Basic Sabre Formats and Functions
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions
Functions
TRAINING GUIDE
Table of Contents
© 2006 Sabre Inc. All rights reserved. This documentation is the confidential and
proprietary intellectual property of Sabre Inc. Any unauthorized use, reproduction,
preparation of derivative works, performance, or display of this document, or software
represented by this document, without the express written permission of Sabre Inc. is
strictly prohibited.
Sabre, the Sabre logo design and Personal Trainer are trademarks and/or service marks
of an affiliate of Sabre Inc. All other trademarks, service marks, and trade names are
owned by their respective companies.
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 Table of Contents 2
Objectives
Overview
Sabre Holdings recognizes the importance of providing our travel agent customers the
functionality and product support necessary to provide comprehensive travel services to their
clients. Global Customer Support Center specialists must understand Sabre global
distribution system functions and learn various formats to be adequately prepared to support
calls from our valued subscribers.
You will be presented with a wide range of questions and problem solving challenges from
subscribers with various backgrounds and levels of experience. You will diagnose problems,
advise formats and solutions, assist with business tools, and escalate issues when necessary.
While providing the requested technical assistance, Software Support specialists are also
expected to demonstrate excellent customer service skills. It is important that you become
familiar with the wide range of Sabre products and services in order to successfully provide
software helpdesk assistance.
During this training course, we will cover topics to help you learn procedures and trouble
shooting techniques in order to deliver our products and services to the travel agency
community. You will be introduced to basic concepts and continually build upon that
foundation during and after classroom instruction. You will gain the knowledge and
background needed to become proficient and successful as a Customer Support Specialist.
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 Objectives 3
Working in the Sabre System
Travel agents access Sabre functions by various point of sale solutions: Sabre for Windows,
MySabre, and Turbo Sabre. You will work primarily in host Sabre and learn skills that
prepare you to support our subscribers regardless of which application they use.
Sabre for Windows has been the most common method of access and it is currently used by
most of our Software Support specialists. However, more and more customers are migrating
to MySabre so it is important that you become capable of working in both systems.
The travel agencies of today provide a wide variety of services to the traveling public. They
demand more than just air travel. Car, hotel, cruise, train, and tour reservations are also
required.
In the past, most services had to be obtained by telephoning the various vendors for
schedules, availability, and reservations. With the onset of Computer Reservation Systems
(CRS), these services may be obtained in seconds, with minimal need for phone calls.
Our Sabre customers subscribe to the most sophisticated computerized reservation system on
the market. The Sabre system is the gateway to the world of travel and travel-related
services.
Sabre is a mainframe CRS system located underground in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was installed
in Briarcliff Manor, NY in 1963, and was made widely available to the travel industry in
1976. Sabre is the largest non-government real time system, second only to the system
maintained by the US government.
This student reference will provide information to familiarize you with the terminology and
concepts of the agency environment as they pertain to Sabre. It will also provide the tools
necessary to service clients in a professional and timely manner, which will be profitable and
beneficial to you and our customers.
Some amazing statistics:
• More than 41,000 travel agencies in 112 countries use Sabre
• More than $71 million in travel is booked through Sabre each year
• More than 400 million bookings per year
• Approximately 36% of all reservations made in the world are booked through Sabre
• More than 440 airline carriers
• More than 42,000 hotel properties
• More than 50 car rental companies
• Has an average response time of under 3 seconds
• At its peak, processes more than 7,300 messages per second
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 Working in the Sabre System 4
Sabre Keyboard
You must become familiar with the keys and functions of the Sabre keyboard in order to
effectively perform your job responsibilities. You will also be called upon to offer keyboard
guidance and direction to customers while providing technical support.
LN Home PgUp
~OPT _= + + Backspace Insert
`FLD 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 88 9 0 __ = * Clear CH ReEnt
Num
Lock / * -
AVAIL FLIFO GFAX FAX RMKS RCVD TKT TL FONE SEG NAME DSPLY CLEAR-ALL EOP SOM
Q W E R T Y U I O P { [ } ] | \ LN End PgDn
Delete Home PgUp
Tab [ ] \ MEMO Reset
CH 7 8 9
CLNDR UMSG I-SAB PROG CHNG RETRN END-ITEM EMEM
+
A S D F G L : : " ; Print-Enter
Caps H J K
: ' Enter
4 5 6
Lock
SPLIT FULL CONFG HELP KYBD ERASE CROSS
Z X V < > ?
C B N M Partn End PgDn
Shift , . Shift
/ 1 2 3
CALC CLSVC MONTR NEW# CSS IAS
Enter
Definition of “Cursor”
A blinking character on the Sabre screen which indicates placement of the next character to
be typed.
Component Function
Arrow keys Used to move the cursor up, down, left and
right on the screen.
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 Sabre Keyboard 5
Sabre Keys
The Home key moves the cursor to the top left corner of
Home the CRT screen. Data on the screen is not erased. This
key will reset your SOM (Start of Message).
End The Memo key is used to place text in the upper portion
of the screen and is often used as a note pad. Text in the
MEMO
Memo area of the screen will not inhibit any functionality.
PgDn The Reset key will return the cursor to the left margin of
the screen, one line at a time. This key will reset your
Reset
SOM to the left margin of the next line on your screen.
Backspace This key is used to clear all data on the screen and return
the cursor to the upper left corner of the screen. The
Clear
default of this key may be changed to become the
backspace key.
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 Sabre Keyboard 6
Identification Code Keys
The first row of the keyboard allows you to create or display a Passenger Name Record
(PNR). The keys are labeled with codes to identify their function. Below is an illustration
and explanation of the Identification Code Keys (ICK).
