What is pax?

[Pooja]

I am looking at some hotels in Delhi for my forthcoming trip, and on a lot of hotel websites I see the phrase 'pax.'
I don't know much about hotels and their phrases they use, so can someone please let me know what pax is?

 

[briannagodess]

Hi there, @Pooja! Welcome to the forum!

There are different meanings attributed to the term pax. The most well-known attributed meaning to the term pax is per passenger. So for example, if in a hotel, they have the term pax like this:

• Buffet at Rs. 400 per pax - This means that the buffet costs Rs. 400 per person. So if there's two of you, you'd have to pay Rs. 400 each which amounts to a total of Rs. 800.

Yet another meaning attributed to it is passenger/s allowed in expenses, thereby giving it the name pax. This also means that pax can be attributed to the number of persons allowed per package. For example:

• Tour Package at Rs. 8,000 for 4 pax - This means that the maximum allowed persons for the tour package are four members only. Beyond that, there would be extra charges, in addition to the Rs. 8,000.

Sometimes, in hotels, rooms have a maximum number of allowed persons. So you'd see something like this:

• Double Room at Rs. 3,000 per night with maximum of 3 pax - This means that the rate for the room is at Rs. 3,000 per night for 3 persons. If you have an extra person with you, you need to pay for the extra person, in addition to the Rs. 3,000 per night rate.

If you're boarding a bus and you see something like this:

• Maximum capacity at 28 pax - This means that the bus can only carry up to 28 persons at the same time. Thus, it's the limit to the passengers allowed in the bus.

So as you can see, the term pax is mostly used in the tourism industry like in hotels, transportation and restaurants. It mostly refers to the number of persons allowed for a certain room, package or vehicle.

I hope this helps you!

 

[vkar]

Many travel businesses (like hotels) use the term pax as an abbreviation for passenger. So, number of pax means number if passengers, per pax means per passenger. Doesn't make much sense in relation to hotels etc. (guest would make much more sense) but sometimes they do use it.

 

[Admin]

What is Pax? Meaning & Usage in Travel, Hospitality & Business
If you’ve ever booked a hotel, flight, or restaurant reservation, you might have come across the term "pax." But what is pax? and why is it used so often? Let’s break it down!

What is Pax? Definition & Meaning
The term "pax" is a short form of "passenger" or "person" and is commonly used in the travel, hospitality, and event management industries.

In Travel & Aviation: Refers to the number of passengers on a flight, train, or bus.
In Hotels & Restaurants: Used to indicate how many people a booking is for.
In Events & Conferences: Represents the number of attendees.

Example Usage:

• "This table is reserved for 4 pax." (Restaurant booking)
• "The flight has 180 pax onboard." (Aviation)
• "The tour package includes meals for 2 pax." (Travel & tourism)

Why is the Term "Pax" Used Instead of "Persons" or "Passengers"?
The word pax is shorter, clearer, and widely understood in professional industries. It helps avoid confusion, especially in global travel and event planning.

Fun Fact: The origin of "pax" is believed to come from the Latin word "pax" (meaning "peace"), later adapted for passenger count in travel industries.

Where is "Pax" Commonly Used?
Aviation & Transport: Airlines, train operators, and bus services use "pax" to count passengers.
Hotels & Hospitality: Hotels and resorts mention "pax capacity" in rooms or meal plans.
Tourism & Travel Agencies: Tour packages often say "Price per pax" instead of "per person."
Restaurants & Catering: Reservations and buffet pricing are based on pax count.
Event Management: Conferences, weddings, and corporate events use pax to refer to attendees.

FAQs About Pax
Q1: Does "pax" always mean an adult?
No, "pax" can include both adults and children, depending on the booking details.

Q2: Is "pax" only used in English?
No, pax is an international term used in travel, aviation, and hospitality worldwide.

Q3: Can "pax" be used for solo travelers?
Yes! If you’re booking a hotel for one person, it will be mentioned as "1 pax."

Final Thoughts
So, what is pax? It’s a simple yet essential term used in travel, hospitality, and event management to refer to the number of people in a booking. Whether you’re reserving a flight, hotel, or tour, understanding "pax" ensures you know exactly what’s included in your booking!

Have you come across "pax" in your travel experiences? Share your thoughts below!