Glossary
Definition: A booking reference is a unique alphanumeric code (typically 6 characters) assigned to your flight reservation, used to retrieve and manage your booking online, at check-in kiosks, and with airline staff.
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Term at a glance
| Term | Booking Reference |
|---|---|
| One-liner | A booking reference is a unique alphanumeric code (typically 6 characters) assigned to your flight reservation, used to retrieve and manage your booking online, at check-in… |
| Where it matters | Premium-cabin booking decisions, fare-rules interpretation, airline-product comparison. |
| Related concepts | PNR · E-Ticket · Check-In · GDS |
| Last verified | 2026-05-07 |
Booking references are essentially the same as PNR (Passenger Name Record) codes. The 6-character code like "XYZ123" is generated when a reservation is created and serves as the primary key to access your booking throughout the travel journey.
You may receive different booking references from the travel agency and the airline, as each system generates its own code. Both will retrieve your booking, but the airline’s reference is the one you’ll use most often at the airport, on the airline’s app, and for online check-in.
Keep your booking reference accessible throughout your journey. It’s the quickest way to pull up your booking at any point. BookMyBusinessClass provides both the agency booking reference and airline confirmation number with every ticket, along with clear instructions for online check-in and managing your reservation.
In booking practice
At a Glance
| Term | Quick definition | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Book the Cook | Book the Cook is Singapore Airlines’ pre-order dining service that allows business and first class passengers… | Read |
| BSP (Billing and Settlement Plan) | BSP is IATA’s financial settlement system that processes transactions between airlines and travel agents,… | Read |
| Boeing 787 Dreamliner | The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a modern wide-body aircraft renowned for its fuel efficiency, composite… | Read |
| Business Class | Business class is a premium cabin on commercial airlines positioned between first class and economy. It… | Read |
| Boarding Pass | A boarding pass is a document issued by an airline during check-in that permits a passenger to board a… | Read |
| Cabin Crew | Cabin crew (also called flight attendants) are airline employees responsible for passenger safety, service,… | Read |
Related Terms
Book the Cook is Singapore Airlines’ pre-order dining service that allows business and first class passengers to select their preferred main course from an extensive menu before their flight, guaranteeing their first-choice meal.
BSP is IATA’s financial settlement system that processes transactions between airlines and travel agents, ensuring secure, standardised handling of ticket payments across the global distribution network.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a modern wide-body aircraft renowned for its fuel efficiency, composite construction, larger windows, higher cabin pressure, and improved humidity — all of which reduce jet lag and enhance passenger comfort.
Business class is a premium cabin on commercial airlines positioned between first class and economy. It typically offers lie-flat seats, priority boarding, lounge access, enhanced meals and drinks, larger baggage allowance, and superior service.
A boarding pass is a document issued by an airline during check-in that permits a passenger to board a specific flight, showing the passenger name, flight number, seat assignment, boarding time, and gate.
Cabin crew (also called flight attendants) are airline employees responsible for passenger safety, service, and comfort during flights. Business and first class cabins have dedicated crew members providing personalised service.
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