PNR Status Guide: How to Handle Waitlisted or RAC Tickets Smartly

By: Swarn Rajhans | onSeptember 13, 2025

Ever booked a train ticket, checked your PNR, and saw WL or RAC written there? The first reaction is usually stress will I get a seat or not, will the journey happen or get stuck? Don’t worry, this happens to thousands of passengers every single day.

The trick is simple: once you understand what WL and RAC really mean and what steps to take, half the problem is solved. In this blog, we’ll get straight to the point — what to do if your PNR status shows Waitlisted or RAC.

What is a PNR Status

Before we begin to understand PNR Status, we need to first understand what a PNR number is. The PNR Number is a 10-digit number provided uniquely with every booking in Indian Railways.

This PNR number provides a number of information related to the Passenger Details, Journey Details, Train Details and most importantly Booking Status or PNR Status.

PNR Status provides the current status of your booking. It can be

Confirmed (CNF): You have a berth.
Waitlisted (WL): No seat yet, just in queue.
RAC: Seat allotted, shared until upgraded.

CNF or Confirmed Status is the most sought after PNR Status as it guarantees travel and provides a train berth.

Let’s focus on what to do when you get WL or RAC.

What to Do if Your PNR Status is Waitlisted

What is a Waitlisted (WL) PNR Status

WL means you don’t have a seat yet. If it doesn’t confirm before the chart is prepared, you cannot travel.

A Waitlisted ticket means you don’t have a confirmed seat or berth yet. You’re in a queue, and your ticket will only get confirmed if enough passengers cancel theirs before the final chart is prepared. If it remains WL even after charting, your ticket becomes invalid for travel.

Steps to take if Your PNR Status is Waitlisted (WL)

Getting WL on your ticket isn’t rare — especially during holidays, weekends, or routes like Delhi–Patna, Mumbai–Varanasi, or Bangalore–Chennai. But here’s how you can deal with it smartly:

1. Keep Tracking Your PNR Regularly

Your WL number can move up as others cancel.
Check PNR Status every few hours using apps like RailMitra.
Example: WL15 dropping to WL3 in two days means you still have a chance. If it’s stuck at WL40, don’t expect miracles.

2. Look for Alternative Trains

Don’t pin all your hopes on a single train.
Check if there’s another train before or after yours on the same route.
Sometimes, a slightly longer route gives you a confirmed ticket with less stress.
Use Train Schedule service to check the train timings, duration and routes of different trains and pick the best alternative train for your journey.

3. Use Tatkal as a Backup Plan

Tatkal opens at 10 AM for AC and 11 AM for Sleeper (one day before the journey).
If your WL is still high a day before travel, try booking a Tatkal ticket.
Pro tip: log in early, keep passenger details saved, and be ready — seats vanish in seconds.

4. Opt for the Vikalp Scheme

While booking, choose the Vikalp option.
If your ticket doesn’t get confirmed, Railways may shift you to another train on the same route at no extra cost.
Downside: you don’t get to pick the alternative train, but at least you travel.

5. Know the Refund Rules

E-tickets: Auto-cancelled and refunded if WL after chart preparation.
Counter tickets: You need to cancel them manually at the station; otherwise, you lose your money.
Many people forget this and regret later — don’t be one of them.

6. Always Have a Plan B

If WL is too high (say WL50 or more), the chances are close to zero.
Book a bus, look for flights, or plan another train.
Waiting till the last moment only increases stress and reduces options..

Quick Tip: WL is uncertain. Keep a backup plan.

What to Do if Your PNR Status is RAC

RAC means you can travel, but your berth is shared with another passenger. Most RACs get upgraded before or during the journey.

What is a RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) PNR Status?

An RAC ticket means you are guaranteed a seat but not a full berth. You’ll have to share a side-lower berth with another passenger. If confirmed ticket holders cancel, your RAC ticket can upgrade to a full berth before or even after chart preparation.

Steps to take if Your PNR Status is RAC?

Unlike Waitlist, RAC is less stressful. You can definitely travel, but comfort depends on whether your ticket upgrades. Here’s how to handle RAC smartly:

1. Relax — RAC is Always Valid

You won’t be stopped from boarding with an RAC ticket.
Even if it doesn’t upgrade, you’ll still have a seat to sit on.
It’s safer than WL because your journey is never at risk.
Trains in Indian Railways are often delayed. Use RailMitra’s live train running status to track your train live and the most accurate and updated arrival timings.

2. Keep an Eye on Your PNR for Upgrades

Many RAC tickets get converted to full berths as last-minute cancellations happen.
Example: RAC12 often turns into a confirmed berth hours before departure.
Use RailMitra or IRCTC apps to track your ticket status up to the last minute.

3. Be Ready for Shared Seating

Two RAC passengers share one side-lower berth (half-seat each).
For day journeys, this is manageable.
For overnight journeys, it can be uncomfortable — carry a pillow, bedsheet, or neck rest.

4. Look for Class Upgrades if Comfort Matters

Sometimes higher classes like 3AC or 2AC still have open seats.
Paying a little extra could give you a confirmed berth and a peaceful night’s sleep.
Check this option if you’re travelling long distance.

5. Stay Patient During Chart Preparation

Don’t panic if your ticket is still RAC after the first chart.
Even after boarding, cancellations can still upgrade your seat.
TTEs usually adjust RAC passengers quickly once the train departs.

6. Family or Group Travel? Think Ahead

If you’re travelling with kids, elderly family members, or more than two people, RAC can get tricky.
One person on RAC is fine, but three people sharing partial berths is uncomfortable.
In such cases, try for an alternate confirmed ticket or Tatkal booking.

In short: RAC is safe and valid. Travel without worry, carry essentials for comfort, and there’s a good chance you’ll end up with a confirmed berth anyway.

WL vs RAC

WL: No seat, uncertain travel. Refund available.
RAC: Seat guaranteed, shared at first, likely upgraded.

Simple Travel Hacks

Book early — 120 days in advance.
Avoid peak travel days.
Split journeys if direct tickets aren’t available.
Save details for Tatkal.
Use RailMitra or IRCTC apps for live updates.

Conclusion

WL is risky, RAC is safe. Know the difference, act fast, track your PNR, and always have a backup. A little preparation can save last-minute stress and make your journey smooth.

At the end of the day, getting WL or RAC on your ticket isn’t the end of the world. If it’s WL, don’t just wait blindly — keep checking, look for Tatkal, or book another option so you’re not stuck. If it’s RAC, relax, you can board the train and most times it turns into a full berth anyway.

The point is, know your options and don’t leave things to the last minute. A little planning saves a lot of stress on the day of travel.

FAQs for different PNR Status

Q1. Can I travel with WL?
A: No, you cannot with WL. Only confirmed or RAC tickets are valid. Online WL tickets are cancelled automatically. With an offline WL ticket you can travel but in unreserved classes only.

Q2. Can I travel with RAC?
A: Yes you can travel with RAC. You’ll have a seat and likely get a shared berth.

Q3. Do I get a refund for WL?
A: Yes, online WL is auto-refunded. Counter WL must be cancelled manually.

Q4. Do RAC tickets usually confirm?
A: Most RAC tickets get upgraded, especially lower numbers.

Q5. Should I wait or book Tatkal if WL is high?
A: Book Tatkal. Waiting is too risky.