting the itinerary to a reservation record.
It may help confirm:
- The passenger named on the itinerary
- The proposed route
- The departure and return dates
- The airline and flight segments
- The current reservation status
- Whether the booking exists in the relevant system
Still, a PNR is only one part of the visa file.
The officer may also compare your flights with:
- Hotel reservations
- Travel insurance
- Invitation letter
- Cover letter
- Leave approval
- Conference schedule
- University dates
- Financial evidence
- Visa application form
A PNR cannot fix contradictions elsewhere in the application.
Example of a Consistent Visa File
An applicant plans to visit Italy from 4 October to 13 October.
The documents show:
- Flight arrival in Rome on 4 October
- Rome hotel from 4 to 8 October
- Florence hotel from 8 to 11 October
- Milan hotel from 11 to 13 October
- Return flight from Milan on 13 October
- Insurance covering 4 to 13 October
- Leave approval covering the same trip
The documents tell one clear story.
Example of an Inconsistent Visa File
Another applicant submits a flight reservation for 5 to 18 November.
However:
- The application form states 5 to 12 November
- The hotel ends on 10 November
- Insurance begins on 7 November
- The invitation covers 12 to 15 November
- Leave approval is only for five working days
A valid PNR does not explain those differences.
The itinerary and the rest of the file still need to match.
Is a PNR the Same as a Flight Ticket Number?
No.
A PNR and a ticket number serve different purposes.
The PNR identifies the reservation record. A ticket number confirms that a ticket has been issued after payment or authorised ticketing.
| PNR or booking reference | Ticket number |
| Identifies the booking record | Identifies an issued ticket |
| May exist before full payment | Usually appears after ticket issuance |
| Often contains letters or letters and numbers | Commonly contains a longer series of numbers |
| Retrieves itinerary and passenger details | Connects the traveller to a paid travel document |
| May expire if the booking is not ticketed | Remains subject to the purchased fare rules |
A flight reservation can therefore have a PNR without having an issued ticket number.
This distinction matters for visa applicants.
A consulate may request a reservation or itinerary rather than a fully paid ticket. In that situation, the document may show a booking reference but no e-ticket number.
For a detailed explanation, read the guide on the difference between a flight itinerary and a real flight ticket.
Does a PNR Prove That the Flight Has Been Paid?
Not necessarily.
A PNR proves that a reservation record was created, provided the reference remains active and can be retrieved in the relevant system.
It does not automatically prove that:
- The full fare was paid
- A ticket was issued
- The booking is refundable
- The reservation will remain active indefinitely
- The passenger has completed check-in
- The visa will be approved
The booking status and ticketing status must be reviewed separately.
Some itineraries display words such as:
- Confirmed
- On request
- Waitlisted
- Held
- Ticketed
- Cancelled
- Expired
“Confirmed” may refer to the reserved flight segment. It does not always mean that a paid ticket has been issued.
What Information Can a PNR Contain?
The amount of information inside a PNR varies.
IATA explains that PNR data is collected by airlines for business purposes and may include details supplied when the booking is created. The record can contain basic reservation data and, in some cases, personal information.
A typical PNR may include the following.
Passenger Name
The traveller’s name should match the passport.
Small formatting differences may occur because airline systems sometimes remove spaces or titles. However, spelling errors, missing surnames, or incorrect passenger names should be corrected before the itinerary is submitted.
Flight Segments
The record may list every reserved flight, including:
- Departure airport
- Arrival airport
- Airline
- Flight number
- Travel date
- Departure time
- Cabin or booking class
- Connection details
For a return trip, both outbound and inbound segments should appear.
Booking Status
Each flight segment may have a status showing whether the reservation is confirmed, requested, cancelled, or waitlisted.
A visa applicant should avoid submitting an itinerary with an unclear or cancelled status unless the issuing provider has explained it.
Contact Details
The PNR may contain an email address, phone number, or travel agency contact.
These details may not always appear on the customer-facing itinerary.
Special Requests
The record may include requests such as:
- Meal preference
- Wheelchair assistance
- Seat request
- Infant information
- Frequent-flyer number
These details are not usually important for the visa application itself, but they can form part of the broader booking record.
Ticketing Details
The PNR may show whether a ticket has been issued or whether the reservation must be ticketed before a deadline.
When no ticket is issued by that deadline, the airline or reservation system may cancel the booking automatically.
Where Can You Find the PNR Number?
The PNR is usually displayed near the top of the itinerary or booking confirmation.
