I spoke to an agent to get a bid for a SLC - ORD on AA Y, and ORD - DOH - XXX in QR J as a single reservation - a single PNR with two separate tickets, because I don't want QR to price the entire trip as one ticket which costs an additional $700 since the QR fare for SLC - ORD is in AA F.

The TA says the single reservation will still be two PNRs if there are two separate tickets priced separately and added in a single reservation. I think something is lost in translation between me and him. Is he talking about the internal record locator for the other airline if the flight is on two different airlines? Is it the same as "two PNRs"?

What I want is to add a domestic AA Y leg to a QR R fare which allows end-on-end connections, but I want it as a single reservation so that I can through check the bags and have protection if the flights misconnect.

What would be the right terminology to communicate with the TA so that there's no ambiguity?

Btw, are there any good TAs that any of you can recommend in this situation? I understand it might be considered advertising and prohibited to post in the thread. But if allowed by this site, I'd welcome a PM. Thanks.