In a flight ticket, HK is a crucial airline status code that signifies a confirmed reservation. It indicates that a seat has been reserved and confirmed for a passenger on a specific flight segment.
This two-letter code, often followed by a number (e.g., HK1, HK2), is part of the Passenger Name Record (PNR) and communicates the status of each flight segment within a booking. The number accompanying "HK" typically denotes the number of passengers for whom that specific segment is confirmed. For instance, HK1 means one passenger's reservation is confirmed, while HK2 means two passengers are confirmed.
Understanding Airline Status Codes
Airline status codes are standardized two-letter abbreviations used within Global Distribution Systems (GDS) and airline reservation systems to convey the booking status of a flight segment. These codes are vital for airlines, travel agents, and passengers alike, ensuring clear communication regarding the state of a reservation, from initial booking to ticketing.
These codes help manage inventory, track passenger movements, and facilitate seamless travel by indicating whether a booking is confirmed, waitlisted, cancelled, or if a segment is unconfirmed. They are part of the detailed information stored in your PNR.
Common Airline Status Codes
While HK is for confirmed segments, many other codes exist to describe different reservation states:
| Code | Meaning | Description |
|---|---|---|
| HK | Hold Confirmed (Confirmed Segment) | The reservation for the segment is confirmed. This is the most desirable status. |
| HL | Hold Waitlisted | The passenger is on the waitlist for this segment. |
| HX | Hold Cancelled | The segment has been cancelled. |
| NN | Need Need | Used when an agent needs to request a new segment for a passenger. |
| RR | Reconfirm | Segment needs reconfirmation from the airline. Often used after schedule changes. |
| TK | Ticketed Confirmed | The segment is confirmed and has been ticketed. (Often used after HK status). |
| WL | Waitlist | The passenger is on a waitlist for the segment. No seat is currently available. |
| WK | Waitlist Confirmed | A waitlisted segment has been confirmed. |
| PN | Pending | A segment is in a pending state, awaiting confirmation or further action. |
| KL | Confirmed by airline, but not yet ticketed | Often seen when a booking is confirmed by the airline but the ticket has not been issued by the agent. |
| LL | Waitlist from other airline | A waitlisted segment where the request originated from another airline. |
Note: The exact interpretation and usage of these codes can sometimes vary slightly between different airlines or GDS systems, but the core meaning remains consistent.
Practical Insights
- Checking Your Itinerary: When you receive your flight itinerary or e-ticket, you might see these codes listed next to each flight segment. An "HK" status is what you want to see, as it means your seat is secured.
- PNR Importance: The PNR, or Passenger Name Record, is a unique alphanumeric code that consolidates all your booking details. Status codes like HK are integral to the PNR, providing a snapshot of your flight segment's reservation status. You can often access your booking details using your PNR on airline websites.
- Impact of Changes: If an airline makes a schedule change or there's an issue with your booking, these status codes will update accordingly (e.g., from HK to HX if cancelled, or RR if reconfirmation is needed). It's always advisable to periodically check your booking status.
Understanding "HK" and other status codes empowers you to interpret your flight booking details accurately, ensuring peace of mind about your travel plans.
