Amadeus NM Command: Complete Guide to Passenger Names in GDS (2026)

The Amadeus NM command is the entry used to create passenger name elements in a PNR. Every booking begins with the passenger — before an itinerary can be sold, a fare quoted, or a ticket issued, the travellers must be named using the Amadeus NM command format that matches the passenger type and family-name structure. In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to use the Amadeus NM command for single travellers, families, children, infants, multiple family names, cabin baggage (CBBG), and extra seat (EXST) passengers — with real command examples and a full video demonstration.

Getting the Amadeus NM command format right at the point of entry prevents problems later with ticketing, APIS data, and airline passenger manifests. For a broader reference, explore our Amadeus commands library. If you have not signed in yet, start with the Amadeus JI sign-in guide before entering names.

What Does the Amadeus NM Command Do?

NM is the Amadeus GDS command used to create passenger name elements in a PNR (Category: Passenger Names). The Amadeus NM command supports several different formats:

• A single passenger
• Multiple passengers sharing the same family name
• Adult-and-child bookings under one family name
• Standalone children
• Infants travelling with an adult (same or different family name)
• Multiple different family names in the same entry
• Cabin baggage (CBBG) and extra seat (EXST) passengers

Amadeus NM Command: Basic Format

The Amadeus NM command follows a fixed structure. Here is a single-passenger entry:

Amadeus NM Command for a Single Passenger

The simplest form of the Amadeus NM command creates one passenger under one family name:

This creates a single passenger, RAVEL/TOM MR. Use this form of the Amadeus NM command whenever you book one traveller with one family name.

Amadeus NM Command: Multiple Passengers with Same Family Name

When two or more passengers share a family name, the Amadeus NM command enters the family name once followed by each given name and title:

This creates two passengers — MEYERS/HANS MR and MEYERS/HEIDI MRS — sharing the family name MEYERS.

Amadeus NM Command: Adult and Child with Same Family Name

Book an adult and a child under the same family name with a single Amadeus NM command:

This creates an adult (HOBART/JAMES MR) and a child (HOBART/BILL (CHD)). The (CHD) indicator tells the system the second passenger is a child, so the correct fare and passenger type code are applied. This is one of the most useful Amadeus NM command formats for family bookings.

Amadeus NM Command: Single Child Passenger

Use this Amadeus NM command format to add a standalone child:

This creates a single child, BRADLEY/MICHAEL (CHD). Children cannot travel alone unless the airline provides an unaccompanied minor service — in that case, add the corresponding SSR using the Amadeus SR command.

Amadeus NM Command: Infant with Same Family Name

Associate an infant with an adult travelling under the same family name:

This creates an adult, BRILL/SUSAN MRS, with an infant associated to her — BRILL/LISA. The (INF/…) format associates the infant with the adult traveller and applies the infant passenger type code.

Amadeus NM Command: Infant with Different Family Name

When the infant’s family name differs from the adult’s, the Amadeus NM command embeds the full infant name inside the brackets:

This creates an adult (BROCH/R MRS) with an infant who has a different family name (LEWIS/SUSAN). This format is common when a parent travels with a child under a different surname — for example after a legal name change or in blended families. Note the slight difference in the Amadeus NM command syntax: (INFLEWIS/SUSAN) without a slash after INF.

Amadeus NM Command: Multiple Family Names

Book unrelated travellers with different family names using one Amadeus NM command entry:

This creates two passengers with different family names — NELSON/FRANK MR and EDWARDS/RICHARD MR — separated by a space. Use this Amadeus NM command format for friends or colleagues travelling together on the same itinerary.

Cabin Baggage (CBBG) with the Amadeus NM Command

The Amadeus NM command also handles passengers needing cabin baggage space — for a musical instrument, medical device, or valuable item that cannot be checked. There are two formats depending on the number of tickets required.

Single Ticket — Cabin Baggage Carried On Board

This creates a passenger name for ADAMS/ARTHUR MR with the cabin baggage indicator embedded. Because the entry ends with /CBBG and not with a second CBBG indicator, the passenger occupies their own seat — the cabin baggage is carried in the cabin without an additional seat, and only one ticket is issued.

Two Tickets — Cabin Baggage Occupies Its Own Seat

This creates a passenger name for WILLIAMS/ALEX MR with the cabin baggage option at the end of the entry. The /CBBG at the end tells the system that two tickets are to be issued — one for the passenger and one for the cabin baggage item occupying its own seat. Use this Amadeus NM command format for large instruments like a cello or double bass.

Extra Seat (EXST) with the Amadeus NM Command

Passengers requiring an extra seat — for comfort, medical reasons, or oversized equipment — are entered with a dedicated Amadeus NM command format:

This creates a passenger name for WILLIAMS/ALEX MR requiring an extra seat. The (IDEXST) indicator in the name element tells the system the passenger needs additional seating, and the /EXST option at the end confirms the extra seat service. Extra seat bookings usually involve additional charges and must be confirmed by the airline before ticketing.

CBBG vs EXST — Key Differences in the Amadeus NM Command

All three Amadeus NM command formats embed the service indicator into the name element so both the system and the airline know from the moment of entry that the booking involves a special arrangement. The correct format must be chosen based on the number of tickets and the type of service required.

Common Mistakes with the Amadeus NM Command

The most frequent errors with the Amadeus NM command include:

• Reversing the first and last name — always LASTNAME/FIRSTNAME
• Forgetting the title — MR, MRS, MISS are mandatory
• Using lowercase — always uppercase
• Adding extra spaces before or after the slash
• Mixing up passenger types — ADT, CHD, INF have different formats
• Adding a name after ticketing — at that point, changes require reissue
• Mismatched family names on infants — use the different-family-name format

Amadeus NM Command vs NU — Correcting Names

Understanding the difference between NM and NU is essential when you work with the Amadeus NM command daily:

The distinction matters: NM creates names, NU corrects them. Use the Amadeus NM command at the start of a booking, and the NU command when a saved name needs updating without touching the rest of the PNR.

How the Amadeus NM Command Fits Your Workflow

A typical booking session using the Amadeus NM command looks like this:

1. Confirm the travellers with the customer — family names, given names, titles, and passenger types.
2. Enter the Amadeus NM command using the correct format for each passenger group.
3. Add the itinerary using SS.
4. Add contact details with AP, ticketing arrangement with TK, and SSRs with SR.
5. Review the passenger list with RTIM, and the itinerary with RTAM.
6. Price the booking with FXP and review the TST.
7. Save with ER or ET, then issue the ticket with TTP.
8. If a name needs correction, use NU rather than cancelling and rebooking.

Video Lesson: Amadeus NM Command in Action

Watch the full walkthrough showing how to use the Amadeus NM command to add passenger names correctly: