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Amadeus Queues : How to Use Them Efficiently

Amadeus Queues Guide: Numbers, Commands & Categories Explained

๐Ÿ“… Updated: October 2026 โฑ 10 min read โœˆ๏ธ GDS HUB Editorial

If you work with Amadeus GDS, you’ve likely heard of queues. However, many agents don’t fully grasp their value. This guide will explain what Amadeus queues are, why they matter, and how to effectively use them in your daily tasks.

Amadeus queues are one of the most powerful productivity tools in the system โ€” but only if you know how to use them properly. Let’s break it down in a clear, practical way.

What Are Queues in Amadeus?

In Amadeus, queues are organized storage areas where PNRs (bookings) are placed either automatically or manually for follow-up actions.

Think of queues as your to-do list within the system. Instead of checking every booking one by one, Amadeus automatically sends important cases โ€” such as schedule changes, confirmations, or ticketing deadlines โ€” into queues for efficient handling.

Good to know: The Amadeus Queue system is an electronic diary that helps you manage your travel office’s messages and reservations. Each airline and travel agent is provided with a queue bank for automatic placement of PNRs and messages.

Why Are Queues Important?

Queues help you:

  • Stay organized and avoid missing important actions โ€” nothing falls through the cracks
  • Monitor airline updates like schedule changes proactively
  • Manage ticketing deadlines and confirmations โ€” avoid costly ADMs
  • Quickly address customer requests โ€” all pending tasks are in one place
  • Enhance workflow efficiency within your agency and across teams

Without queues, managing bookings would be disorganized, especially in busy environments. Queues automate the triage process so you can focus on the PNRs that actually need your attention.

Amadeus Queue Numbers and Their Purpose

Here are the key queues you should know. Each queue number corresponds to a specific type of action required in the PNR.

Queue ID Type Purpose
0 GENERAL Special General queue โ€” when a specific queue is not specified, PNRs are automatically placed here
1 CONFO Dual Confirmation of segments and services (KK, UU, UN, NO, UC, US status codes)
2 KL Dual Confirmation from Waitlist (KL advice codes, HK status codes)
3 OPTION Special Option elements entered in the PNR
4 RPCHNG Special PNRs whose office responsibility has been transferred to your office
5 RATES Special Rates Queue (not available in all markets)
7 SKEDCHG Dual Schedule Change advised from an airline
8 TKTG Dual Ticketing/Time Limit on the date mentioned in the TK element
9 OA CTRL Special Queuing field on the PNR is that of the airline
12 XTL Special Expired Ticket Time Limit โ€” no timely action has been taken
23 RQR Special Request for Reply โ€” if segment still shows HN status code after 24 hours
80 PTA Special Prepaid Ticket Advice
87 GRPS Dual Group Review
94 MSG-CP Dual Follow-up messages stored in Customer Profiles
96 MSG-PDR Dual Past Dated Records
97 MSG Dual Messages โ€” Delay Date/Time
Important: Not every office uses every queue. The default queue bank activated for travel agencies includes queues 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 12, 25, 96 and 97. Check with your supervisor to confirm which queues your PCC actively monitors.

How to Display Queues in Amadeus

Display Total Queues Without Categories and Date Ranges

AMADEUS ยท QTQ QTQ A summary queue count for all activated queues

Display Queues That Contain PNRs

AMADEUS ยท QT QT Displays the queue bank with all categories, date ranges and active PNRs
QTQ command output in Amadeus showing summary queue count for all activated queues
QTQ command output โ€” summary queue count
QT command output in Amadeus showing queue bank with categories and active PNRs
QT command output โ€” queue bank with categories

How to Open a Queue

To open a queue for processing, use the QS command.

Open a Specific Queue

AMADEUS ยท QS7 QS7 Opens Queue number 7 (Schedule Change)

Open a Queue with a Category

AMADEUS ยท QS7C1 QS7C1 7 = Queue number ยท C1 = Category 1

Understanding Queue Categories

Some queues are divided into categories to better organize tasks. Categories are a sub-division that divide PNRs in the same queue according to the exact action required.

Example

  • Queue 7 (SKEDCHG) = Schedule Change
  • It contains categories (C)
  • To open Category 1 inside Queue 7, you use: QS7C1
Simple way to remember: Queue = main folder ยท Category = sub-folder inside the queue.
Note: A special queue can have up to 152 categories. A dual queue can have up to 152 categories, and each category has up to four date ranges. Numbering and categories are configured per agency, so always confirm your office’s own layout.

Date Ranges Explained

Date ranges divide PNRs in the same queue and category according to the urgency of the action required. This helps agents prioritise the most urgent PNRs first.

