How can non-profits use GDS to book travel arrangements more efficiently?

So, as a travel consultant and travel manager, a GDS is able to book flights, hotels, lounges etc. from anywhere in the world. Issuing agencies are agencies that has an IATA license number which gives them the access to not just make reservations, but to issue bookings. there are variations of an IATA license though. A Go-lite version for instance has it's own disadvantages for that a discussion for another topic. Some travel agencies connect their website to their GDS through the use of APIs resulting in an OTA. Currently however, most airlines are shifting from traditional GDS to NDC (New Distribution capability).

For any profit or Non Profits, Use of GDS is not a simple task without proper training or a new hire with complete experience is a must to perform this activity. Although it will be more efficient as compared to sending emails to a travel agent and waiting for their response.

GDS on one screen gives you all the flights available and you can select,book and price . Reprice for lowest fare. You can then have a relationship with another agent for issuance of tickets . Some also give NDC content on one screen. You can book hotels also .

GDS (Global Distribution System) is provided/installed for travel agents with IATA certifications. This system can only be efficiently and effectively operated by someone trained on how to use it. If the non-profit organization has significant travel volumes, I would recommend that they engage with a well-established and IATA-certified travel agency. This agency can either: 1. Station a travel consultant (on the agency's payroll) at the non-profit office for ease of coordination during bookings, OR 2. Provide the non-profit organization access to their GDS, allowing them to outsource an experienced travel consultant to handle bookings via the GDS.

A GDS is like a one-stop shop for travel info and bookings. It helps you find, compare, and book flights, hotels, and more from different sources all in one place, whether you're using online travel agencies, travel management companies, or direct booking tools. Examples include Amadeus, Sabre, Travelport, and Galileo.

GDS is transactional system than subscription based. Every transection they process has a cost attached to it. It is primarily used to look for flight/hotel inventory, then book and issue tickets. GDS being a middleman creates the value for the airline by distributing their products (not all) and travel agents to manage and strengthen the relationship with airline and the travelers. For non-profit organization GDS is more of informational purpose which a great value for them for on time information processing, on the other hand for the GDS it an institutional presence but can create value by adding trained users 'by collaborating with travel academies for the underprivileged groups to improve their marketability.

Is acquiring a GDS really beneficial for non-profits? Unless you're a seasoned travel agent, a GDS might not be very practical, especially without IATA or ARC accreditation. Recognizing this, my company offers solutions. We provide access to multiple GDSs, connections to global wholesalers with specially negotiated rates, more competitive than those available through a single GDS. Our approach, which integrates access to all major GDSs and includes wholesale flight inventory, is not only more comprehensive but also cost-effective compared to having just one GDS connection. Furthermore, we offer non-profits and NGO agencies complimentary access to this tool, ensuring they get the best possible travel deals without any financial burden.

For non-profit organizations, a GDS can allow for group bookings as well as discounted fares. The GDS enables such organizations track their travel histories, manage payment, manage individual profiles, process refunds and even reschedule a flight faster without necessarily reaching out to the airline.

Using a GDS benefits non-profits by offering centralized access to travel options, ensuring cost savings through negotiated rates, facilitating efficient decision-making with real-time updates, enabling policy compliance, and providing tools for data analysis to optimize spending.

In my experience, using a GDS helps non-profits save money on travel, find the best deals easily, and save time by streamlining bookings. It also makes it simpler to stick to travel policies, offers more choices for travelers, and automates tasks like invoices and tracking expenses, improving overall efficiency.

GDS systems, once pivotal in travel booking, are now being overshadowed by the rise of the internet, airline NDC, direct API connections, and low-cost carriers' direct offerings. Addressing this evolution, our company offers an all-in-one solution without extra cost. Our "booking widget" provides access to all major GDSs, NDC pricing from legacy carriers, a wide range of low-cost carriers, and exclusive flight content from global wholesalers with special negotiated airfares. This comprehensive service exceeds the capabilities of traditional GDS and simplifies the process by including the issuing agent role. We ensure our commercial subscribers have the most efficient and cost-effective booking experience in today's dynamic airtravel market.

To use the GDS efficiently, it is important to have basic travel information (date of travel, origin, destinations, stopovers, flight duration, preferred airline etc) and a travel document such as a passport. It is important to caution against the abuse of the GDS. Avoid too many cancellations of reservations. Be careful when issuing or reissuing flights to avoid ADMs (Agent debit Memo).

Continuous training the user, explaining technology landscape, co-creation of products and enhancements teaming with partners, building easy automation for travel agents, managing and restricting abuses, adding more content will increase and improve efficiencies for the system and user community.

GDS can be such a powerful tool to book travel arrangements. Although it may seem difficult for some, once you get to know it, you will realize how helpful it can be. There are a number of helpful "entries" that are crucial to know to simply some process, for example there can be scrips within the tool that makes work more efficient. It takes some times to get to know GDS and get amazing results.

Access GDS Platform: Log in to the GDS platform provided by a travel agency or service provider. Search for Options: Enter travel details such as destination, dates, and preferences to search for available flights, hotels, and other services. Compare and Select: Review the options presented, comparing prices, schedules, and other relevant details to make an informed decision. Book and Confirm: Once the desired options are selected, proceed to book the travel arrangements within the GDS platform. Manage Reservations: Utilize the GDS to manage reservations, make changes if necessary, and receive confirmation details. Stay Updated: Regularly check for updates on the GDS regarding any changes or additional options that may become available.

Other things to consider include: Enter the names of passengers carefully as most airlines don't accept name change and even if they do, it's expensive to make such changes as there are consequences. Also, check baggage allowance when selecting a class of ticket. You wouldn't want a class of 2PC and then book a 1PC class. It will be really frustrating when checking in. When travelling, arrive at the airport hours before your trip to check-in. usually 3hrs for regional/international flights any 1hr 30 mins ahead for local flights. Though this timing depends on the airline.

From my perspective, It's also beneficial to stay updated on GDS features and industry trends, as these systems continually evolve. Regularly training your team on GDS usage can ensure everyone is making the most of its capabilities. Additionally, establishing clear communication channels with your chosen GDS provider can help address any issues promptly and keep your travel arrangements running smoothly.