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 - *
AVAIL FLIFO GFAX FAX RMKS RCVD TKT TL FONE SEG NAME DSPLY
The first step to using the Sabre system is to sign in. For initial sign, in you will input a
generic password provided by your instructor. It is placed in the current passcode field, and
you then press enter to sign in. This will be your current passcode the next time you sign in.
To change your passcode: Input your current passcode, tab to the new passcode field, input
your new personal passcode, and press enter. This will sign you into the system and your
passcode will be changed.
For security purposes, the passcode will not appear on the screen. You will always use your
assigned ID number and the passcode that you create.
Sign In
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 Sign-in and Sign-out 7
(7-8 alpha-numeric characters required)
Example Response
AGENT SIGN IN
Passcode Guidelines
You are required to create and periodically change personal passcodes. The following
guidelines meet company security mandates:
• Must be a minimum of seven, and a maximum of eight characters.
• Cannot contain “Q” or “Z” or proper names and words such as Sabre, Dallas, Marie, or
Joe.
• Must contain at least one alpha and one numeric character.
• Cannot include more than 2 repeating characters.
Example: AA1BB12 is correct; 111AA22 is not acceptable.
• Sabre employees must change their passcode every 45 days (every 90 days for external
customers) and cannot use the last 4 passcodes.
• Users will be locked out after 6 invalid sign in attempts.
• You must establish a Personal Identification Number (PIN). This will allow you to
reestablish a new passcode if you forget or are locked out.
To Establish a PIN:
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 Sign-in and Sign-out 8
PIN Criteria:
Sign-out
After signing into Sabre, the following entries can be made to change or display your work
area.
A, B, C, D, E, or F B
City Pair Availability (CPA) is a display of flight times and seats offered between a specific
city pair. CPA is used by travel agents on a daily basis to view flights operated by various
carriers. Agents must use the 3 letter airport or city codes to make these entries. Sabre offers
encoding and decoding formats to determine the appropriate codes.
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 Sabre Work Areas 9
Encode/Decode, Sabre Atlas
Encoding
W/-CCKNOXVILLE
W/-APCHARLES DEGAULLE
W/-ALVARIG
W/-CRHERTZ
W/-HLHOLIDAY INN
W/EQ-AIRBUS
W/-TAABC TRAVEL
Decoding
W/*YEG
W/*AF
W/CR*ZI
W/HL*BW
W/EQ*767
W/*B4T0
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 City Pair Availability 10
SABRE ATLAS
W/-MBFORT HOOD,TX
W/-ATLAX ATLHR
A similar name list displays when the state or country code are not specified. Use these
formats to display a similar name list when there is no exact match.
W/-SL(line number)
CPA and Flight Information displays are possible once the appropriate city or airport codes
are determined.
One letter codes can appear in a City Pair Availability display to indicate the carrier’s
operating day(s) of the week. They may appear to the right of the number of stops. In the
example below, XJ indicates except Saturday. When there is no day of service indicator this
means the flight operates daily.
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 City Pair Availability 11
Note: When a travel agency displays a CPA without specifying an airline, the carriers with
service on the requested routing are displayed. CPA entries made from FSG default
to AA when no airline is specified.
113DECFRADUB11A«
13DEC WED FRA/Z‡1 DUB/-1
1LH 4980 C9 D9 Z9 Y9 B9 M9*FRADUB 1035A 1140A 32S S 0 DCA /E
H9 Q9 V9 W9 U9 S9 G0 K0
2EI 651 Y4 B4 H4 K4 M4 V4*FRADUB 1055A 1200N 320 G 0 DC /E
N4 L4 O4 Q4 X4 T4 S4 R4
3LH 4982 C9 D9 Z9 Y9 B9 M9*FRADUB 420P 530P 737 S 0 DCA /E
H9 Q9 V9 W9 U9 S9 G0 K0
4EI 657 Y4 B4 H4 K4 M4 V4*FRADUB 815P 930P 320 G 0 XJ DC /E
N4 L4 O4 Q4 X4 T4 S4 R4
5LH 4984 C9 D9 Z9 Y9 B9 M9*FRADUB 845P 950P 32S S 0 DCA /E
H9 Q9 V9 W9 U9 S9 G0 K0
SEE JP*1 DORINT SOFITEL MUC-AT BEST FLEXIBLE RATE FR 130EUR
SEE JP*2 DORINT SOFITEL FRA - AT BEST FLEXIBLE RATE FM 110EUR
* - FOR ADDITIONAL CLASSES ENTER 1*C
If the CRT is set to the 24-Hour Clock option, the day of the week will appear as a number.
In the example below, X67 indicates except Saturday or Sunday.
20JUN TUE CDG/Z‡2 FRA/‡0
1AF 1918 C9 D9 Z8 F1 O5*CDGFRA 1305 1430 320 M 0 DCA /E
Y9 S9 B9 K9 R9 M9 H9 Q9 T9
2AF 2118 C9 D9 Z9 F1 O9*CDGFRA 1525 1650 735 S 0 DCA /E
Y9 S9 B9 K9 R9 M9 H9 Q9 T9
3AF/DB 2218 C9 D9 Z8 F1 O4*CDGFRA 1600 1725 100 S 0 X67 DCA /E
Y9 S9 B9 K9 R9 M9 H9 Q9 T9
4AF 1618 C9 D4 Z1 F1 O0*CDGFRA 0945 1110 319 S 0 DCA /E
Y9 S9 B9 K7 R4 M4 H4 Q0 T0
5AF 2318 C9 D9 Z9 F1 O9*CDGFRA 1650 1815 318 S 0 X6 DCA /E
Y9 S9 B9 K9 R9 M9 H9 Q9 T9
6AF 1418 C9 D6 Z3 F1 O0*CDGFRA 0735 0900 735 B 0 DCA /E
Y9 S9 B9 K9 R9 M9 H9 Q0 T0
* - FOR ADDITIONAL CLASSES ENTER 1*C
If two meal codes are listed together, both meals are served in in-flight. If meal codes are
separated by a slash, the first meal is served in premium class and the second meal is served
in coach class. Some frequently seen meal codes are listed below. Type DU*/MLS to
display a more complete listing.
