What is the meaning of booking/reservation in the context of air travel?

In the context of air travel, booking or reservation refers to the process of securing a seat on a specific flight in advance. This involves the airline holding a seat for a passenger based on their request, ensuring that the passenger has a guaranteed space on that flight. Reservations typically involve providing personal information such as name, contact details, and payment information, which allows the airline to confirm and manage seat availability for the journey.

This concept is central to the operation of commercial airlines, as it enables them to organize passenger loads, manage capacity, and streamline the boarding process. A confirmed reservation is essential for travelers as it provides assurance of their travel plans and is often linked to additional services such as checked baggage, meal preferences, and boarding procedures.

The other options, while related to travel or airline operations, do not capture the essence of booking or reservation. Emergency contact information is important for safety and communication but does not pertain to securing a seat. Flight cancellation notices relate to the communication of changes or disruptions to travel plans and are not about reserving a seat. The check-in procedure is the process a passenger undergoes before boarding their flight and assumes that a reservation has already been made.