Look for labels such as:
- Booking reference
- PNR
- Record locator
- Reservation number
- Confirmation code
- Airline reference
The code may also appear in:
- The airline confirmation email
- A travel agency itinerary
- A booking receipt
- The airline mobile application
- The “Manage Booking” page
- An SMS confirmation
The most visible booking reference is often six characters long, but not every airline uses the same format.
One Booking Can Have More Than One Reference
This can confuse travellers.
A booking created through a travel agency or online reservation platform may include:
- A travel agency booking reference
- A reservation-system record locator
- A separate airline confirmation code
These codes may all relate to the same trip, but they may work on different websites.
For example, the agency reference may work only on the agency’s portal, while the airline reference may be needed on the airline’s “Manage Booking” page.
When asking how to check the PNR, confirm which reference you have.
Where Is the PNR on a Flight Itinerary?
A standard itinerary may show it in a section similar to this:
Booking Reference: X7AB2Q
Airline Reference: PQ4RST
Passenger: Rohan Sen
Status: Confirmed
The document might display one code or several.
Before submitting it with a visa application, check that the main booking reference is easy to locate and that the passenger name and travel details are clearly visible.
How Can You Check a Flight PNR?
The method depends on where and how the reservation was created.
A booking made directly with an airline is usually checked through the airline’s website or mobile application.
A booking issued through a travel agency may need to be checked through the agency, the airline, or the reservation system used to create it.
Method 1: Use the Airline’s “Manage Booking” Page
Go to the official airline website and look for:
- Manage Booking
- My Trips
- Retrieve Booking
- View Reservation
- Check Booking
You’ll normally be asked to enter:
- Booking reference
- Passenger’s surname
Use the surname exactly as shown on the itinerary.
After retrieving the reservation, review:
- Passenger name
- Flight numbers
- Travel dates
- Route
- Booking status
Not every agency-created PNR will be visible on the airline website. The booking may use a separate airline locator, or the carrier may limit access until ticketing.
Method 2: Contact the Airline
Call the airline or use its official support channel.
Provide:
- Passenger name
- Booking reference
- Flight date
- Route
Ask whether the reservation appears in the airline’s system and whether the segment is active.
Be precise when speaking with support. Ask them to distinguish between a reservation and an issued ticket.
Method 3: Ask the Travel Agency or Reservation Provider
When the booking was created by an agency, the provider may be the best place to confirm it.
Ask:
- Is the reservation currently active?
- Which code is the airline reference?
- How long will the booking remain valid?
- Has a ticket number been issued?
- Can an updated itinerary be provided if it expires?
- Can errors in the passenger name or route be corrected?
Applicants using a temporary itinerary should also ask about the ticketing deadline.
Method 4: Use the Reservation System Linked to the Booking
Some itineraries are created through global distribution systems used by airlines and travel agencies.
The itinerary may indicate the system or provide a retrieval page. Use only the official link or instructions supplied with the booking.
Avoid entering your passport details or booking code on unfamiliar third-party websites. A PNR can contain personal and travel information, so it should be treated carefully.
What Should You Check After Retrieving the PNR?
Finding the reservation is only the first step.
Review the complete record.
Passenger Details
The name should match the passport.
Check:
- First name
- Middle name
- Surname
- Title
- Passenger type
Contact the issuer when there is a meaningful spelling error.
Travel Dates
Confirm that the dates match:
- Visa application
- Hotel bookings
- Travel insurance
- Invitation
- Leave letter
- Cover letter
Our Blog on how long a flight itinerary remains valid for a visa explains why both travel dates and reservation validity should be checked.
Route and Airports
Make sure the itinerary uses the correct:
- Departure city
- Arrival city
- Airport
- Transit location
- Return route
Cities with multiple airports can create mistakes.
A traveller may intend to arrive at Paris Charles de Gaulle but receive an itinerary for Paris Orly. Both are in the Paris region, but the difference may affect transport, hotel timing, and onward travel.
Reservation Status
Look for a clear status.
Terms vary between systems, but you may see:
- Confirmed
- Active
- Held
- Waitlisted
- Cancelled
- Expired
When you are unsure what a status means, ask the issuer rather than guessing.
Return or Onward Flight
For many short-stay visa applications, the return or onward journey is an important part of the itinerary.
General Schengen guidance refers to a round-trip reservation or itinerary showing entry and exit details.
Check that the return journey appears clearly and that the date matches your intended length of stay.
Applicants who need a reservation without purchasing the full airfare can also review the guide on obtaining a flight reservation without full payment.
Why Might a PNR Stop Working?
