Everyone has heard about flight API integration but only a few of them know that it also has types of integration. Depending on the requirements of TMC they opt for the type of integration. Some TMCs get all three types of integration in their portal and they can also compliment it with their own fares. Now lets understand about the types of flight API integration.
- Direct Airline API Integration
- GDS API Integration
- 3rd party API Integration
Direct Airline Api Intgration
When an airline gives the direct API to integrate it in the portal then it is called direct airline API integration. Generally this service is provided to a TMC with large operations and turnover. It is an expensive process as airline charges high to provide the API and integration process also takes a lot of time and money. Moreover travel agents cannot rely on just one airline’s API Integrated, as the customer wants option to choose from. Travel agents have to invest in GDS or 3rd party API integration as well.
When is it required?
- Airline not available on GDS.
- Travel agents have special corporate codes/ deals in their id of the airline.
GDS API INTEGRATION
There are three major GDS – Sabre, Amadeus, Travelport (Apollo, Worldspan, Galileo). Learn more in GDS API Integration.
TMC wanting the ownership of PNR prefer This integration. TMCs gets the segment payout from GDS on the basis of the number of segments created. Higher the segments higher the amount of payout.
A certified developer of GDS can integrate the API easily and quickly.
3RD PARTY API INTEGRATION
Start up travel agencies or TMCs in travel business for a few years prefer this integration. Generally Most of the budding TMCs go with white label solution.
GDS WITH LOCAL LCC
A third party API supplier has GDS and the LCC airline integrated in its API. Mostly The LCC can be of the habitant country. Travel agencies having domestic and outbound travel business prefer this type of 3rd party API integration.
GDS WITH WORLDWIDE LCC
A third party API supplier can also have GDS and worldwide LCC airline integrated in its API. Third party API of worldwide LCC with GDS are expensive in comparison with GDS with local LCC. Travel agencies having inbound travel business or business from multiple countries integrates this type of 3rd party API integration.