Meal Codes
L Lunch S Snack
D Dinner M Meal
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 City Pair Availability 12
The day of service indicator appears as a number when the 24-hour clock setting is activated.
Letters will appear with the 12-hour clock option. You will receive instruction about setting
these options later.
M 1 Monday T 2 Tuesday
W 3 Wednesday Q 4 Thursday
F 5 Friday J 6 Saturday
S 7 Sunday
113DECFRAHNL9A«
13DEC TUE FRA/Z‡1 HNL/HST-11
1LH 454 F9 A9 C9 D9 FRASFO 1000ª 1225P 747 M 0 DCA /E
Z9 Y9 B9 M9 H9 Q9 V9 W9 S0
2NW 85 F4 P4 Y4 B4 HNL 8 300P 626P 753 D/F 0 DCA /E
M4 H4 Q4 V0 L0 T0 K0
3UA/LH 8845 F4 C4 D4 Z4*FRALAX 950ª 1225P 744 L 0 DCA /E
Y4 B4 E0 M4 U0 H4 Q4 V4 W0 A4
4UA 57 F4 Y4 B4 E4* HNL N 345P 735P 763 D/F 0 DCA /E
M4 U4 H4 Q4 V4 W4 A4 S4 T4 K4
5DL 27 J4 D4 I4 Y4 FRAATL 945ª 155P 763 L 0 DCA /E
B4 M4 H4 Q4 K4 L4 U4 T4
6DL 365 F4 A4 Y4 B4 HNL 5 330P 751P 764 D 0 DCA /E
M4 H4 Q4 K4 L4 U4 T4
FOR ADDITIONAL CLASSES ENTER 1*C
Availability Shortcuts
1*2P
1‡1
1-4
1*AOGG
1*DLHR
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 City Pair Availability 13
Task Format Example
Change city pair and keep original day and time 1*(city code)(city code)
1*JFKLHR
1R-(number of days)
1R-7
1R-5*2P
Request return availability for specific date and time 1R(return date)(departure time)
1R22NOV10A
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 City Pair Availability 14
Sell From City Pair Availability
After availability is displayed, the next step is to sell the desired seats to create a Passenger
Name Record (PNR). The Sabre system offers different ways to request airline seats from
participating carriers.
Selling Options
01Y1
0AA37Y29MARORDSATNN1
01Y1«
1 DL 742 Y 15OCT F ATLBOS SS1 902ª 1123ª /DCDL /E
Display Entries
Agents use formats to request waitlisted space on a specific flight from an availability display
using the short sell entry when a flight is showing zero (0) seats available in the booking class
they desire.
01Y1LL
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 City Pair Availability 15
Waitlist a seat from specified CPA line 0(number of seats)(class of service)
number and the connecting flight(s) (CPA line number)LL*
01Y1LL*
01Y3F4LL
Travel agents use formats to display flight schedules regardless of availability. The entries to
display air schedules are identical to CPA entries, except the letter “S” is used instead of the
number “1”.
S14NOVJFKFRA
S8OCTLONZRH‡BA
S02DECLAXHNL-M
S23JUNHNLLGW8ALAX
SR23MAY
Redisplay schedule S*
Schedules can be accessed up to 331 days from today. However, basic booking request
carriers only display schedules for dates up to 180 days from today, or up to the sales date
limit set by the carrier, whichever occurs first.
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 City Pair Availability 16
Flight Information
Additional information regarding flight schedules and itineraries can be retrieved with
various formats. You can request flight verification on a specific flight number with
departure date, from a city pair availability display, or from a booked itinerary.
The following formats verify flight information and display the details pertaining to:
• departure and arrival time and dates
• enroute stops
• meal service
• equipment
• elapsed flying time
• mileage
• smoking/non-smoking flights
• shared carrier name, if applicable
VA*1
Verify flight information for specific availability segments VA*(segment number)/ (segment
number)
VA*1/4
Verify flight information with carrier code, flight number, V*(airline code)(flight
and date number)/(date)
V*CX288/10MAY
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 City Pair Availability 17
Example: Verify Flight Information from CPA
VA*2«
08AUG FLT SEGMENT DPTR ARVL MEALS EQP ELPD MILES SM
2 QF 8 LAX SYD 1300 2040 LD/LD/LD 744 14.40 7509 N
DEP-TOM BRADLEY INTL TERM ARR-INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL
Header Description
VI*3
VI*3-5
VI*2/4
Example: Itinerary
*I
1 AA1777B 29APR Q ATLSJU SS2 751A 109P /DCAA
2 AA 508B 07MAY F*SJUMIA SS2 930A 1220P /DCAA
3 AA2120B 07MAY F MIAATL*SS2 130P 327P /DCAA
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 City Pair Availability 18
Example: Verify Flight Information from Itinerary
VI*
FLIGHT DATE SEGMENT DPTR ARVL MLS EQP ELPD MILES SM
1 AA 1777 29APR ATL MIA 751A 935A V 72S 1.44 596 N
MIA SJU 1035A 109P L 2.34 1042 N
ARR-TERMINAL D
2 AA 508 7MAY SJU MIA 930A 1220P B AB3 2.50 1042 N
DEP-TERMINAL D
3 AA 2120 7MAY MIA ATL 130P 327P 72S 1.57 596 N
These formats display actual operational information about a specific flight within 24 hours
of departure. The different participating carriers in this program have different requirements
about the entry format.
