Find Your Emirates Booking Reference: How to Locate and Use Your PNR

The Emirates booking reference (also called a PNR or reservation code) is the six-character code needed to view or manage a flight reservation. This guide explains where to find the code, how to use it for check-in or changes, and what to do if it cannot be located.

How to find your Emirates booking reference

Check the booking confirmation email or SMS

The most common place to find an Emirates booking reference is the booking confirmation message sent by email or SMS after purchase. Look for a six-character code near labels such as “Booking reference,” “Reservation,” or “PNR.” If multiple passengers are on one reservation, the same reference applies to all names on that booking.

Use the Emirates website or mobile app

Enter the passenger’s last name and the booking reference in the Manage Booking or Check-in sections on the Emirates website or mobile app to view detail. These online tools display itinerary, ticket number (e-ticket), seat assignments, and options to change or cancel the reservation.

Check the e-ticket, itinerary receipt, or boarding pass

The booking reference appears on the electronic ticket (e-ticket) and printed or mobile boarding pass. The e-ticket number is a separate numeric identifier usually starting with the airline ticketing code, while the booking reference is the shorter alphanumeric code used to retrieve the reservation.

Contact the travel agent or third-party booking site

If the ticket was purchased through a travel agent or an online travel agency, contact them to request the reference. Travel agents access reservations through Global Distribution Systems (GDS), so they can provide the booking code and any supporting documents.

At the airport or by phone

Visit the Emirates check-in desk at the airport with a valid ID and the name used to make the booking. Airline staff can pull up the reservation and provide the booking reference. Alternatively, call the official Emirates contact center with identification and payment information handy.

What the Emirates booking reference looks like

A typical booking reference is a six-character alphanumeric code (letters and numbers). It is distinct from the e-ticket number, which is numeric and longer. The booking reference is sometimes called a PNR (Passenger Name Record) in industry documentation governed by organizations such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Common issues and how to troubleshoot

Booking reference not found on Emirates website

Possible reasons include entering the wrong last name (use the exact name on the reservation), using the wrong reference (confirm it has six characters), or a mismatch between the booking and the site’s region. If problems persist, contact the booking source for assistance.

Booking made through a third party

When a third party issued the ticket, some changes must be handled through that agent. For exchanges or refunds, the travel agency may need to coordinate with Emirates directly.

Lost confirmation email

If the confirmation email or SMS is deleted, request that the travel agent or Emirates resend it. Airline systems retain booking data, but staff will verify identity before sharing reservation details.

Security and privacy considerations

Treat the booking reference like a password for the reservation. Anyone with the code and surname can access booking details, check-in, or change seats. Share it only with trusted parties and avoid posting it on public platforms. When contacting support, verify personal identity details instead of sharing full payment information in public messages.

Official resources and when to contact the airline or regulator

For the fastest resolution, contact Emirates directly or the travel agent that issued the ticket. For procedural standards on passenger name records and data handling, consult International Air Transport Association (IATA) guidance and applicable aviation authorities such as the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

To access and manage reservations online, use Emirates’ official manage booking tools: Emirates Manage Booking.

When to visit the airport

If boarding is imminent and the booking reference cannot be retrieved remotely, go to the airport check-in desk early. Airline staff can confirm the reservation with proper identification and assist with check-in, seat assignment, and printing boarding passes.

FAQ: How can I check my Emirates booking reference?

Search the confirmation email or SMS, use the Manage Booking tool on the Emirates website or app with the passenger’s last name, check the e-ticket or boarding pass, contact the travel agent, or visit an airport check-in desk with ID.

How long is an Emirates booking reference valid?

The booking reference remains associated with the reservation until the booking is cancelled or the ticket is used. If the reservation lapses or is voided, contact the booking source to confirm the status.

Can the booking reference be used to check in online?

Yes. Enter the Emirates booking reference and the passenger’s last name on the airline’s check-in page or mobile app to complete online check-in, select seats, and obtain boarding passes where available.

What if the booking reference is not working?

Verify the code is entered correctly and that the surname matches the reservation. If issues persist, contact the travel agent or Emirates customer service for help; have ID and payment confirmation information ready for verification.

Can someone else use my Emirates booking reference?

Others can view or modify a reservation if they have the booking reference and surname. Keep the reference private and share it only with authorized travelers or agents.

Do different passengers on the same reservation have different booking references?

No. All passengers included on a single booking will typically share the same booking reference. Separate tickets purchased independently will have distinct references.