In the world of travel, a PNR, or Passenger Name Record, is the key to unlocking a traveler's itinerary. These records, stored within Global Distribution Systems (GDS) like Amadeus, Sabre, and Travelport Galileo, contain a wealth of information, from flight details and passenger information to payment details and special requests. But, the raw PNR data can be difficult to decipher without the right tools. This is where PNR decoders and formatters come in.
A PNR is essentially a digital reservation record for a passenger's travel arrangements. It contains everything an airline, travel agent, or other travel provider needs to manage a booking. Decoding a PNR involves translating the coded information within the record into a human-readable format. This allows travel professionals and even travelers themselves to quickly and easily understand the details of a booking. To get a better understanding of PNR's, check out this article: What is a PNR?
A PNR decoder and formatter is a tool designed to simplify the process of reading and interpreting PNR data. These tools take the raw PNR output from a GDS and convert it into a structured, easy-to-understand format. Some popular GDS systems include:
When selecting a PNR decoder and formatter, consider the following factors:
EasyPNR is an example of a free online tool that decodes and formats PNR data from Amadeus, Sabre, and Travelport Galileo. It offers a user-friendly interface and supports multiple languages. Let's explore some additional resources offered by EasyPNR:
Modern PNR decoders often go beyond simply translating codes. Many offer features such as:
As technology evolves, PNR decoders are becoming more sophisticated, offering greater accuracy, efficiency, and integration capabilities. These tools are essential for anyone working with travel bookings, from travel agents and airlines to corporate travel departments and individual travelers.