Date Range Description
D1 Today plus two days in the future
D2 Three to five days from the current date
D3 Six to eight days from the current date
D4 Nine days and beyond from the current date
Example: To open Queue 7, Category 1, Date Range 1: QS7C1D1

Working Inside a Queue

Once you enter a queue, like Queue 7 (Schedule Change), you will process PNRs using the following commands.

Basic Queue Commands

AMADEUS ยท QUEUE QN Remove PNR from queue IG Ignore and move to the next PNR (PNR stays in queue) QI Exit queue

Handling PNR Changes

AMADEUS ยท ERK ERK Remove inactive segments
Important: If you modify a PNR, you must save it using RFM + ER. Without RFM (Received From), the PNR will fail to save.

Advanced Queue Commands

AMADEUS ยท ADVANCED QIR Ignore and redisplay PNR outside queue QD Move PNR to the bottom of the queue QR1 Delete all PNRs from Queue 1 QE8 Transfer PNR to Queue 8 (PNR must be opened first) QE8C1 Transfer PNR to Queue 8, Category 1

Practical Example: Schedule Change Queue

Queue 7 (SKEDCHG) is crucial. When airlines change flight times, bookings are automatically sent here. Queue 7 is where Amadeus places a PNR when an airline changes its schedule โ€” a retime, a flight-number change, a cancellation, or an equipment swap that affects the booking.

Your Job

  1. Open the queue โ€” QS7
  2. Review the changes โ€” check the new flight times and segment statuses
  3. Inform the customer or rebook if needed
  4. Save and remove the PNR from the queue โ€” RFM + ER, then QN
Pro tip: Queue 7 should be processed first every shift. Schedule changes directly affect passenger travel plans and can lead to complaints if not handled proactively.
Related reading: For a detailed walkthrough of handling schedule changes, read How to Display Ticket Penalties in Amadeus for rebooking and reissue rules.

Final Thoughts

Mastering queues in Amadeus is vital for any travel agent. It helps you stay organized, avoid errors, and handle bookings professionally.

If you use queues properly, you will:

  • Save time โ€” no more manual searching for pending actions
  • Reduce errors โ€” the system tracks everything for you
  • Improve customer service โ€” proactive handling of schedule changes and deadlines
Pro tip: Practise the QS, QN, IG and QI commands daily in a simulator before working on live PNRs. Within a few days, the workflow becomes second nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are queues in Amadeus GDS?
In Amadeus, queues are organized storage areas where PNRs (bookings) are placed either automatically or manually for follow-up actions. They work like a to-do list within the system โ€” instead of checking every booking one by one, Amadeus automatically sends important cases like schedule changes, confirmations, or ticketing deadlines into queues for efficient handling.
What is the QTQ command in Amadeus?
QTQ is the Amadeus command that displays a summary queue count for all activated queues. It shows you which queues have PNRs waiting without displaying categories or date ranges. Use QT instead if you want to see the queue bank with categories and active items.
How do I open Queue 7 in Amadeus?
To open Queue 7 (schedule change queue) in Amadeus, enter QS7. To open Category 1 inside Queue 7, enter QS7C1. Queue 7 is where Amadeus places PNRs when an airline changes its schedule โ€” a retime, flight number change, cancellation, or equipment swap.
What is the difference between QN, IG and QI in Amadeus?
QN removes the PNR from the queue and displays the next PNR. IG ignores and moves to the next PNR while keeping it in the queue. QI exits the queue completely. Use QIR to ignore and redisplay the PNR outside the queue.
What is the difference between a queue and a queue category in Amadeus?
A queue holds a class of work โ€” for example Queue 7 holds all schedule changes. A category subdivides that queue so different agents or offices handle different items. For example, Queue 7 might have Category 1 for a specific airline and Category 2 for another. Numbering and categories are configured per agency.
What are Date Ranges in Amadeus queues?
Date ranges divide PNRs in the same queue and category according to the urgency of the action required. D1 covers today plus two days, D2 covers three to five days, D3 covers six to eight days, and D4 covers nine days and beyond. This helps agents prioritise the most urgent PNRs first.
What is Queue 0 used for in Amadeus?
Queue 0 (GENERAL) is the miscellaneous queue. When a specific queue is not specified, PNRs are automatically placed on the general queue. It is typically used for general follow-ups and miscellaneous tasks.
How do I move a PNR to another queue in Amadeus?
To move a PNR to another queue in Amadeus, first open the PNR in the queue, then use QE followed by the destination queue number. For example, QE8 transfers the PNR to Queue 8. To transfer to a specific category, use QE8C1. The PNR must be opened first before transferring.

Practise Amadeus Queue Management in a Safe Simulator

Create a free GDS HUB account and practise QTQ, QS7, QN, IG and QI commands in a simulated Amadeus environment โ€” no live data, no risk.

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