Can I cancel a single ticket in one PNR?

Untangling the Knot: Cancelling a Single Ticket Within a Multi-Passenger PNR

Booking flights for a group often means using a single Passenger Name Record (PNR) for convenience. But what happens when one passenger needs to cancel their trip? Can you cancel just one ticket within that PNR? The short answer is: yes, it’s usually possible, though the process isn’t always straightforward.

While many assume a PNR is an indivisible unit, airlines and online travel agencies (OTAs) generally offer mechanisms to separate individual passenger records within a larger booking. Think of it like unbundling a package – you can remove one item without affecting the others. However, the ease of doing so varies significantly depending on who issued your ticket and the specific rules of the airline involved.

The Process: A Case-by-Case Scenario

The method for cancelling a single ticket from a multi-passenger PNR is not standardized. Here’s a breakdown of what you might encounter:

• Directly with the Airline: If you booked directly with the airline, contacting their customer service is the most reliable approach. They have access to the booking system and can directly manipulate the PNR to remove the individual passenger. Expect to provide your PNR number, the name of the passenger to be cancelled, and possibly other identifying information. Be prepared for potential fees, as cancellation policies vary.

• Through an Online Travel Agency (OTA): OTAs like Expedia, Booking.com, or Kayak often have their own cancellation procedures. Their systems might allow you to manage individual passenger details within the booking, potentially offering a self-service option to cancel. However, this isn’t always the case, and you may still need to contact their customer support for assistance. Be aware that OTAs might charge additional fees beyond the airline’s cancellation policy.

• The Role of Ticket Type and Fare Rules: Your ability to cancel a single ticket also depends heavily on the type of ticket purchased and the associated fare rules. Some non-refundable tickets might incur substantial penalties, regardless of whether you’re cancelling the whole booking or just a portion. Always review the terms and conditions of your ticket before attempting any cancellations.

What to Expect:

• Cancellation Fees: Prepare for potential cancellation fees. These can be significant, depending on the fare rules and the time remaining before the flight.
• Refund Processing: Refunds, if applicable, can take several days or even weeks to process, depending on the issuing agency and their refund policies.
• Documentation: Keep records of all communication with the airline or OTA, including confirmation emails and any cancellation confirmation numbers.

Proactive Planning:

To avoid future headaches, consider booking individual tickets, especially when traveling with a group where individual travel plans might change. While a single PNR offers convenience, it can complicate the cancellation process. Understanding the potential complexities beforehand allows for better planning and reduces unexpected surprises.

In conclusion, cancelling a single ticket from a multi-passenger PNR is possible, but requires navigating the specific policies of the airline or OTA that issued the ticket. Contacting customer support directly is often the most efficient way to achieve this, but remember to carefully review fare rules and prepare for potential fees.