A PNR can stop working for several reasons, especially when the booking was created as a temporary reservation rather than a fully ticketed flight.
The most common reason is that the airline’s ticketing deadline has passed.
When a reservation is created, the airline or booking system may allow a limited period for payment and ticket issuance. If the booking is not ticketed within that period, the system can cancel it automatically.
Other reasons include:
- The reservation expired
- The airline cancelled the booking segment
- The agency changed the itinerary
- The wrong booking reference was entered
- The passenger surname was entered incorrectly
- The booking uses a separate airline reference
- The flight schedule changed
- The airline merged or replaced the original record
- The reservation was created in a system not accessible through the airline website
A PNR that no longer appears online does not always mean the document was fabricated. However, it does mean you should contact the issuer and confirm what happened.
Temporary Reservations Have a Limited Life
A temporary reservation is not designed to remain active indefinitely.
Its validity may depend on:
- Airline policy
- Route
- Fare class
- Departure date
- Reservation system
- Agency agreement
- Ticketing deadline
Some reservations remain active for only a short period. Others may last several days.
There is no universal validity period for every PNR.
This is why applicants should avoid ordering a reservation too early. A booking created several weeks before the visa appointment may expire long before submission.
What Is a Ticketing Deadline?
A ticketing deadline is the final time by which payment and ticket issuance must be completed.
If the reservation is not ticketed by that point, the airline may release the seat.
The PNR may then show a cancelled or inactive status, or it may stop appearing on the airline’s website.
A temporary itinerary for a visa application can still be useful when it is ordered at the right time and reflects the genuine travel plan. The timing should be discussed with the issuing provider.
What Should You Do If the PNR Cannot Be Found?
Do not panic immediately.
First, check whether you are using the correct booking reference.
A travel agency may provide one reference for its own system and another code for the airline. The agency reference may not work on the airline’s website.
Try the following steps.
Recheck the Booking Reference
Look at the itinerary and confirm whether it lists:
- Booking reference
- Airline reference
- Record locator
- Reservation code
- Confirmation number
If more than one code appears, try the airline reference on the carrier’s official website.
Check the Passenger Surname
The surname must usually be entered exactly as stored in the reservation.
Problems may occur when:
- The surname contains spaces
- Two surnames are combined
- A title appears beside the name
- The booking system removes hyphens
- The first and last names were reversed
Use the format shown on the itinerary.
Contact the Issuer
Ask the airline, agency, or reservation provider to confirm the current status.
You can ask:
- Is the booking active?
- Has the PNR expired?
- Is there a separate airline reference?
- Was the flight segment cancelled?
- Can a new itinerary be issued?
- Can the same travel dates be kept?
- Has a ticket been issued?
A professional provider should be able to explain the status clearly.
Request an Updated Reservation
If the original PNR expired before your visa appointment, request an updated itinerary.
The new document should continue to match:
- Your visa application form
- Hotel bookings
- Insurance
- Invitation
- Leave approval
- Travel dates
Do not change only the flight dates without reviewing the rest of the file.
Do Not Edit the PDF Yourself
Applicants sometimes try to change the date, booking status, or reference number manually.
That creates a document that no longer matches the original reservation record.
Always ask the issuer to correct the booking and send a new confirmation.
Can an Embassy Verify a PNR?
An embassy or consulate may review the reservation details if it considers the document relevant to the application.
The exact verification method is not publicly explained in every jurisdiction, and not every application is checked in the same way.
A visa authority may:
- Review the booking reference
- Compare the itinerary with the application
- Ask the applicant for clarification
- Request an updated reservation
- Contact the travel agency or issuer
- Review whether the booking details appear consistent
- Check whether the route is realistic
- Compare the travel plan with hotel and insurance documents
The important point is simple: submit every itinerary as though it may be examined.
A genuine PNR does not guarantee approval, but a false or altered booking can damage the credibility of the application.
What Does the Embassy Usually Care About?
The visa officer is generally more interested in the complete travel plan than in one code alone.
The officer may look at:
- Whether your dates match
- Whether the route supports the visa category
- Whether the main destination is correct
- Whether the return journey is shown
- Whether the booking appears genuine
- Whether the itinerary fits your budget
- Whether the application tells a consistent story
For example, a valid PNR showing a 30-day trip may still raise questions if the applicant has only 7 days of approved leave.
Similarly, a booking may be active, but the route may not support the consulate where the Schengen application was filed.
Does Every Embassy Check Every Booking?
There is no evidence that every booking is checked in the same way.
Visa authorities process large numbers of applications, and the level of review may depend on the case, the documents submitted, and any concerns that arise.
