The Secret 3-Digit Code on Your Airline Ticket
When you purchase an e-ticket, your 13-digit ticket confirmation number always begins with a 3-digit numerical prefix (e.g., 006-1234567890 or 075-9876543210). This prefix identifies the validating airline that issued the ticket stock and holds financial responsibility for the booking.
Why Ticket Stock Prefixes Matter
- Code-share Flights: You might be flying on an American Airlines plane (AA 100), but if your ticket starts with 057, Air France issued the ticket.
- Baggage Allowances: Free baggage rules and change fees are governed by the validating carrier's ticket stock rules.
- Refunding & Reissuing: Any voluntary changes or refunds must be processed through the issuing airline associated with the 3-digit code.
Common 3-Digit Ticket Prefixes
- 006: Delta Air Lines (DL)
- 016: United Airlines (UA)
- 001: American Airlines (AA)
- 075: Iberia (IB)
- 057: Air France (AF)
- 074: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KL)
- 220: Lufthansa (LH)
- 176: Emirates (EK)
Travel agents working in Amadeus, Sabre, or Travelport can quickly decode ticket records using our PNR Decoder & GDS Translator.