Top 10 Flight Booking System Providers - GDS and Airline APIs Integration (2024)
21 June, 2024
Michael
The travel industry is witnessing substantial growth propelled by several factors and thus requires AI and automation software. A flight booking system is a software platform or online tool that allows users to search, compare, and reserve flights for travel. It integrates information from various airlines, travel agencies, and other service providers to offer a wide range of options for travelers. These systems typically enable users to input travel details such as departure and destination locations, travel dates, and passenger information. The system then displays available flights, including pricing, flight times, layovers, and seating options, allowing customers to choose their preferred flight and complete the booking process
The demand for
flight booking system
has grown significantly in recent years, driven by the increasing reliance on digital platforms for travel planning and the rising number of air travelers globally. As more people seek convenience and flexibility when booking flights, airlines, travel agencies, and online travel platforms are adopting advanced flight booking systems to streamline the booking process and enhance customer experiences. The demand is further fueled by factors such as the proliferation of mobile technology, increased internet penetration, and the growing trend of personalized travel, where users seek tailored options that suit their preferences, budgets, and schedules.
As per the current market research, the global tourism market size is expected to record a CAGR of 3.7% from 2023 to 2032. In 2023, the market size is projected to reach a valuation of US$ 8,880 Billion. By 2032, the valuation is anticipated to
reach US$ 12,314 Billion. ‘All-in-one-place’ online travel portal platforms have improved the user experiences to another level. According to
Statista, OTA revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate of 10.8% over the next five years.
How to find the best flight booking system providers : A quick guide in 6 Steps
To find the right
flight booking software
system provider, follow these 8 systematic steps:
Step 1 : Identify Your Requirements
Before you start searching for a flight booking system provider, clearly define your needs. What type of system are you looking for—an online travel agency platform, a corporate travel management tool, or a direct airline booking system? Identify specific features like multi-airline integration, real-time availability, payment gateways, mobile compatibility, and customer support services. Understanding your goals helps narrow down the options and ensures you select a system that aligns with your business or personal travel needs.
Step 2 : Conduct Online Research
Start by conducting online research to find providers of
flight booking systems
. Use search engines to look for terms like "flight booking system software" or "online travel booking engine." Make a list of potential providers and explore their websites for detailed information on features, pricing models, and the services they offer. You can also look for reviews and case studies on travel technology blogs or forums to get insights from other users.
Step 3 : Consult Industry Directories
There are several online directories and platforms that list reputable flight booking system providers. Websites like Clutch, Capterra, and G2 feature user reviews, rankings, and detailed information about various software solutions. These platforms can help you compare different providers based on features, customer feedback, and overall ratings, making it easier to make an informed decision.
Step 4 : Ask for Recommendations
Reach out to peers, industry professionals, or networks within the travel and tech industries for recommendations. Social media platforms like LinkedIn, travel business forums, and professional groups often have members who have already used or researched flight booking systems. Asking for firsthand experiences can help you identify trusted providers and avoid potential pitfalls
Step 5 : Request Demos and Trials
Once you’ve shortlisted a few providers, request product demos or free trials to test the software’s functionality and user interface. During these demos, pay attention to key factors like ease of use, customization options, integration capabilities, and technical support. A hands-on trial will allow you to assess how well the system meets your needs before making a long-term commitment.
Step 6 : Evaluate Costs and Support
Finally, compare the pricing structures and customer support options of each provider. Some systems may offer subscription-based pricing, while others may charge per transaction. Make sure the pricing fits your budget and that the provider offers sufficient technical support, training, and updates. Look for a provider with responsive support and a good track record of maintaining and improving their system over time.
Is your travel agency API ready?
Aggregators for travel agents through their travel APIs (which stands for Application Programming Interfaces) are interfaces which communicate with other technologies / platforms / environments and which effectively allow content and data to be pulled from one system to another. If you are
opening a travel agency, travel APIs can give them global access of the inventory / deals including airlines, hotels, car-rental, transfers, sightseeing and holiday packages.
List of the Top Flight Booking System Providers -
Below is the list of
top flight booking system
providers (2024) as per geography and contents. Check top technology providers worldwide as following -
Amadeus
Amadeus is a major Spanish
travel technology company
for the worldwide travel and tourism industry. It creates essential solutions that enable airlines, airports, railways, hotels, search engines, tour operators, travel agencies, and other players in the travel industry to enhance their operations and provide better travel experiences, on a massive scale worldwide.
These solutions are utilized billions of times each year to help manage and optimize the travel industry.
Amadeus solutions help travel providers and businesses improve operational efficiency, enhance customer experience, and drive revenue growth. Amadeus has a strong presence in the travel industry, with a global network of customers and partners across more than 190 countries.
PROVAB
Provab Technosoft is an award winning
travel technology company specializing in producing high performance online travel software such as car reservation system, airline reservation system, hotel reservation system and
white label travel portals. Their travel technology software is tailored to meet the specific needs of travel management companies, destination management companies, travel aggregators, B2B and B2C travel agencies, tour operators, and home-based travel agents.
