Amadeus lesson 2: How to add Passenger Names (NM)

A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Adding Passenger Names in Amadeus GDS

After learning how to search for a flight in Lesson 1, the next essential step in the booking process is adding passenger names to your Amadeus PNR. In this second lesson, we’ll show you exactly how to use the NM command to add passenger names correctly — with a full video demonstration at the end.

Why Is Adding Passenger Names So Important?

In Amadeus, every reservation (PNR) must contain accurate passenger details before you can proceed to ticketing. A single typo in a name can lead to denied boarding at the airport, costly reissues, or even a cancelled booking. That’s why the NM command is one of the first things every travel agent must master.

Step 1: Understand the NM Command

The NM command (Name) is used to add a passenger’s last name and first name to the PNR. The basic format is:

• NM – The command to add a name
• 1 – The number of passengers with this exact name
• SMITH – The passenger’s last name (surname)
• /JOHN – The passenger’s first name
• MR – The title (MR, MRS, MRS, CHD for child, INF for infant)

Step 2: Adding Multiple Passengers

If you have more than one passenger, you can add them in a single command by separating each name with the / symbol:

This creates two separate passenger entries — one for John Smith and one for Jane Smith — under the same PNR.

Step 3: Adding Children and Infants

Amadeus uses specific codes for different passenger types:

• (CHD) – Child (usually 2–11 years old)
• (INF) – Infant (usually under 2 years old)

For example, to add a child:

Common Mistakes Beginners Make

The most frequent errors with the NM command include: reversing the first and last name, forgetting the title (MR/MRS), using lowercase letters instead of uppercase, adding extra spaces before or after the slash, and mixing up the passenger type codes (ADT, CHD, INF). Another common issue is trying to add a name after the PNR has already been ticketed — at that point, changes require a reissue. Always verify all passenger details before proceeding to ticketing.

Video Lesson

Watch the practical, step-by-step walkthrough in the video below:

Conclusion

Adding passenger names in Amadeus with the NM command is a simple yet critical step in building a correct PNR. Always double-check spelling, use the right title and passenger type, and match the passport exactly. In the next lesson, we’ll learn how to add contact details and proceed toward ticketing.