Applicants should not assume that a document will go unchecked.
The safest approach is to submit a genuine reservation and keep the issuer’s contact details available.
Can a PNR Expire During Visa Processing?
Yes.
Visa processing often takes longer than the life of a temporary booking.
A reservation may be active on the day of submission and expire several days later.
That situation is common because airlines generally do not hold unpaid seats for the full length of a visa process.
Does Expiry Automatically Cause Refusal?
Not necessarily.
A temporary reservation expiring after submission does not automatically prove that the itinerary was false.
The visa authority may:
- Review the copy provided at submission
- Ask for an updated reservation
- Continue assessing the wider file
- Contact the applicant
- Request additional travel details
Applicants should keep the original confirmation and be ready to respond if contacted.
Should You Send a New PNR Without Being Asked?
Usually, you should follow the instructions provided by the embassy or visa application centre.
Do not send unsolicited documents to random email addresses.
If the authority requests an updated itinerary, provide it through the official channel and within the stated deadline.
When Should You Order the Reservation?
The ideal timing depends on:
- Visa appointment date
- Embassy checklist
- Provider policy
- Expected booking validity
- Route availability
- Processing location
Many applicants obtain the reservation close to the appointment so that the PNR is active when submitted.
However, avoid waiting until the final hour. You need time to review spelling, dates, airports, and flight segments.
Common PNR Mistakes in Visa Applications
A PNR can be genuine and still create problems if the details are wrong.
The following mistakes are common.
The Name Does Not Match the Passport
A spelling error can create doubt about whether the booking belongs to the applicant.
Check:
- First name
- Middle name
- Surname
- Name order
- Title
Small system-formatting differences can happen, but clear mistakes should be corrected.
The Travel Dates Do Not Match
The itinerary should agree with the main travel period shown elsewhere.
Compare the PNR with:
- Visa application
- Hotel booking
- Insurance
- Invitation letter
- Cover letter
- Employment leave
- Event dates
A one-day difference may have a simple explanation. A large unexplained difference looks careless.
The Wrong Airport Is Used
Many cities have more than one airport.
For example:
- London Heathrow and London Gatwick
- Paris Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly
- Milan Malpensa and Milan Linate
- Rome Fiumicino and Rome Ciampino
Using the wrong airport can affect hotel timing, transfers, and onward travel.
The Return Journey Is Missing
A one-way itinerary may be appropriate for some long-term visas.
For a short tourist or visitor application, the absence of a return or onward journey may create questions.
Follow the checklist for your visa category.
The Booking Is Already Cancelled
Submitting a cancelled itinerary can weaken the file if the status is visible.
Check the reservation close to the appointment and ask the issuer for confirmation.
The PNR Belongs to a Different Passenger
This can happen when an agent sends the wrong file.
Always check the passenger name before submission.
The Route Does Not Support the Application
A route should match the stated purpose.
For example, an applicant seeking a visa through Germany but spending most of the trip in Italy may need to reconsider the correct consulate.
The PNR, hotels, and daily itinerary should support the same main destination.
The Applicant Confuses the PNR With the Ticket Number
A PNR does not necessarily mean the fare has been paid.
Describe the document accurately in the cover letter or application.
The PDF Was Manually Altered
Changing dates, names, or booking references by editing the document can create serious problems.
The details may no longer match the original record.
Use only documents issued by the airline, travel agency, or reservation provider.
How to Protect Your PNR and Personal Information
A PNR can contain personal and travel details.
Do not share it publicly.
Avoid posting the booking reference on:
- Social media
- Travel forums
- Public screenshots
- Review websites
- Unsecured messaging groups
Someone with your surname and booking code may be able to access parts of the reservation.
Share It Only With Relevant Parties
Your PNR may need to be shared with:
- The visa authority
- The authorised visa centre
- The airline
- The issuing travel agency
- Your travel coordinator
- A trusted sponsor or employer handling the trip
Avoid sending it to unknown websites that claim to check every airline booking.
Use Official Websites
To retrieve the reservation, use:
- The airline’s official website
- The official airline mobile application
- The issuing agency’s portal
- The official reservation-system link supplied with the itinerary
Check the website address carefully before entering the code.
Keep the Original Confirmation
Save the itinerary and confirmation email.
Keep:
- The original PDF
- Booking reference
- Issuer contact
- Order receipt
- Email confirmation
- Any updated itinerary
These records can help if the authority requests clarification.
Step-by-Step PNR Checklist Before Visa Submission
Use this short review before uploading or printing the itinerary.