2CO35
Display flight information for future date 2(airline code)(flight number)/(date of departure)
2IB6251/2AUG
2NH145/20APRHNDKIX
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 City Pair Availability 19
Connectivity Tags
Connectivity tags indicate the method of communication between Sabre and an airline.
These codes appear at the end of the line in CPA displays and itinerary segments. You will
receive more detailed coverage on this topic later.
/DC(carrier code) Direct Connect Sell The agent can send and receive data seamlessly from
the airline’s reservation system while they remain in
the Sabre system.
/DCA(carrier code) Direct Connect The agent receives true availability in the Sabre
Availability system city pair availability display as if they were in
that airline’s reservation system.
/TA Multi Access or Direct Direct Access provides the agent access to and
Access viewership of the airline’s reservation system while
they remain in the Sabre system when they sell a
segment.
/AT Multi Access or Direct The airline is in Direct Access connectivity and offers
Access the Answerback feature. The segment sold from the
Direct Access display on an Answerback participant is
And Answerback considered guaranteed.
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 City Pair Availability 20
Insert and Cancel Segments
Air and auxiliary itinerary segments can be moved or reordered after a specified segment.
These entries can be made to an itinerary before or after a PNR has been ended. The itinerary
remains in the insert mode until after either a *A or *IA entry is made.
Insert/Reorder Segments
Insert after segment, and sell from /(insert after segment number)/(sell entry)
availability
/2/01Y1
Insert after segment 2, and insert segment 4 /(segment number to insert after)/
(number of segment to be moved)
/2/4
/0/01Y1
/2/0A
Sabre transmits the cancel message to a carrier when you end transaction.
X2
X1/4
X1-3
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 City Pair Availability 21
MARRIED SEGMENTS
Carriers have the ability to control inventory by treating two or more segments as a single
unit. Married segments are segments that a carrier returns to an itinerary as joined. The
symbol * precedes the outbound city pair and follows the return city pair to indicate that the
segments are married.
3 AM 574Y15MAR W*CUNMEX HK1 210P 425P/DCAM*IMHCK5
4 AM 466Y 15MAR W MEXGDL*HK1 630P 735P/DCAM*IMHCK5
Any action taken on one segment in a married connection must be taken on all segments.
This restriction applies to changing the class of service or canceling any of the segments. To
cancel one segment, you must cancel the entire married connection in one entry. For
example: If segment 3 and 4 are married, you cannot type X3 (enter), then X4 (enter). You
must use X3/4 to cancel both segments at the same time.
If the user attempts to sell/insert an air segment between married segments, an error response
displays
‡UNABLE TO INSERT AIR SEGMENT BETWEEN A MARRIED CONNECTION‡
If you cancel more than one segment and use separate entries, cancel the highest numbered
segment first. The system internally re-numbers the itinerary once you make the itinerary
display entry, *I.
Cancel segment and sell from city pair X(segment number)‡(sell entry)
availability
X2‡01Y1
Cancel and rebook flight and class for new X(segment selection)‡00(new date)
date
X3‡0014JUL
Cancel and rebook new segment by flight X(segment number)‡0(long sell entry)
number
X1‡0AA113SEPJFKLAXNN1
If the requested flight is not available, the system cancels the existing segment and redisplays
city pair availability for the requested date.
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 City Pair Availability 22
Create and Modify Passenger Name Records
PNR is an acronym which stands for Passenger Name Record. It contains all the information
necessary for an agency’s client reservation. Agencies include various optional and
mandatory components when creating PNRs. Some carriers have restrictions and limitations
to the formats and characters they accept. Therefore, it is important to use standard formats
to insure information is properly transmitted. A passenger reservation cannot be completed
without the following:
The PRINT acronym is helpful to recall all the mandatory PNR components. There is no
required order for entering these fields.
• Phone
• Received from
• Itinerary
• Name
• Ticketing
Example
*A
1.2JONES/ALAN/DORIS
1 DL1402F 24JUN J SNAATL HK2 850A 403P /DCDL*XAHFH7 /E
2 DL1445F 30JUN F ATLSNA HK2 605P 755P /DCDL*XAHFH7 /E
TKT/TIME LIMIT
1.TAW11JUN/
PHONES
1.SNA715-955-6610-A
RECEIVED FROM - DORIS
C252.C252*ALD 1227/21APR06 RTSMSC H B M
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 Create and Modify Passenger Name Records 23
The last line of a PNR is called the signature line. It appears when a passenger record is
ended. The signature line includes the following information:
C252.C252*ALD 1227/21APR06 RTSMSC H B M
Component Description
A Agency
LD Agent Sign
H PNR contains History – changes made after the original end transaction.
Note: A PNR signature line will only include H, B, or M if the record contains history,
pre-reserved seats, or direct connect marketing messages.
Itinerary
You have learned how to display availability and sell air segments which begins the creation
of a PNR. The itinerary field is the area that holds all of the passenger’s travel information.
In addition to air travel, a PNR may have auxiliary segments such as:
• Car • Hotel • Rail
• Tour • Cruise • Insurance
• Prepaid Ticket (PTA) • Miscellaneous Charge Order (MCO)
• Other (OTH) segment types such as agency service fees or retention segments
Note: You will learn about all of these auxiliary segments in later lessons.
Name Field
The name field (-) holds the passengers name(s). The number of names must match the
number of seats booked in the itinerary.
Some agencies add reference numbers or codes to the name field for accounting or
identification purposes. The reference number is also referred to as a MAN number, and is
not transmitted to the airline. Any combination of up to 29 characters with letters, numbers,
comma, period (.), dash (-), slash (/), or display (*) are acceptable.
