Upvote:4
Consult the Galileo pocket guide to find:
RETRIEVE BOOKING FILE
It is definitely possible to retrieve a PNR by just the name of the booking person or the passenger name and the departure date.
Edit: this is corroborated by the Air Canada kiosk instructions which say:
Insert a magnetic-stripe Aeroplan, Star Alliance or payment card (Payment card information is used for identification purposes only: no fee will be charged and your payment card information will not be retained.)
There's nothing they could get from a payment card except for the name which could lead to the itin.
Or check Iberia Express instructions:
Enter your name or booking reference and follow the instructions on the screen.
Or.