Amadeus NM Command: How to Create CBBG and EXST Passenger Names

A complete guide to creating passenger name elements for cabin baggage (CBBG) and extra seat (EXST) passengers in Amadeus — including the correct NM formats and when each one applies.

Not every passenger occupies a standard seat. Some travellers need cabin baggage space for a musical instrument or valuable item, and others require an extra seat for personal comfort, medical reasons, or the size of their equipment. These passengers must be entered in the PNR using a special NM format that combines the passenger name with the applicable service indicator. The NM command supports both cabin baggage (CBBG) and extra seat (EXST) passengers, and getting the format right at the point of entry prevents problems later during seat assignment, SSR entry, and ticketing. This guide explains how the CBBG and EXST formats work, the syntax for each scenario, and when each one should be used.

What Do These NM Formats Do?

The NM command can also be used to create passenger name elements for cabin baggage (CBBG) and passengers requiring an extra seat (EXST).

Both formats embed the service indicator directly into the name element. The indicator in brackets — (IDCBBG) or (IDEXST) — tells the system that the passenger needs the corresponding service, while the option at the end of the entry — /CBBG or /EXST — determines how many tickets will be issued for the passenger.

Cabin Baggage — Single Ticket

Create a passenger name with cabin baggage when only one ticket is required:

NM2ADAMS/ARTHUR MR(IDCBBG)/CBBG

This creates a passenger name for ADAMS/ARTHUR MR with the cabin baggage indicator embedded in the name. Because the entry ends with /CBBG and not with a second CBBG indicator, the passenger occupies the same seat they would normally — the cabin baggage is in addition to the passenger’s own seat, and only one ticket is issued.

Use this format when the passenger needs cabin space for an item but does not require an additional seat. Common examples include carrying a musical instrument, a medical device, or a valuable personal item on board.

Cabin Baggage — Two Tickets

Create a passenger name with cabin baggage when two tickets are required:

NM2WILLIAMS/ALEX MR/CBBG

This creates a passenger name for WILLIAMS/ALEX MR with the cabin baggage option at the end of the entry. Unlike the previous example, the entry ends with /CBBG as the final element rather than as a name indicator — which tells the system that two tickets are to be issued.

Use this format when the passenger needs both a ticket for themselves and an additional ticket for the cabin baggage item — for example a cello or double bass that must occupy its own seat.

Extra Seat — EXST

Create a passenger name requiring an extra seat:

NM2WILLIAMS/ALEX MR(IDEXST)/EXST

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.

Use this format for passengers requiring extra seating for personal comfort, medical reasons, or to accommodate equipment. Extra seat bookings usually involve additional charges and must be confirmed by the airline before ticketing.

When to Use These NM Formats

Use these NM formats when adding special passenger types such as cabin baggage or extra-seat passengers to a PNR. Typical scenarios include:

Carrying a musical instrument that requires its own cabin seat.
Transporting a valuable item or piece of equipment that cannot be checked.
A passenger requesting extra personal space for comfort.
A medical passenger needing additional seating for a device or for their condition.
A passenger requiring a stretcher or an oversized seat configuration.
A corporate traveller carrying sensitive equipment on a business trip.
Any booking where the airline requires the extra seat or cabin baggage service to be declared at the time of name entry.

How These NM Formats Fit Into Your PNR Management Workflow

A typical session adding a CBBG or EXST passenger might look like this:

Confirm with the customer and the airline that the cabin baggage or extra seat service is available and accepted.
Create the passenger name using the appropriate NM format — (IDCBBG)/CBBG, /CBBG, or (IDEXST)/EXST.
Add the itinerary using SS for the flights.
Add the corresponding SSR with SR — SR CBBG for cabin baggage or SR EXST for extra seat.
Check that a seat can be assigned for the item or extra space using ST if the airline requires seat selection for the extra seat.
Add contact details with AP, ticketing arrangements with TK, and price with FXP.
Verify the passenger appears correctly with RTIM.
Save the PNR with ER or ET, and issue the ticket with TTP.

CBBG vs EXST — The Key Differences

CBBG (single ticket) → cabin baggage carried in the cabin without an additional passenger seat — one ticket issued.
CBBG (two tickets) → cabin baggage occupying its own seat — two tickets issued, one for the passenger and one for the item.
EXST → extra seat requested by the passenger for comfort or medical reasons — usually with an additional charge.

All three formats embed the service indicator into the name element so the system and the airline know from the moment the passenger is entered 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.

Important: Cabin baggage and extra seat services are subject to airline policy, aircraft configuration, and availability. Not every airline accepts these services, and additional charges usually apply. Always confirm with the airline before entering the passenger name or promising the service to the customer.

Because the indicator is embedded in the name element, changing or removing it later may require the passenger name to be corrected with the appropriate NM correction entry and may affect the issued ticket. Get the format right at the point of entry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does NM2ADAMS/ARTHUR MR(IDCBBG)/CBBG mean?

It creates a passenger name with cabin baggage when only one ticket is required — the passenger occupies their own seat and the cabin baggage is carried on board.

What does NM2WILLIAMS/ALEX MR/CBBG mean?

It creates a passenger name with cabin baggage when two tickets are required — one for the passenger and one for the cabin baggage item, which occupies its own seat.

What does NM2WILLIAMS/ALEX MR(IDEXST)/EXST mean?

It creates a passenger name requiring an extra seat, for comfort or medical reasons. The (IDEXST) indicator and the /EXST option both signal the extra seat service to the airline.

Do I also need to add an SSR for CBBG or EXST?

Yes. Add the matching SSR with the SR command — SR CBBG for cabin baggage or SR EXST for extra seat.

What is the difference between CBBG single ticket and CBBG two tickets?

With a single ticket, the cabin baggage is carried in the cabin without an additional passenger seat. With two tickets, the item occupies its own seat, so an additional ticket is issued.

Conclusion

The NM command supports special passenger types beyond standard bookings. Use NM2ADAMS/ARTHUR MR(IDCBBG)/CBBG for cabin baggage when only one ticket is required, NM2WILLIAMS/ALEX MR/CBBG for cabin baggage occupying its own seat when two tickets are needed, and NM2WILLIAMS/ALEX MR(IDEXST)/EXST for passengers requiring an extra seat. Embedding the indicator in the name element ensures the system and the airline know from the moment of entry that the booking involves a special arrangement. Always confirm with the airline that the service is accepted, add the corresponding SSR, and check seat assignment with ST where needed. Paired with the standard NM and NM correction entries, these specialised NM formats complete your passenger name toolkit and keep every booking — even the more unusual ones — accurate from the first entry to the final ticket.