How to Use ARNK in Amadeus, Sabre & Galileo

If you work with Global Distribution Systems (GDS) like Amadeus, Sabre, or Travelport Galileo, you have likely seen ARNK inside a PNR.

This guide explains clearly what ARNK means, why it is important, and how to add it in different GDS systems.

What Does ARNK Mean?

ARNK stands for Arrival Unknown.

It is a non-air segment added to a PNR when a passenger travels between two cities without a booked flight in the system.

In simple terms:

• ARNK connects two air segments when the passenger moves between cities by another method (car, train, bus, or separate ticket).
• It is a placeholder that tells the system the gap is intentional.
• It is also known as a surface segment.

When Do You Use ARNK?

You must add ARNK when:

• The arrival city is different from the next departure city
• The passenger has an open-jaw itinerary
• The passenger is traveling overland between two airports
• There is a break in the routing that is not ticketed

Example

Since there is no flight between CAI and HBE in the PNR, you must insert ARNK between them.

Why Is ARNK Important?

ARNK is important because:

• It keeps the itinerary logically connected — the system understands the gap is intentional
• It prevents pricing errors — open-jaw fares require the system to recognise the break
• It avoids ticketing issues — the ticket will be issued correctly for the actual flights
• It ensures proper fare construction — routing validation depends on correct segment order
• It maintains correct segment sequence — critical for automated pricing

Amadeus — SIARNK Command

In Amadeus, use the following command to add an ARNK segment:

Result

After entering the command, the ARNK segment will appear between the two air segments in the PNR. In some Amadeus versions, you may need to specify the date: SIARNK12OCT.

Galileo — Y Command

In Galileo, use the following command to add an ARNK segment:

Result

After entering the command, the ARNK segment will appear in the itinerary where the gap exists. In some Galileo versions, you can also use 0A as an alternative command.

Sabre — 0AA Command

In Sabre, use the following command to add an ARNK segment:

Result

After entering the command, the ARNK segment will appear between the two air segments in the PNR.

Does ARNK Affect Pricing?

ARNK itself does not create a fare because it is not an actual flight. However, it affects:

• Fare calculation logic — the system needs to know the gap is intentional
• Open-jaw pricing rules — ARNK is required for open-jaw fare construction
• Routing validation — ensures the itinerary is logically connected
• Minimum connection checks — the system uses ARNK to validate segment continuity

Frequently Asked Questions