Passenger name record facts for kids
A Passenger Name Record (PNR) is like a special digital file that airlines and travel companies use. It holds all the important information about your trip when you fly. Think of it as your personal travel diary stored in a computer database!
This record helps airlines know who is traveling, where they are going, and what they need. It can include details like your name, flight times, and where you're sitting. If you're traveling with family or friends, everyone in your group might be on the same PNR.
Sometimes, a PNR also stores extra details. This could be if you need a special meal, like a vegetarian one, or if you are part of an airline's frequent flyer program. It helps make your journey smooth and comfortable.
Contents
Sharing Travel Information Between Countries
Sometimes, countries share PNR information to help with safety and to make sure travel across borders is secure. This helps governments know who is entering or leaving their country.
The European Union (EU) has agreements with other countries, like the United States and Australia, about sharing PNR data. These agreements are carefully made to protect people's privacy while also helping with security.
For example, the EU and Australia had discussions about how airlines send passenger information to Australian customs. In 2004, a group called the Article 29 Working Party looked at how well Australia protected this data. They found that Australia usually didn't keep this information for a long time. It was only held temporarily for a small number of passengers who needed extra checks at the border. After the checks, the data was erased.
Later, in 2011, there were more talks about a new agreement between the EU and Australia. The European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS), which is like a privacy watchdog, was asked to give an opinion very quickly. They felt they didn't have enough time to properly review the agreement. This shows how important and complex these data-sharing rules are.
The EU also has similar agreements and discussions with Canada about sharing PNR and other passenger information.
Passenger Records in India
In India, the term PNR is also used by the Indian Railway system. When you book a train ticket in India, you get a 10-digit PNR number. Passengers use this number to check if their seat is confirmed or to get updates about their journey. You can enter this number on a website to check your [PNR Status].
Related Travel Information
See also
In Spanish: Passenger Name Record para niños
