Booking reference or record locator
A booking reference is often a short mix of letters and numbers. It opens a reservation in one airline or agency system. An agency and airline may use different codes for the same trip.
- Shows the reservation in a specific system
- May group several travelers
- Can change or be supplemented after rebooking
- Does not by itself prove that a ticket was issued
E-ticket number
An airline e-ticket number often has 13 digits and belongs to one traveler. It helps identify the ticket and carrier. You may need it for a change or refund request.
- Usually one ticket number per traveler
- Can be reissued to a new ticket number after a change
- Appears on a receipt or e-ticket confirmation
- Is different from a flight number or booking reference
Why one trip may show several codes
One trip may have several codes because of partner airlines, agency systems, or a reissued ticket. An airline code may open the carrier's view. An agency code opens the seller's record.
What to keep after purchase
- Agency and airline booking references
- E-ticket number for each passenger
- Receipt and complete price
- Ticketing agency contact information
- Merchant name expected on the card statement
- Fare and baggage terms
A reservation is not always a ticket
An itinerary or locator can exist before the ticket is issued. Treat the booking as final only when the seller sends the ticket number and receipt.