Having a proven track record of over 12 years and a client base spread across 45 countries, they have established partnerships with 32 global travel and
flight suppliers. As a leading travel technology solutions provider, all of their resources are proficient in web services integration, user/sub-user modules, and XML live processes.
Travelport
Travelport is a global travel technology company that provides various innovative solutions for the travel industry. They offer technology solutions for travel agents, airlines, hotels, car rental companies, and other travel providers to help streamline operations and enhance the traveler experience.
Travelport's technology includes booking and reservation systems, airline merchandising tools, and business intelligence solutions to help customers grow their businesses. With a presence in more than 180 countries, Travelport's technology is used by millions of travel providers and travelers worldwide. They are committed to ongoing innovation and are working to shape the future of the travel industry with their advanced technology solutions.
Sabre
As a technology company specializing in software solutions for the travel industry, Sabre is at the forefront of innovation and advancement. Their team of experts has contributed decades of revolutionary breakthroughs helping their clients operate more efficiently, drive revenue, and deliver personalized traveler experiences using next-generation technology solutions. Their technology includes booking and
reservation systems, revenue management tools, and other solutions designed to help travel providers optimize their operations and grow their businesses.
Sabre's technology enables travelers to access real-time travel information and book travel seamlessly through various channels. With a global presence in more than 160 countries, Sabre is a trusted partner for many of the world's leading travel providers. The company is dedicated to driving innovation and helping its customers succeed in an ever-evolving industry.
TBO
TBO is a global travel software firm aiming to simplify the buying process of travel partners' travel requirements worldwide. By seamlessly integrating customers and suppliers worldwide at scale, their technology platform ensures ease of the demands of the complicated global travel industry.
TBO's product offerings presently include flights, hotels, railways, vacation packages,
rental cars, transfers, sightseeing, cruises, and cargo. In addition to these items, their software platform extensively relies on AI/ML to provide distinctive listings and products that adhere to the demands of clients, boosting conversions. TBO has always prioritized technology and continues investing in new developments and services to streamline and simplify travel.
PKFare
PKFARE offers intelligent integrated solutions to global travel industry players, leveraging its global resources, machine learning technology, big data, and dynamic hedging and payment model. These solutions include
real-time inventory data, highly competitive rates, seamless multilingual customer service, and diversified product portfolios. PKFARE's real-time big data is aggregated from over 600 airlines, 400,000 hotel properties, and 20 DMCs, spanning over 100 countries and regions.
Hotelbeds
Hotelbeds is a
leading travel technology company that operates a global distribution system for the travel industry. The Hotelbeds platform connects travel companies, such as travel agents, tour operators, and airlines, with accommodation providers, including hotels, apartments, and resorts, to offer their customers a wide range of travel products. The company offers various accommodation options in over 185 countries worldwide, including over 180,000 hotels, 30,000 transfers, and 18,000 activities.
Hotelbeds has a global team of over 5,000 employees and operates in more than 140 source markets, providing 24/7 customer service and support. Hotelbeds has a strong focus on innovation and invests heavily in technology to provide its partners with the latest tools and solutions to help them grow their businesses.
Above is the
list of flight booking software providers
recognized globally.
Travel Aggregator Integration Workflow
At Travelomatix, our travel aggregator integration team and framework experts provide extensive support during APIs integration and live certification. They let you leverage the ready codes and libraries to complete the integration sooner than expected. You are assured of full scale OTA or mobile application to build rapid growth in travel booking vertical.
Sandbox Access
Post API contract signoff, agency code is created. Same time, sandbox and test credentials are sent to client’s developers.
Web Services Integration
Developers get the integration kit and they can start integrating Travelomatix’s travel APIs on their platform in a seamless way.
Test Cases Evaluation
Post flight APIs web services integration, test cases are sent to client’s developers to validate the logic of application or mobile app.
Live Credentials
On approval of all test cases, followed by few airline bookings in test environment, live credentials are granted to set the application live.
Importance of Travel aggregators to Tourism Industry
Travel aggregator plays a crucial role in market expansion and reach, particularly in niche or underserved markets. Their specialization and expertise allow them to reach customers who may not have direct access to airline booking platforms or traditional travel agencies, thus increasing airlines' market penetration.
Furthermore, travel aggregators offer efficient distribution channels, simplifying the booking process for travel sellers and consumers alike. They provide flexibility and customization options, such as group bookings and flexible air ticketing, catering to diverse customer needs.
List of things to consider before hiring a travel APIs integration company?
Now that you are well aware of travel aggregators and why to integrate travel APIs, you must find the best travel aggregator and travel API integration company. While plenty of travel portal companies are available, the question is how to find the best travel API company. Let me help you in preparing a questionnaire that fits your requirements.
- What are the major travel API integration services you offer?
- Please provide 7-8 benefits you offer to travel agents?
- Do you make custom web design or use the theme?
- Can you provide the portfolio?
- Do you provide case studies to showcase the results of your web design?
- What is the policy for building websites in comparison with the competitors?
- How do I get the timely work progress of the project?
- What are the types of travel technologies you are specialized in?
- Do you give round the clock support and also handling the updates of the applications?
