What is Multi-PNR? The Ultimate Guide for OTAs

In the fast-evolving world of online travel, delivering value to travellers while staying competitive is no small feat. Multi-PNR composition is a game-changing solution that allows OTAs to offer better, more flexible itineraries by combining flights from multiple airlines. This guide breaks down what multi-PNR is, its use cases, and how Trip Ninja makes integrating this powerful tool seamless.

What is Multi-PNR?

A Passenger Name Record (PNR) is a record in an airline’s booking system that contains essential trip details, such as flights, traveller information, and ticketing. While a traditional itinerary might involve a single PNR from one airline or alliance, multi-PNR composition brings together multiple PNRs—often from different airlines—into a single, cohesive itinerary.

This approach enables OTAs to offer unique travel solutions by pairing flights from carriers that wouldn’t usually collaborate. With multi-PNR, OTAs unlock more options for their customers, making it easier to offer competitive pricing and flexible routes.

‍How Does Multi-PNR Work?

Instead of being restricted to airlines with interline agreements, multi-PNR lets OTAs create itineraries that combine flights across various carriers. Each flight segment is booked under its own PNR, but from the traveller’s perspective, the journey feels seamless. Multi-PNR composition uses advanced technology, like Trip Ninja’s SmartFlights API, to build these itineraries efficiently.

Use Cases for Multi-PNR

Multi-PNR isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a practical solution with real-world applications for OTAs. Here are some key-ways it can be used:

• Mixing Low-Cost and Legacy Carriers: Combine flights from budget airlines and full-service carriers to give travellers more affordable options without compromising on route flexibility.
  Example: A traveller flying from New York to Paris can pair a low-cost carrier for the domestic leg with a legacy airline for the international segment.
• Building Multi-City Adventures: Enable travellers to explore multiple cities and enjoy extended stopovers by crafting unique routes that combine multiple carriers.
  Example: A trip from Toronto → London → Paris → Rome becomes easy to book with multi-PNR.
• Reaching Underserved Markets: Access regional carriers to connect travellers to destinations that larger airlines don’t serve.
  Example: A traveller heading to a small island destination might combine a major carrier to the hub city with a regional airline for the final leg.
• Offering Competitive Pricing: Use multi-PNR to create cost-effective itineraries that appeal to budget-conscious travellers.
  Example: A New York to Tokyo route might combine two or more airlines to deliver significant cost savings compared to a single-carrier option.

Why Multi-PNR Matters for OTAs

Multi-PNR composition isn’t just about offering better itineraries—it’s about staying competitive in a crowded market. Here’s how it benefits OTAs:

• Broader Inventory: Expand route options by tapping into flights from carriers outside traditional agreements.
• Higher Margins: Optimize pricing and composition to increase profitability.
• Enhanced Traveller Experience: Deliver flexible, cost-effective itineraries that cater to modern travel preferences.
• Increased Conversions: Competitive pricing and unique route options mean more bookings.

How Trip Ninja Leverages Multi-PNR Integration

At Trip Ninja, we know that Multi-PNR capabilities open up new opportunities for OTAs to enhance their flight offerings and drive customer satisfaction. That’s why our SmartFlights API is designed to maximize the potential of Multi-PNR itineraries, providing seamless solutions that empower your business. Here’s how we deliver:

• Automated Itinerary Composition: Advanced machine learning creates efficient Multi-PNR itineraries, balancing traveller preferences and cost-effectiveness.‍
• Efficient API Integration: With just two core API calls for flight composition and two reporting calls, integrating our technology is fast and straightforward.
• ‍Comprehensive Support: From onboarding to performance optimization, our team is dedicated to supporting you at every stage.‍
• Scalable Solutions: Whether you’re an emerging OTA or an established market leader, our solutions grow with your business needs.

How to Get Started

Ready to take your OTA to the next level? Getting started with our API is simple.

• Request a Demo: Want to see how our API works? Request a demo with our team and experience the difference for yourself.
• Contact Our Team: Schedule a consultation to discuss how we can enhance your current systems.
• Access Our API Documentation: Get an overview of the technical setup and start exploring the possibilities in our sandbox environment.

Real-World Example: Success Story

Webjet: Improving Multi-City Revenue with our API

Take Webjet, for example. By implementing Trip Ninja’s SmartFlights API, Webjet expanded its route offerings, optimized pricing, and delivered more value to travellers. The result? Webjet has increased its revenue per search by 125%. Read the full case study.

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