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 Create and Modify Passenger Name Records 24
Task Format Example
Enter names for more than one person -(number in party with same last name)
with the same last name (last name)/(first name)/(first name)
-2SANCHEZ/MARIA/CARLITO MSTR
Change a single passenger name field -(name field number) (last name)/(first name) (title)
-1 SMITH/WESSON DR
-2 2BROWN/FRANK/VERONICA
-2
-SOPRANO/ALICE*4001
-1.2 *
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 Create and Modify Passenger Name Records 25
Optional Titles:
II the Second Next after the first; a son having the same name as the father.
III the Third Next after the second; son having the same name as the
father
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 Create and Modify Passenger Name Records 26
Phone Field
The phone field (9) stores all phones numbers in the PNR. It is recommended that travel
agents use industry standard phone field formats. If there are multiple phone contacts, the
agency phone number should be listed first. When notes, remarks, and non-standard
characters such as * , ‡ / # are included in the phone field, this may cause slow responses or
teletype rejects from some carriers.
9808-555-1234-A
91 817-963-4735-A
92
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 Create and Modify Passenger Name Records 27
Ticketing Field
The ticketing field (7) allows information to be entered to store a date and queue information
prior to ticketing, depending on the agency needs. After ticketing, this field is automatically
updated with ticket numbers.
Shows a PNR as ticketed. Used for immediate ticketing (i.e. 7T-A or 7T-text
handwritten tickets, instant purchase, walk-ins). PNR will not
queue place to ticketing queue 7T-A or 7T-Free Ticket
Future ticketing time limit specifying a downline city, carrier, 8(downline city)-(carrier
time, and date code)(time)/ date)
Add ticketing time limit for American Airlines, assume today’s 8(time)
date
84P
The Received from Field (6) is used to identify the person who made or requested the change
to the PNR.
6 CARMEN RIOS
Display the received from field and signature line of a PNR *P6
Whether you create or change an existing PNR, you must always either end or ignore your
transaction. When you End, you want to save the transaction. When you Ignore, you want to
disregard the transaction.
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 Create and Modify Passenger Name Records 28
End Transaction
End the PNR and send an email message to the client about the EM
itinerary viewable on the Virtually There website. The email address
must be in the PNR email address field.
End PNR and send electronic ticket notification to all email EMT
addresses in the PNR
Ignore PNR
These formats are used to ignore a PNR and remove any changes made since the last time a
record was ended.
Ignore entries entered to input information into a PNR. This clears the I
screen and returns a previously ended PNR to the database without
changes.
Ignore and redisplay the PNR. Used to ignore changes you do not want IR
to save.
A PNR normally includes various optional fields which provide important details useful to
the travel agency and their client.
Remarks Field
The remarks field (5) is where all PNR remarks are stored. It is used to input customer and
agency information, the form of payment, and accounting data. Different formats are used
depending on the type of remarks being added to the PNR.
Note: When more than one form of payment field has been entered in the remarks field, the
system uses only the first 5- field.
5-CHEQUE
5-CK
5-CA
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 Optional PNR Data 29
Task Format Example
Store credit card form of payment. The credit 5-*(two-letter credit card code)
card number on the passenger receipt will be (credit card number)‡
masked, except for the last four digits. (expiration date month/year)
Note: If the * is not included in the form of 5-*AX371409203591005‡05/08
payment entry, the system does not
check for credit approval at the time of
ticketing.
The system does not permit ticketing for
amounts less than $1.00 USD.
Store credit card form of payment in the PNR, 5-*(two-letter credit card code)
but suppress the credit card information from (credit card number)‡
printing on the invoice/itinerary (expiration date month/year)-XN
5-*AX371409203591005‡05/08-XN
Change the form of payment in a remarks line 5(item number) (new text)
51 -CK
52
Add coded remarks. This information will not 5(alpha code)‡(free text)
print on the invoice/itinerary.
5C‡USE ZI WIZARD NBR 2B073A
*T‡
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 Optional PNR Data 30
Address Fields
5/(city),(state) (zip)
5/WETHERSFIELD, CT 06109
5DL-JAPAN
Insert agency W-(address line number to insert after)/ See above example
address line (city/state or country/zip or postal code)
W-3/LANGENBERGHEIMERSTR. 21
Change line W-(line number)¤(new address Change a specific line of the Agency
of the Agency information) Address Field
Address Field
W-3¤LANGENBERGHEIMERSTR. 22
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 Optional PNR Data 31
Note: All of the above address fields are optional fields. Only ONE Agency Address
Field can be input in a PNR.
An e-mail address can be added or deleted to a PNR in the PE field. When you change or
delete a passenger name from your PNR, the e-mail address associated with that name is also
changed or deleted. The system permits a maximum of 999 PE‡ fields in a PNR.
A cross of lorraine (‡) after the PE code indicates the start of the e-mail address. A second
cross of lorraine (‡) at the end of the e-mail address is required. The e-mail address must
have one at sign ( @ ) between the cross of lorraines (‡).
The e-mail address field must be completed before using one of the EM commands which
sends the e-mail to the specified email addresses in the PNR.
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 Optional PNR Data 32
Task Format Example
PE3¤
Delete multiple e-mail address fields from the PE(line number),(line number), (line
PE Field number)¤
PE1,3,4¤
PE1-4¤
These formats are used to store a passenger’s frequent flyer number in a PNR. A message is
transmitted to a participating carrier to give passengers mileage credit for the bookings made
in the Sabre system.
A separate frequent flyer entry must be made for each name and airline. The name field in
the PNR must match the carrier’s frequent flyer card name to ensure mileage credit. The
system generates a message to send this information to the carrier.
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 Optional PNR Data 33
Task Format Example
FF3¤
Delete a range of frequent flyer numbers FF(first frequent flyer line number)-(last frequent
flyer line number)¤
FF2-5¤
Delete specific frequent flyer numbers FF(frequent flyer line number),(frequent flyer line
number)¤
FF1,3¤
FF¤ALL
FF1¤UA5522123
Agencies use Other Supplementary Information (OSI) messages when they need to send
information to the carrier that does not require action or a reply by the carrier. These are low-
priority messages usually used for information purpose only. OSI messages are sent to
carriers, however, Sabre cannot guarantee the carrier will process the message. This will be
discussed in more detail later.
