Mar 21, 2013, 8:17 pm
Last edit by: Prospero
FAQ: "Linking" or Combining of Separate PNRs / Itineraries / Tickets
Q. Can we have our bookings / reservations / awards merged to have them on the same PNR?
A. No; it's generally not possible unless you cancel what you have and get it all done on one PNR. Some agents may be able to merge PNRs if one has contiguous paid and award tickets on hold.
Q. Can I have separate PNRs merged so I can Through-check baggage? No. And with separate PNRs, baggage can not be through-checked.
Q. Can I have PNRs linked so status benefits can be shared?
No. But notes can be added to the OSI field, and status “linking” can occur for upgrades, etc.
Q. Can I "link" my partner's and my PNRs (so we can sit together, stay together in OSO / IROPS, check luggage through, etc.)?
A. "Linking" (or combining) PNRs is not actually possible. There is no way of establishing a "hard" electronic link between PNRs.
Q. What can the airline do in this regard?
A, Requesting "linking PNRs" causes a note to be entered into the PNR OSI (Other Service Information) field (usually a TCP (To Complete Party) note). There is no physical or other actual connection to one's PNR; the field must be read by an airline agent for requested actions to be implemented. (See hillrider's post #9 and link below.)
Q. How can that help?
A. In case of OSO (IROPS/IRROPS) an agent can read the reference and work to keep the parties together when reaccommodating in OSO.
GLOSSARY (specifically for airline use)[/color]
Q. Can we have our bookings / reservations / awards merged to have them on the same PNR?
A. No; it's generally not possible unless you cancel what you have and get it all done on one PNR. Some agents may be able to merge PNRs if one has contiguous paid and award tickets on hold.
Q. Can I have separate PNRs merged so I can Through-check baggage? No. And with separate PNRs, baggage can not be through-checked.
Q. Can I have PNRs linked so status benefits can be shared?
No. But notes can be added to the OSI field, and status “linking” can occur for upgrades, etc.
Q. Can I "link" my partner's and my PNRs (so we can sit together, stay together in OSO / IROPS, check luggage through, etc.)?
A. "Linking" (or combining) PNRs is not actually possible. There is no way of establishing a "hard" electronic link between PNRs.
Q. What can the airline do in this regard?
A, Requesting "linking PNRs" causes a note to be entered into the PNR OSI (Other Service Information) field (usually a TCP (To Complete Party) note). There is no physical or other actual connection to one's PNR; the field must be read by an airline agent for requested actions to be implemented. (See hillrider's post #9 and link below.)
Q. How can that help?
A. In case of OSO (IROPS/IRROPS) an agent can read the reference and work to keep the parties together when reaccommodating in OSO.
GLOSSARY (specifically for airline use)[/color]
- IROPS / IRROPS: Irregular Operations - see OSO
- OSI: Other Supplementary / Service Information- PNR field for supplemental information; low-priority messages usually used for information purpose only.
- OSO: Off Schedule Operations - when schedules are disrupted by various factors
- PNR: itinerary reference "handle", six letters with AA; temporary, as PNRs recycle - only ticket numbers are permanent
- TCP: To Complete Party - a note indicating passenger is traveling with another, etc.
FAQ: TCP, "Linking" / link / merge itineraries / PNR (master thread)
Sep 12, 2017, 10:46 am
#121
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: PHL
Programs: AA Executive Platinum; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,662
3 tickets on 2 PNRs
My wife and I are taking her nephew to HNL next year. I plan to buy his ticket with miles and pay for our two tickets. Obviously we will be on separate PNRs. Once ticketed, I will call and have them linked via TCP as I have read above. Is there anything else I should do or know before proceeding? Thanks.
[Not that it impacts the decision, but I am buying the two tickets to get EQD and EQM towards status. The nephew does not need status so using miles for him.]
[Not that it impacts the decision, but I am buying the two tickets to get EQD and EQM towards status. The nephew does not need status so using miles for him.]
Sep 20, 2017, 4:33 pm
#122
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: CLT
Programs: AA EXP; Avis PC; Hertz PC; Marriott LT Gold; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,133
Linking PNRs for IRROPS?
My wife and I are reluctantly traveling over the Thanksgiving weekend for the first time (we usually host). We are on the same flights in F both ways but had to book on separate PNRs. I'm PP and she has no status. If I link our PNRs, will it help in the event of IRROPS for her to be linked to me? Any other reason to link or not to link the PNRs?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Sep 20, 2017, 8:00 pm
#123
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,437
My wife and I are reluctantly traveling over the Thanksgiving weekend for the first time (we usually host). We are on the same flights in F both ways but had to book on separate PNRs. I'm PP and she has no status. If I link our PNRs, will it help in the event of IRROPS for her to be linked to me? Any other reason to link or not to link the PNRs?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Sep 20, 2017, 11:52 pm
#124
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
My wife and I are reluctantly traveling over the Thanksgiving weekend for the first time (we usually host). We are on the same flights in F both ways but had to book on separate PNRs. I'm PP and she has no status. If I link our PNRs, will it help in the event of IRROPS for her to be linked to me? Any other reason to link or not to link the PNRs?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Sep 21, 2017, 10:24 am
#125
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: CLT
Programs: AA EXP; Avis PC; Hertz PC; Marriott LT Gold; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,133
Dec 2, 2017, 6:39 pm
#126
Join Date: May 2008
Location: PHL (kinda, no airport is really close)
Programs: AA Exp, but not sure for how long. Enterprise Platinum woo-hoo!