Step 1: Confirm the Passenger Name
Compare the itinerary with the passport.
Check every letter.
Step 2: Check the Travel Dates
Make sure the departure and return dates match the application.
Step 3: Review the Route
Confirm the departure airport, destination, transit points, and return journey.
Step 4: Find the Booking Reference
Make sure the PNR or booking code is visible and readable.
Step 5: Check the Status
Confirm whether the booking is active, held, or confirmed.
Step 6: Compare Supporting Documents
Review the hotel, insurance, invitation, and leave dates.
Step 7: Save the Original File
Do not submit a manually edited version.
Step 8: Keep the Issuer’s Details
You may need support if the reservation expires or the embassy requests an update.
Step 9: Check the Official Visa Checklist
Confirm that the authority asks for a reservation, itinerary, or ticket.
Step 10: Submit the Correct Document Type
Do not describe a temporary reservation as a fully paid ticket.
PNR for Different Visa Types
The role of a PNR varies depending on the visa category.
Tourist Visa
A tourist visa itinerary usually shows:
- Entry date
- Exit date
- Destination
- Return journey
- Major flight segments
The reservation should match the planned hotel stay and travel schedule.
Business Visa
The flight dates should support:
- Meeting dates
- Conference schedule
- Employer letter
- Invitation
- Hotel booking
The arrival should allow enough time before the first business activity.
Student Visa
A student may use a proposed itinerary based on the course start date.
The travel plan should also respect any rules about how early the student may enter the country.
Family Visit Visa
The PNR should match the invitation period and expected stay with the host.
Medical Visa
Medical travel dates may depend on hospital appointments and treatment schedules.
A flexible route may be more appropriate when the return date is uncertain.
Transit Visa
A transit application may require clear onward travel.
The full route should show the destination beyond the transit country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does PNR stand for?
PNR stands for Passenger Name Record. It is a digital booking record created when a flight reservation is entered into an airline or travel reservation system.
Is a PNR required for every visa application?
No. Some visa authorities request a flight reservation or itinerary, while others only ask for intended travel dates. Follow the official checklist for your visa category.
Is a PNR the same as a booking reference?
In everyday use, the booking reference or record locator is often the code used to retrieve the PNR.
Is a PNR the same as a ticket number?
No. The PNR identifies the reservation record, while the ticket number identifies an issued airline ticket.
Does a PNR prove that the flight has been paid?
No. A reservation can have a PNR before a ticket is issued or the full fare is paid.
How many characters are in a PNR?
Many airline PNRs contain six letters or a mixture of letters and numbers. Formats can vary by airline and reservation system.
How can I check my PNR?
Use the airline’s official “Manage Booking” page, contact the airline, or ask the issuing agency. You may need the booking reference and passenger surname.
Why is my PNR not working?
It may have expired, been cancelled, use a separate airline reference, or require a different surname format. Contact the issuer to confirm.
Can an embassy check a PNR?
A visa authority may review the reservation, compare it with the application, contact the issuer, or request an updated itinerary.
What happens if the PNR expires after submission?
The embassy may rely on the submitted copy, ask for an update, or continue reviewing the broader application. Respond through the official channel if contacted.
Can I submit a PNR without a ticket number?
Yes, when the checklist asks for a flight reservation or itinerary rather than a paid ticket.
Should I buy the flight after receiving the visa?
Check the visa validity dates, number of entries, and permitted stay before buying the final ticket.
Can one PNR include several passengers?
Yes. A single booking record may include several passengers travelling together.
Can one trip have more than one PNR?
Yes. Agency, reservation-system, and airline references may all appear for the same journey.
Is it safe to share a PNR online?
No. A PNR can expose personal and travel information. Share it only with relevant and trusted parties.
Conclusion
A PNR is more than a random code printed on a flight itinerary.
It connects the document to a Passenger Name Record containing the proposed passenger, route, dates, and booking details. For visa applicants, that record can help support a genuine travel plan when the official checklist asks for a flight reservation.
Still, the PNR should not be viewed in isolation.
The passenger name, travel dates, route, hotel bookings, insurance, invitation, and application form should all support the same journey. A valid booking reference cannot repair contradictions elsewhere in the file.
Before submission, check the reservation status, confirm the correct airline reference, and keep the original itinerary and issuer details. If the PNR expires, contact the provider and follow the visa authority’s instructions before submitting an update.
When you need a flight itinerary with a PNR for a visa application, Schengen Visa Flight Reservation can prepare a genuine reservation based on your intended route without requiring you to purchase the full airfare first.
