What is PNR?

PNR stands for Passenger Name Record. It is a record created when a passenger books a trip and is stored in a computer reservation system (CRS) database. PNRs are commonly used by Indian Railways, as well as other transportation services like airways, seaways, and road travel. A PNR number, usually consisting of 10 digits (3 digits followed by 7 digits), allows for the easy retrieval of a passenger’s information.

PNR Status Check

To confirm the validity of your ticket, you can check its status using the PNR number. Passengers are advised to check the PNR status before their travel, as tickets may get cancelled for various reasons.

Confirmation of Ticket Purchase

After Train Ticket Booking , the terms are written on the ticket, but the confirmation details are updated later. These terms indicate whether the ticket has been confirmed, cancelled, or is in waiting status. Below are common terms used for a train ticket:

• CNF (Confirmed): This indicates that the ticket is confirmed, and a specific seat has been assigned. The IRCTC will provide seat details later.
• RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation): This indicates that the reservation is against cancellation. The ticket is partially confirmed, allowing for a seating journey but not a sleeping one. Two RAC ticket holders may share a single seat.
• WL (Waiting List): This indicates that the ticket is on a waiting list, meaning more passengers have booked tickets than there are seats available. If a confirmed ticket holder cancels, the next person on the waiting list gets priority. In some cases, waiting list tickets may turn into RAC tickets.

PNR Status for Flights

PNR status is the confirmation of the current status of a ticket, determined by codes such as Confirmed (CNF), Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC), and Waiting List (WL). The process for checking PNR status for flights is similar to that for trains, though flight PNRs may include alphabets and differ slightly in format.

How to Check PNR Status??

You can check your PNR status by visiting the train ticket booking website or application from where you have booked your ticket. For Indian Railways tickets, follow these steps:

• Visit the IRCTC website: IRCTC Train Search.
• Click on the three-line menu (IRCTC menu).
• Click on “Trains,” scroll down, and select “PNR Enquiry.”
• Enter the 10-digit PNR number.
• View the status of your ticket along with a live feed of your journey and other important details.

Alternatively, you can visit IRCTC PNR Enquiry for quick access to the PNR Enquiry page.

How to Check PNR Status by SMS??

IRCTC offers an SMS feature that allows users to check their Train PNR Status. The process is simple:

• Send an SMS with your 10-digit PNR number to IRCTC at either 139 or 567674.
• Receive a reply with the status of your booked ticket.

PNR Prediction

The PNR prediction feature is useful when booking and planning your journey. It gives travellers an idea of the likelihood that their ticket will be confirmed or not. A number encircled in different colours (Red, Yellow, Green) indicates the probability of a ticket being confirmed:

• Red Circle: Low chance of confirmation (< 40%).
• Yellow Circle: Medium to high chance of confirmation (40%-75%).
• Green Circle: High chance of confirmation (> 75%).

PNR Validity

PNR numbers are valid until the date or time of travel. They remain in the TDR database for up to one year, after which they are removed from the IRCTC system and may be reassigned.

Frequency of Checking PNR Status

There is no limit to how often a passenger can check their PNR status. However, if the ticket is on the RAC or WL list, it is recommended to check the status frequently.

Conclusion 

PNR (Passenger Record), is an important identification number that travellers can use to identify themselves while using different modes such as trains, airlines, etc. The PNR is a record that contains all of the information about a booking and can be used by passengers to check on the status of their tickets. The PNR status will show if a ticket is confirmed, partially confirmed, or on a waiting list.

PNR status is especially important when traveling by train in India, where the number of passengers often exceeds the number of seats available. By checking the PNR status, passengers can determine whether their travel plans remain on track or if alternative arrangements are needed. Although the PNR format may vary slightly for flights, the purpose is the same: inform passengers of their booking status.

Indian Railways offers multiple options to check Train Status, including mobile apps, SMS services, and the IRCTC website. This flexible system allows passengers to check their booking status from anywhere, even if they don’t have internet access. The PNR predictor function estimates the likelihood that a ticket from a waiting list or RAC will be confirmed. It helps travellers to plan their trip more efficiently.

PNR numbers can be assigned and are valid for a maximum of one year. Travellers with RAC or WL tickets are advised to check their status regularly in order to stay informed of any changes.

PNR is an important tool for managing travel. The PNR gives passengers peace of mind as they can be kept up to date on the progress of their journey, making it a more smooth and predictable trip.