Posts: 4,550
Joining Records
I'm sure this is answered somewhere and if someone just wants to point me there, I'd appreciate it.
I'm Gold on AA. I expect to book a flight later this week, possibly within 24 hours of departure, and of course I can get MCE for free. I might take a friend with me on a mileage award; my ticket will be paid. After booking her ticket, can I add her record to mine and get her MCE for free?
I'm Gold on AA. I expect to book a flight later this week, possibly within 24 hours of departure, and of course I can get MCE for free. I might take a friend with me on a mileage award; my ticket will be paid. After booking her ticket, can I add her record to mine and get her MCE for free?
Dec 2, 2017, 7:47 pm
#127
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AY+ Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,846
I'm sure this is answered somewhere and if someone just wants to point me there, I'd appreciate it.
I'm Gold on AA. I expect to book a flight later this week, possibly within 24 hours of departure, and of course I can get MCE for free. I might take a friend with me on a mileage award; my ticket will be paid. After booking her ticket, can I add her record to mine and get her MCE for free?
I'm Gold on AA. I expect to book a flight later this week, possibly within 24 hours of departure, and of course I can get MCE for free. I might take a friend with me on a mileage award; my ticket will be paid. After booking her ticket, can I add her record to mine and get her MCE for free?
I am almost certain an agent isn't going to be able to combine two separate records.
Dec 2, 2017, 9:11 pm
#128
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,630
In the past (several years ago) I have been successful in calling and saying "This person is traveling with us...could you please move him up next to us?" It may be that the policy has changed now that AA has become USAir.
Also, I am Plat...since Gold can "get MCE for free" only within 24 hours (assuming any seats are left), it may also follow that they don't get special favors.
Also, I am Plat...since Gold can "get MCE for free" only within 24 hours (assuming any seats are left), it may also follow that they don't get special favors.
Dec 2, 2017, 9:19 pm
#130
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,437
I'm sure this is answered somewhere and if someone just wants to point me there, I'd appreciate it.
I'm Gold on AA. I expect to book a flight later this week, possibly within 24 hours of departure, and of course I can get MCE for free. I might take a friend with me on a mileage award; my ticket will be paid. After booking her ticket, can I add her record to mine and get her MCE for free?
I'm Gold on AA. I expect to book a flight later this week, possibly within 24 hours of departure, and of course I can get MCE for free. I might take a friend with me on a mileage award; my ticket will be paid. After booking her ticket, can I add her record to mine and get her MCE for free?
Dec 3, 2017, 8:57 am
#132
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
I'm sure this is answered somewhere and if someone just wants to point me there, I'd appreciate it.
I'm Gold on AA. I expect to book a flight later this week, possibly within 24 hours of departure, and of course I can get MCE for free. I might take a friend with me on a mileage award; my ticket will be paid. After booking her ticket, can I add her record to mine and get her MCE for free?
I'm Gold on AA. I expect to book a flight later this week, possibly within 24 hours of departure, and of course I can get MCE for free. I might take a friend with me on a mileage award; my ticket will be paid. After booking her ticket, can I add her record to mine and get her MCE for free?
/Moderator
May 15, 2018, 10:18 am
#134
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: SNA
Posts: 928
Might be a lame question, but here goes anyway. My question isn't about "connecting" multiple passengers on the same itinerary, rather it is about "connecting" the same passenger on multiple itineraries (for purposes of IRROPS/cancellation protection, etc.).
Single passenger traveling on below OW segments; no checked bags, same-day connections.
AA LAX-HKG - revenue fare
CX HKG-ICN - BA award
QR ICN-DOH - revenue fare
Any opportunity here?
Single passenger traveling on below OW segments; no checked bags, same-day connections.
AA LAX-HKG - revenue fare
CX HKG-ICN - BA award
QR ICN-DOH - revenue fare
Any opportunity here?
Last edited by pmblinn; May 15, 2018 at 10:18 am Reason: spelling
May 15, 2018, 11:03 am
#135
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,437
Might be a lame question, but here goes anyway. My question isn't about "connecting" multiple passengers on the same itinerary, rather it is about "connecting" the same passenger on multiple itineraries (for purposes of IRROPS/cancellation protection, etc.).
Single passenger traveling on below OW segments; no checked bags, same-day connections.
AA LAX-HKG - revenue fare
CX HKG-ICN - BA award
QR ICN-DOH - revenue fare
Any opportunity here?
Single passenger traveling on below OW segments; no checked bags, same-day connections.
AA LAX-HKG - revenue fare
CX HKG-ICN - BA award
QR ICN-DOH - revenue fare
Any opportunity here?
AA will protect you in separate ticket situations, but whether or not you have a note in your PNR has no bearing on the situation.
How much time do you have in HKG before your flight to ICN? If your LAX-HKG flight starts getting delayed to the point where you might miss the HKG-ICN flight, you need to work with the AA AAgents at LAX to see about getting rebooked straight to ICN.
