The Global Distribution System (GDS) has traditionally been the backbone of travel agent operations, particularly for booking airline tickets. Imagine it as the motherboard connecting travel agents to a vast network of airlines, hotels, and car rental services. However, the travel landscape is evolving. This article delves into what booking systems travel agents use today, examining the role of the GDS and exploring alternative solutions.
The Evolution of Travel Booking Systems
Before the digital age, booking travel was a cumbersome process. Travel agents relied on Central Reservation Systems (CRSs), which were automated inventory-tracking systems owned and operated by individual vendors like airlines.
In 1946, American Airlines pioneered the first CRS system. However, travel agents couldn’t directly access this inventory. They had to contact the airline’s booking center, where operators would check the CRS and relay the information back to the agent over the phone. Booking a single airline ticket required significant manual effort.
Booking Airline Tickets before the GDS
The introduction of the GDS revolutionized the industry. GDSs act as an umbrella, incorporating many CRS systems. This centralized access made it easier for travel agents to access a wider range of inventory.
Understanding the Modern GDS Landscape
The GDS expanded from initially focusing on airlines to incorporating hotels and car rentals. Major GDS providers include:
- Amadeus
- Sabre
- Travelport (parent company of Apollo/Galileo and Worldspan)
These GDS systems provide access to a massive inventory of airline fares, allowing travel agents to efficiently book flights for their clients. Airlines benefit from the GDS by reaching a large pool of travel agents, expanding their market reach. Travel agents gain access to real-time availability and pricing from multiple airlines in one place, including flight times, costs, seat class, and aircraft type.
Navigating the GDS: Green Screen vs. GUI
The GDS presents itself in two primary interfaces: the traditional “green screen” and the more modern Graphical User Interface (GUI).
The Green Screen: A Complex Interface
The “green screen” interface is known for its complexity. Mastering it requires significant training and consistent practice. It involves using specific codes and commands to navigate the system, a skill akin to computer coding.
What is the GDS? (and who needs it?)
GUI: A More User-Friendly Approach?
The GUI, such as Sabre Red 360 and TravelPort+, offers a point-and-click interface designed to be more intuitive. However, even with a GUI, understanding the underlying code and commands of the “green screen” remains essential.
Potential Risks of Using the GDS
Booking through the GDS requires an IATA/IATAN accreditation number (and an ARC accreditation number in the U.S.). New travel agents typically operate under a host agency’s accreditation. The complexity of the GDS creates a significant risk of errors, leading to debit memos—fines for mistakes in bookings. These fines can accumulate quickly, making thorough training crucial for any agent using the GDS.
Moreover, agencies using the GDS must negotiate contracts with the provider, committing to specific sales targets. Failure to meet these targets can result in financial penalties.
When is the GDS Necessary?
While the GDS offers extensive capabilities, it is not always the optimal solution for every travel agent. Here are scenarios where the GDS remains essential:
- Corporate Travel Advisors: Due to the high volume of air travel bookings for corporate clients, the GDS is often a necessity.
- Agents Booking Complex Itineraries: For multi-stop or round-the-world trips, the GDS provides the flexibility and control needed to manage intricate travel plans.
- High Volume Booking of Air-Only Travel: If your primary focus is booking a large number of flights, the GDS offers the efficiency required.
Alternatives to the GDS
Many leisure travel agents do not require the GDS. Air travel can be included in vacation packages or booked directly with cruise lines. When booking air-only reservations outside of packages, several alternatives exist:
- Airline Consolidators: Consolidators offer wholesale international airfares to travel agencies, allowing them to access net fares, published fares, or commissionable fares.
- Direct Booking and Service Fees: Agents can book directly through the airline’s website and charge a service fee to compensate for their time.
- Client Self-Booking: Clients can book their own air-only reservations if the agent’s time investment is not justified.
- Host Agency Booking Tools: Host agencies may provide online booking engines linked to their GDS, offering agents the advantage of the host’s airline contracts without requiring GDS expertise. One example of this is Revelex.
- Ticketing Desks: Some host agencies offer ticketing desk services that can book flights on behalf of agents for a fee.
Host agencies with air ticketing desks
Understanding Airline Commissions
While airlines offer commissions, they are not as prevalent as they once were. Domestic non-premium seats rarely offer commissions. International flights, particularly in first and business class, may offer commissions, but it is not guaranteed.
Conclusion
The GDS remains a powerful tool for travel agents, especially those specializing in corporate travel or complex itineraries. However, alternative booking methods are available and suitable for many leisure travel agents. The optimal booking system depends on the agent’s specific needs, target market, and booking volume. Travel agents need to evaluate their business model and choose the system that best suits their requirements.
