reservationsnummer

A reservationsnummer, or reservation number, is a unique code assigned by a service provider to identify a specific booking or reservation. The term is used across travel, hospitality, and events, and in German, it is commonly called Reservierungsnummer or Buchungsnummer. In airline and rail contexts, similar identifiers such as PNR (passenger name record) are used.

Purpose and use: The code enables the provider and the customer to retrieve, modify, or cancel the reservation without exposing personal data. It appears in confirmation emails, SMS messages, and online portals and is often required when checking in or making changes.

Format and creation: Formats vary widely between industries and providers; most are alphanumeric strings, typically 6 to 12 characters, sometimes grouped with hyphens or spaces. The number is generated by the provider's booking system at the time the reservation is created and remains linked to the customer's name, contact details, dates, and service details.

Security and privacy: While not highly sensitive, the reservationsnummer can be used to access a booking, so it should be treated as a private identifier and shared only with authorized parties. If lost, customers typically can recover via the provider's account or customer service using other identifying information.

See also: Booking reference, Confirmation number, PNR.