Managing Your Reservation: Airlines

Managing Your Blackrabbit Reservation: Airline Differences with GDS, Sabre, & Amadeus

Blackrabbit partners with a broad network of airlines worldwide, processing bookings through powerful back-end systems—GDS, Sabre, and Amadeus. While your booking journey will feel seamless, some aspects (like check-in and adding bags) can be slightly different depending on which airline/system is used. Here’s what to expect:

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1. Where Do I Check In?

For All Bookings:

• Use Your Airline Reference (PNR): Once you book with Blackrabbit, you receive an airline PNR (Passenger Name Record/code). This is a 5-6 character code unique to your trip.
• Go to the Airline’s Official Website or App: Enter your PNR and surname in their online check-in section to check in, select seats, and download boarding passes.
  • Example: Lufthansa, American Airlines, Air France—each lets you check in directly with your Blackrabbit-issued PNR.

GDS, Sabre, and Amadeus-Specific Hints:

• Sabre-Managed Bookings:
  • Used by numerous North American carriers (e.g., American Airlines, Alaska Airlines).
  • Airline websites recognize PNR immediately—very rare for issues to arise.
  • For certain codeshare/partner flights, you may see different PNRs for each segment (often shown in your Blackrabbit confirmation).
• Amadeus-Managed Bookings:
  • Common in Europe, Asia, Oceania (e.g., Air France, Qantas, Singapore Airlines).
  • Amadeus PNR will work across almost all partner airline websites for online check-in.
  • If flying a codeshare, check in on the “operating carrier” website.
• General GDS or Multi-System Bookings:
  • Some international trips involve multiple GDSs. Your Blackrabbit email lists all needed reference codes—use the right one for each airline site.

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2. How Do I Add Luggage?

For All Bookings:

• At Time of Booking:
  • Blackrabbit typically displays options to select checked baggage (if not included). Fees listed are those set by the airline.
• After Booking:
  • Log in to the airline's website/app using your PNR to add bags, pay for extras, or change luggage quantity.
  • Alternatively, use the “Manage Booking” link in your Blackrabbit confirmation.

GDS/Sabre/Amadeus Tips:

• Sabre (e.g., most US airlines):
  • Adding bags post-booking is usually quick and supported either online or by phone with the airline.
  • For specialty items (sports equipment, pets), always call the airline.
• Amadeus (e.g., European, Asia-Pacific carriers):
  • Innovative systems: Many airlines use “EMDs” (Electronic Miscellaneous Documents) for extras like luggage.
  • Follow links in both Blackrabbit and airline emails—your booking will be automatically matched.
• Cryptic Bookings or Itinerary Changes:
  • If you receive a booking or change confirmation with unfamiliar codes, contact Blackrabbit support or your airline’s general support with your PNR.

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3. Where Can I Find My Tickets?

Universal for Blackrabbit:

• Confirmation Email: Your Blackrabbit ticket arrives via email within minutes of booking confirmation/payment.
  • Contains: Airline reference(s), e-ticket number(s), itinerary, and sometimes a PDF.
• Blackrabbit User Account: Registered users can log in and download tickets from the “My Trips” section anytime.
• If you misplaced your email:
  • Check spam/junk.
  • Contact Blackrabbit support—provide your full name and booking date.

GDS System Nuances:

• Sabre:
  • PNR and ticket number are valid everywhere and usually instantly uploaded to the airline’s site.
  • All partner airlines recognize these for booking lookup.
• Amadeus:
  • The system communicates nearly in real-time with airlines—expect prompt, reliable ticket delivery.
  • Some ultra-low-cost carriers may only recognize the PNR after a short delay.
• Ticket Changes or Cancellations:
  • Any changes you make (schedule, name, baggage) will update your e-ticket, and a new document is emailed to you—this is common for all GDS systems.

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Airline Quick Reference Table

Airline Example	Likely System	Check In & Bag Add Link	Ticket Retrieval	Tip
American Airlines	Sabre	aa.com > Manage Trips	Email, AA.com	Use AA PNR code
Lufthansa	Amadeus	lufthansa.com	Email, LH.com	Multiple airlines? Check “operating carrier”
Air France	Amadeus	airfrance.com	Email, AF.com	Use AF PNR for AF flights
Qantas	Amadeus	qantas.com	Email, Qantas.com	QF PNR or alternate for partners
United Airlines	Sabre	united.com	Email, UA.com	PNR is “Record Locator”