Transmits information to a particular 3OSI (airline code) (free text)-(name field number)
carrier for a specific passenger
3OSI QF SPEAKS FRENCH ONLY-1.2
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 Optional PNR Data 34
Task Format Example
32¤
34,7¤
35-8¤
42¤
45,7¤
45-8¤
Agencies send Special Service Requests (SSR) messages to carriers that require action or a
reply. These messages require specific codes that can be found in Format Finder. The
system edits each SSR code to determine if free text is required. A slash is required when
free text information is required.
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 Optional PNR Data 35
SSR Formats
Enter frequent flyer number as FOID 3FOID/FF(carrier code and frequent flyer number)
3FOID/FFSKFT123467
3WCHR-2.1
3WCHS1-2.1,3.1
Request seat assignment with SSR 3(seat code)(segment number)-( name number)
message
3NSST1-2.1
3BLND1-1.2
Request meal with SSR message 3(meal code)(segment number)-( name number)
Note: Enter DU*/SPM for meal code 3DBML2-2.1
list.
3OTHS/DEAL/SIEMENS/12345678901223435
Send SSR message for all segments to 4(SSR code)-( name number)
American Airlines
4WCHS-2.1
32¤
34,7¤
Delete range of GFAX 3(line number)-(line number)¤
35-8¤
Delete singe AFAX 4(line number)¤
42¤
Delete multiple AFAX 4(line number),(line number)¤
44,7¤
Delete range of AFAX 4(line number)-(line number)¤
45-8¤
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 Optional PNR Data 36
DK Number Field in PNR
Agencies use the DK number field primarily as an account reference identifier for billing
purposes. The DK number can be letters, numbers, or a combination. Only one DK number
can be in a PNR. When another number is entered, it replaces the previous one. An agency
can require a six, seven or 10-digit DK number.
DKIBM300
Complete a PNR
After a subscriber inputs all the required (PRINT) and optional fields, they will end
transaction on the PNR. At this time Sabre sends a message to all of the carriers they sold
flights on so that the carrier will create a PNR in their system. Depending on how the air
itinerary segments were sold, the PNR will update with the PNR locator from the carrier’s
system.
1.2JONES/JOHN/MARY
1 BA8115N 20DEC T LGWAMS HK2 100P 310P /DCBA*2LDZP9 /E
2 AZ 117Y 10JAN T AMSMXP HK2 1155A 140P /DCAZ*LFW8HZ /E
3 AZ 116Y 12JAN Q MXPAMS HK2 305P 500P /DCAZ*LFW8HZ /E
4 BA8114V 15JAN S AMSLGW HK2 1200N 1210P /DCBA*2LDZP9 /E
TKT/TIME LIMIT
1.TAW/
PHONES
1.LON001-919-1982-A
2.LON001-831-0291-H
CUSTOMER NUMBER - 123456
ADDRESS
WORLD TRAVEL
23 KNIGHTS CROSSING
LONDON, UK 192891
GENERAL FACTS
1.OSI YY SPEAKS ONLY GERMAN
2.SSR WCHS BA NN1 LGWAMS8115N20DEC
3.SSR WCHS AZ NN1 AMSMXP0117Y10JAN
4.SSR WCHS AZ NN1 MXPAMS0116Y12JAN
5.SSR WCHS BA NN1 AMSLGW8114V15JAN
REMARKS
1.H-PASSENGER PERFERS WINDOW SEATS
2./MR JOHN JONES
3./123 CAMBRIDGE
4./LONDON, UK 191431
5.DL-MR JOHN JONES
6.DL-123 CAMBRIDGE
7.DL-LONDON, UK 191431
8.‡PENALTY APPLIES ON CHANGES AND/OR CANCELLATIONS
9..AGENCY SERVICE FRE 35.00GBP
10.C‡PREFERS ZI WIZARD NBR 2B073A
11.‡S3 CHECK IN AT LEAST ONE HOUR BEFORE DEPARTURE
12.DEPOSIT IS DUE ON MARCH 1ST
13.-*CA5419842234567898‡12/08
RECEIVED FROM - P
4K35.FSG*N3T 1109/05JUN05 KKBEEN
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 Optional PNR Data 37
Display PNR
*-LOPEZ/H
*DL1472/2NOV-DEXTER
Display PNR using the Sabre record locator *(record locator number)
number
*RDSQXT
*-WALKER«
1 WALKER/JONI 03SEP-03SEP 2 WALKER/MISSY X -15MAR
3 WALKER/JOHN X -21APR
Display specified PNR from similar name list *(number from similar name list)
*1
When there are additional names with a similar spelling the response below the name list
display will be: *0 FOR MORE NAMES
*-TEST«
1 TEST/DIX 19FEB-19FEB 2 TEST/TICKET 01SEP-08JUL
3 TEST/EINVOIC 30SEP-19APR 4 TEST/MARY X -05MAR
5 TEST/PENNIE X -15JUN 6 TEST/JEFF X -15JUN
7 TEST/MARY X -15JUN 8 TEST/MARY X -01MAR
9 TEST/MARY X -15JUN 10 TEST/PENNIE X -15JUN
11 TEST/JEFF X -15JUN 12 TEST/MARY X -15JUN
13 TEST/MARY X -15JUN 14 TEST/MARY X -15FEB
15 TEST/MARY X -20MAR 16 TEST/MARY X -15JUN
*0 FOR MORE NAMES
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 Optional PNR Data 38
*0«
1.1TAST/MARY
1 OTH AA 08FEB W GK1 DFW/TEST
TKT/TIME LIMIT
1.TAW/
PHONES
1.LAX817-888-8888-H
CUSTOMER NUMBER – 1234567
ADDRESS
TEST
REMARKS
1..TEST
2.‡TEST
3.DL-TEST
4./TEST
RECEIVED FROM – TEST
EC12.FSG*N01 0851/08FEB06 JKMCOH
If multiple names of TAST are found, the response to *0 would be
*0«
1 TAST/MARY 09FEB-09FEB 2 TAST/MARY 10FEB-10FEB
NO MORE
Agencies divide PNRs for a variety of reasons. When a PNR is divided, Sabre sends a
teletype message to the applicable carrier requesting them to split the PNR to match the
Sabre PNR. Since the message is being sent via teletype, Sabre does not guarantee that the
divide message will be processed by the carrier, which can result in problems for both the
agency and their passengers.
