Group bookings are different from individual reservations. When handling large passenger numbers (20โ100+), even small mistakes can cause major operational issues. This guide explains how to create a Group PNR in the two main GDS systems: Amadeus and Travelport Galileo.
What Is a Group PNR?
A Group PNR is a single reservation record used to hold a large number of passengers โ typically between 20 and 100 or more โ travelling together on the same itinerary. Unlike an individual PNR, a Group PNR is governed by a specific airline group contract that defines deposit rules, seat blocking, name submission deadlines, and ticketing cutโoff dates.
Because group bookings involve significant revenue and tighter deadlines, how to create a Group PNR correctly is a core skill for any travel agent working with tour operators, corporate travel, religious trips, sports teams, or school groups.
How to Create a Group PNR in Amadeus
Amadeus uses the NG command to create a group PNR. Group seats are normally held under the GK status code, which is confirmed by the airline based on the group contract.
| Step | Command | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Create Group | NG80 GROUPNAME | Define group PNR (80 passengers) |
| Sell Segment | SS SM502U22MAYSHJCAIGK80 | Sell group seats (GK status) |
| Add Fare Note | SRGRPF-FARE 100AED | Add group fare as a remark |
| Phone | AP 0501234567 | Contact number |
| Received From | RFGROUP | Mandatory field |
| Ticketing | TKOK | Ticketing instruction |
| End PNR | ER | Save booking |
How to Create a Group PNR in Galileo
Galileo (Travelport) uses the N.G/ command to create a group PNR. Group seats are held under the AK status code, which reflects a group holding status recognised by the airline.
| Step | Command | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Create Group | N.G/80 GROUPNAME | Define group booking |
| Sell Segment | 0SM502U22MAYSHJCAIAK80 | Sell seats for group |
| Add Locator | RL.SM*ABC123 | Add the airline booking locator (some airlines may reject the passive booking if it is not included) |
| Phone | P.0501234567 | Contact number |
| Received From | R.GROUP | Mandatory field |
| Ticketing | T.T* | Ticketing instruction |
| End PNR | ER | Save booking |
Important Operational Notes
Before you create a Group PNR, always verify the airline group contract. The rules below apply to both GDS systems:
- Group status codes (GK / AK) depend entirely on airline rules and the negotiated group contract.
- Always verify group inventory with the airline before selling seats, as group allotments are limited.
- A missing Received From (RF) element will cause the PNR to be rejected during end transaction.
- Group ticketing deadlines are stricter than individual bookings โ often 21, 30 or 45 days before departure.
- Some airlines require SSR or OSI elements to handle the group reference number, tour code, or deposit confirmation.
- Name submission deadlines must be respected โ usually a fixed date before departure.
- Passive bookings in Galileo may require the airline booking locator via
RL.SM*or the airline will reject the record.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Creating a Group PNR
Even experienced agents make these errors. Review them before saving any group booking:
Using Wrong Status Codes
Mixing GK and AK across different GDS systems causes rejected segments and cancelled group allotments.
Forgetting Mandatory Fields
Missing RF, phone or ticketing instructions leads to an immediate PNR rejection at end transaction.
Ending the PNR Too Early
Saving with ER before completing ticketing logic means the PNR has no valid deadline and may autoโcancel.
Ignoring Airline Contract Rules
Every group contract is different โ always check deposit amounts, deadlines and cancellation penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Group PNR?
A Group PNR is a single reservation record that holds a large number of passengers, usually between 20 and 100 or more, travelling together on the same itinerary. It is managed differently from an individual PNR because airlines apply specific group contracts, deposit rules and ticketing deadlines.
What is the group creation command in Amadeus?
In Amadeus, the group creation command is NG followed by the number of passengers and the group name, for example NG80 GROUPNAME.
What is the group creation command in Galileo?
In Travelport Galileo, the group creation command is N.G/80 GROUPNAME.
What is the difference between GK and AK group status codes?
GK is used in Amadeus for group confirmed seats, while AK is used in Galileo for group holding. The correct code depends on the airline group contract rules.
Can I change the number of passengers after creating a Group PNR?
Yes, you can reduce or increase the number of passengers within the limits set by the airline group contract. Reducing below the minimum number usually requires airline approval and may affect the group fare.
How long does it take to create a Group PNR?
An experienced agent can create a complete Group PNR in under 5 minutes once the group contract and inventory are confirmed. Beginners using the GDS Training Simulator typically take 10โ15 minutes to build their first group booking.
Practice Group PNR Creation in the GDS Simulator
Reading commands is only the first step โ real mastery comes from typing them yourself and seeing the system respond. Our free GDS Training Simulator lets you build Group PNRs in Amadeus and Galileo with real command responses, no live data, and no risk.
You can also review the complete Amadeus commands reference to look up every group-related command, or read the official documentation on Amadeus.com and IATA.org for industry standards.
Start Practising Group PNRs Today
Create your free account and build real Group PNRs in Amadeus and Galileo inside our browser-based simulator. Perfect for beginners and experienced agents who want to master group bookings.
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