Travelers Plans How to Travelers Plans in The World
Travel agents are professionals who help individuals and organizations plan and book their travel arrangements. They are experts in travel logistics, and as such, they use a variety of tools and technologies to make bookings. Here’s a rundown of what travel agents use to book flights:
Airline Booking Systems
Travel agents use airline booking systems to find and book flights for their clients. These systems are designed to provide travel agents with real-time availability and pricing information from multiple airlines. The most popular airline booking systems are Amadeus, Sabre, and Travelport.
Global Distribution Systems
Global Distribution Systems (GDS) are computerized reservation networks that allow travel agents to book flights, hotels, and other travel-related services. These systems provide travel agents with access to a vast array of travel suppliers, including airlines, hotels, car rental companies, and tour operators. Examples of GDS systems are Amadeus, Sabre, and Travelport.
Airline Websites
Travel agents also use airline websites to book flights for their clients. These websites provide travel agents with real-time availability and pricing information from the airline’s inventory. However, booking through airline websites can be time-consuming, and it may not always offer the best deals.
Consolidators
Travel agents may also use consolidators to book flights for their clients. Consolidators are wholesalers who buy airline tickets in bulk and then sell them to travel agents at a discounted rate. Consolidators provide travel agents with access to exclusive fares and discounts that are not available through other booking channels.
Travel Management Systems
Travel agents use travel management systems to manage and organize their clients’ travel arrangements. These systems allow travel agents to manage bookings, track travel expenses and provide clients with detailed itineraries. Popular travel management systems are Concur, Egencia, and Amadeus Cytric.
Conclusion
While there are many ways to book flights, travel agents use a combination of tools and technologies to find the best deals for their clients. Their expertise in travel logistics allows them to provide travelers with a stress-free and convenient travel experience.
| Frequently Asked Questions | Answers |
|---|---|
| Do travel agents still exist? | Yes, travel agents still exist. They continue to provide value to travelers by offering expert advice and personalized service. |
| How do travel agents make money? | Travel agents make money by earning commissions on the travel bookings they make. They may also charge fees for the services they provide. |
| Can you get cheaper flights by booking through a travel agent? | It depends. Travel agents may offer exclusive deals and discounts that are not available to the general public. However, it’s always a good idea to compare prices and book through multiple channels to ensure you get the best deal. |
| Do travel agents have access to better flight inventory than the general public? | Yes, travel agents have access to airline booking systems and GDS systems that provide real-time availability and pricing information from multiple airlines. This allows them to find the best flights and deals for their clients. |