Divide PNR
When an agent divides a PNR with multiple passengers, the appropriate name-associated
AFAX items go into the respective split PNRs. The system assumes that any OSI/SSR items
that are not name-associated apply to all passengers and copies them into the new PNR.
These items copy into the new PNR:
• Remarks
• Air itinerary history
• Historical name associated data
These items do not copy to the new PNR:
• Phase IV ticket PNRs
• Stored Fares *WS, *WSH, PQ, *PQH
• Auxiliary segments
• Historical items that are not name associated
If unnecessary divide entries are made, this can cause the Sabre PNR(s) to no longer match
what is in the carrier’s system. The PNR locators from the carrier may not be returned and
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 Divide, Increase/Reduce, and Clone PNRs 39
the subscriber may not be able to issue electronic tickets. The reasons to divide and not
divide a PNR are listed below.
REASONS TO DIVIDE
Dividing a PNR SHOULD ONLY be done when there is an itinerary change for one or more
of the passengers that results in the party no longer traveling together on all flights.
For example, when a PNR has two passengers scheduled to return on LH flight 123 from
FRA to JFK on November 15; however one of the passengers needs to remain in FRA until
November 30th.
Since all air segments must match for all passengers in a PNR, the subscriber would need to
divide the PNR in order to make the necessary changes for the passenger who is extending
their stay in FRA.
This is the only valid reason to divide a PNR.
A PNR SHOULD NOT be divided when there is no itinerary change. Canceling and
rebooking the same itinerary passengers are already holding is not a valid reason to divide a
record.
When there are multiple passengers in a PNR with different forms of payment, the subscriber
should use name select entries.
When there are multiple passengers and the subscriber wants to issue individual tickets in
order to provide separate invoice and itinerary documents, name select and accounting line
select entries should be made.
When a carrier restricts name changes for specific classes of service, the system does not
permit name changes while in the divide party mode. If a name change is necessary, check
the Name Change Restriction Table for all carriers in the itinerary.
Note: See RK*(airline code) to view a specific airline table.
D1
D1*4*6
D2.1
D1.1*1.2
D2-6
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 Divide, Increase/Reduce, and Clone PNRs 40
Steps to Divide
6P
6VICKIE
Divide Remarks
Both the new (Child) PNR and the original (Parent) PNR will update with a historical remark
line cross referencing the other PNR.
Item Description
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 Divide, Increase/Reduce, and Clone PNRs 41
Item Description
These formats can be used during original creation of a PNR before it is ended. Once a PNR
has been ended the number of passengers in the PNR can never increase. After ending
transaction, a new PNR must be created in order to increase the number of passengers.
,12S5
,2S5-9
-1.3¤
-2.2¤'-3¤
,2
4 Receive PNR 6P
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 Divide, Increase/Reduce, and Clone PNRs 42
Note: An agent might attempt to reduce the number of passengers in a PNR containing
segments on which the carrier has restricted name changes. If they remove a name
field, then try to add the name field back into the PNR as though it were a new
name, the following warning message displays:
NAME CHANGE NOT ALLOWED FOR RESTRICTED FARE CLASSES
If this response is received, they must ignore their PNR by typing (IR) and begin again. The
agent must cancel only the name number of the person or persons they are removing from the
PNR.
Sometimes agencies need to clone a PNR in order to create multiple PNRs for the exact same
itinerary. Cloning a PNR saves them time by not having to display and sell flights over and
over again. Here are some rules to keep in mind when discussing the option of cloning a
PNR:
• An agent can use these formats to clone only the itinerary from an existing PNR into a
new PNR.
• The system resells the space in the new PNR. It clones no other data from the original
PNR.
• They can select segment numbers or types that should not be cloned.
• They can select only one segment type per entry. They cannot combine segment type
with segment number in one entry.
• They must use the end and clone (EC) entries when they have made changes to the
original PNR and not ended transaction prior to the clone request.
• They must use the ignore and clone (IC) entries if no changes were made to the original
PNR.
An agent CANNOT clone a PNR:
• If they are on queue
• In the middle of completing a divide party request
• In combination with a request for an Invoice/Itinerary
Steps to clone
Ignore and clone itinerary and passenger data ICA(Passenger Data Field Code)
fields, or specified passenger data fields
ICAPD
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 Divide, Increase/Reduce, and Clone PNRs 43
Task Format Example
End and clone itinerary and passenger data fields ECA(Passenger Data Field Code)
or specified passenger data fields.
ECAPD
ECAP91-3,AP57,AN1.1
Sabre Replay
Sabre Replay is a Windows function that saves keystrokes and helps repeat previous entries.
Either individual or a series of entries can be repeated to prevent the need to retype.
In order to use this function, Sabre for Windows and MySabre users can:
• Use keyboard functions, or
• Click on Tools on the menu bar, then select the Sabre Replay option
Depending on the Windows version, 50 to 350 previous entries can be recalled. This is an
extremely helpful function to use while assisting subscribers who incorrectly input formats
and must reenter. When the keyboard is used to replay a single entry, changes can be made
to the format prior to pressing enter. When the “simultaneous changes” response is received
in a PNR, it can be ignored and the entries can be replayed.
