✈️ How Do I Know If My Flight Booking Is Real?
With online travel deals everywhere, it’s smart to double-check that your flight booking is legitimate. Whether you booked directly with an airline or through a third-party site, the steps below will help you quickly confirm that your reservation is real and valid.
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- 📧 Check Your Confirmation Email
- 🔢 Locate Your Booking Reference (PNR)
- 🛫 Verify on the Airline Website
- 🎫 Confirm Ticketed Status
- 💳 Check Your Payment Method
- 🌐 If You Booked Through a Third Party
- 🚨 Red Flags to Watch For
- 💡 Tip
📧 Check Your Confirmation Email
A real flight booking always comes with a confirmation email shortly after purchase. The email should include:
- Your full name (matching your passport or ID)
- Flight numbers and travel dates
- Departure and arrival airports (IATA codes like JFK, LAX, LHR)
- A booking reference or confirmation code
If the email is vague, missing details, or only says “request received,” your ticket may not be fully issued.
🔢 Locate Your Booking Reference (PNR)
A legitimate booking includes a PNR (Passenger Name Record), usually a 6-character alphanumeric code (example: AB3XYZ).
- This code is required to access your reservation
- It works on the airline’s official website
- Each airline generates its own valid PNR
🛫 Verify on the Airline Website
The most reliable way to confirm your booking is directly with the airline:
- Go to the airline’s official website
- Select “Manage Booking” or “My Trips”
- Enter your last name and booking reference
If your itinerary appears, your booking is real.
🎫 Confirm Ticketed Status
A reservation alone is not enough — your flight must be ticketed.
- Look for a 13-digit e-ticket number (often starting with airline code, e.g., 001 for American)
- Status should say “Ticketed” or “Confirmed”
- Avoid bookings labeled “On Hold” or “Pending”
💳 Check Your Payment Method
A real flight booking always results in a charge:
- Check your credit or debit card statement
- The charge should match the airline or travel agency name
- A temporary authorization without a final charge may mean the ticket wasn’t issued
🌐 If You Booked Through a Third-Party Site
Online travel agencies can be legitimate, but verification is essential:
- Confirm the booking on the airline’s website using your PNR
- Ensure the agency provided an e-ticket number
- Contact the airline directly if anything looks unclear
If the airline cannot find your reservation, the booking is not valid.
🚨 Red Flags to Watch For
- No booking reference or e-ticket number
- Prices far below market value with no ticket issued
- Emails with spelling errors or unofficial sender domains
- Requests for payment outside secure checkout systems
💡 Tip
To avoid issues altogether, book directly with airlines when possible or use well-known travel sites. After booking, always verify your reservation on the airline’s website within 24 hours.
Bottom line: If you can see your itinerary on the airline’s official site and your ticket is marked as confirmed, your flight booking is real.