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 Sabre Replay 44
Sabre Keyboard Function
You have the option to highlight, or select individual entries or to Select All entries. When a
sequence of entries is recalled, all entries including typographical errors will be replayed.
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 Sabre Replay 45
MySabre Toolbar Displays
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 Sabre Replay 46
Common Calls and Error Responses
You will receive a variety of calls from subscribers related to basic formats and functions.
Format Finder and Rapid Results will be your primary references to locate information and
formats to assist your customers. Examples of common calls are listed below.
3. You advise the caller of the changes that are needed but
they again enter an incorrect format.
4. Ask the caller if they know how to use the Sabre replay
function. If they do not, proceed to Step 5 instructions.
5. Advise them to hold down the -ALT- key while pressing the
-up arrow- key on the right side of their keyboard to go
back to the last entry entered.
A subscriber calls asking for 1. Confirm your understanding of the request and refer them
assistance to find availability in to their account team.
a specific class of service.
Carrier BA has advised space Example conversation:
must be booked in K class to
2. “Yes, I understand you need to book K class of service.
receive a special fare.
We can use the following format to request availability for K
class only.
Format: 1(date of departure)(departure city)(arrival city)-
(class of service)‡(2 letter carrier code)
Example: 120JULMIALHR-K‡BA
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 Common Calls and Error Responses 47
You receive a call from a travel 1. Locate the Format Finder page to find the proper format.
agent who has a customer Check Sabre Atlas topics or use search keywords: military
who wants to travel to Kelly Air base or 10 closest.
Force Base in Texas. She
needs to determine the closest 2. Ask for the correct spelling of the military base.
airport.
3. Make the entry yourself and verify the response before
advising the format:
W/-MBKELLY
Response:
POSSIBLE CHOICES
KELLY AFB,TX,US
KELLY AFB,TX,US
Enter W/-SL1
Example conversation:
A subscriber calls to report a 1. Apologize for the situation and advise you will make a
discrepancy in the VI* flight report to have the correct information verified and updated.
information. They advise the
incorrect terminal information 2. Investigate the problem. Ask if the customer’s record
caused them to receive a locator is still in the system so you can make the entry to
customer complaint from a see the information being displayed. Determine how this
client making a connection at a differs from what the customer has reported.
particular airport.
3. If you are able to view the VI* information you can minimize
the questions you must ask to gather the necessary
information to report the issue. You will need: carrier, flight
number, date, departure city, and arrival city.
A subscriber tells you they 1. Place the caller on monitor, and request the caller display
have just spoken to Delta the PNR.
Airlines because their client’s
name was misspelled. DL has 2. Determine if name changes are allowed by the airline for
corrected the name in their the booked class of service.
PNR and the travel agent has
3. Type RK*DL view the Name Change Restriction table.
received authorization to
correct the spelling of the 4. Assist with the format to change the name. It must match
name in the Sabre PNR before the name field input in the carrier’s system.
they issue the ticket.
Note: Different spacing, letters or titles entered in Sabre that
do not match the carrier’s name filed can cause a
message reject or ticketing error response.
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 Common Calls and Error Responses 48
A travel agent calls for 1. Request the record locator.
assistance. He has issued
and voided a ticket because an 2. Enter *- to display the form of payment field in the PNR.
approval code was not You will find the credit card entered with an incorrect
received for the credit card format, the asterisk (*) is missing.
entered in the remarks field of
You will see: 5-AX1234567890123456‡06/10
the PNR.
3. After you have determined the problem, place the caller on
monitor.
Additional References
The table below contains references you can review for additional information and formats
on the topics contained in this training guide.
Format Finder From the Format Finder Home page choose from the following topics:
• Air Travel
• Basic Sabre System Instructions
• Encode Decode
• Flight Information
• PNR
• Sabre Atlas
• Sabre Replay
Rapid Results From the Rapid Results Home page choose from the following topics:
• Air Travel
• Encode Decode
• Flight Information
• PNR
• Sabre Atlas
Sabre • DU*/MLS
References • DU*/SPM
• N*/Phone Field
• RK*XX(carrier code)
Agency You can find Format quick references on the Web at http://eservices.sabre.com/
eServices under the Training menu.
• Under the Training menu
• Select Format Quick References
• Agency eServices Web Site
• Business Tools Menu
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 Additional References 49
Personal You can find additional training and references in Personal Trainer education
Trainer software. Personal Trainer is available on the Web at http://eservices.sabre.com/
under the Training menu.
• Course Name –Working in the Sabre System
Course Number – 10002E
• Course Name –Reference Guide Sabre Identification Code Keys
• Course Number – PDF1000E
• Course Name – Introduction to Passenger Name Records
• Course Number – 120002E
• Course Name – Encode and Decode Airlines and Cities
• Course Number - 1200004E
• Course Name – Display City Pair Availability
• Course Number – 120006E
• Course Name – Sell Air from Availability
• Course Number – 120008E
• Course Name – Enter Required PNR Information
• Course Number – 120014E
• Course Name – Enter Optional PNR Information
• Course Number – 120016E
• Course Name – Creating Air Reservations Practice
Course Number – 120020E
• Course Name – Cancel and Rebook PNR Segment
Course Number – 130002E
• Course Name – Insert and Move PNR Segments
Course Number – 130004E
• Course Name – Change and Delete PNR Information
Course Number – 130006E
• Course Name – Reduce and Divide PNR
Course Number – 130008E
• Course Name – Change Air Reservations Practice
Course Number – 130012E
Basic Sabre Formats and Functions Training Guide November 2006 Additional References 50