How can you use GDS to manage VIP travel arrangements?

1 Know your GDS

A GDS is a network that connects travel suppliers, such as airlines, hotels, and car rental companies, with travel agents, corporate travel managers, and online booking platforms. It allows you to access real-time information, availability, and prices of various travel products and services, and to make reservations, issue tickets, and process payments. There are different GDS platforms, such as Amadeus, Sabre, Galileo, and Worldspan, and each one has its own features and functions. To use a GDS effectively, you need to know how to navigate its interface, use its commands and codes, and customize its settings and preferences.

2 Use GDS profiles

One of the advantages of using a GDS is that you can create and store profiles for your VIP clients. A profile is a record that contains the personal and travel preferences of a client, such as name, contact details, frequent flyer number, seat preference, meal preference, special requests, and payment method. By using profiles, you can save time and avoid errors when making bookings, as you can automatically fill in the required fields with the profile data. You can also use profiles to track the travel history and loyalty status of your clients, and to offer them personalized recommendations and offers.

3 Use GDS queues

Another useful feature of a GDS is the queue system, which allows you to organize and manage your bookings and tasks. A queue is a list of records that share a common attribute, such as status, priority, date, or destination. You can create and assign queues for different purposes, such as pending confirmations, ticketing deadlines, itinerary changes, or special services. By using queues, you can monitor and update your bookings efficiently, and ensure that you don't miss any deadlines or details. You can also use queues to communicate with your colleagues and suppliers, and to share information and requests.

4 Use GDS enhancements

To provide your VIP clients with a superior service, you can also use some of the enhancements that GDS platforms offer. These are additional features or applications that integrate with the GDS and enhance its functionality and value. For example, some enhancements allow you to access and book ancillary services, such as lounge access, extra baggage, or priority boarding. Others allow you to compare and display fares and options from different sources, such as low-cost carriers or alternative distribution systems. And others allow you to create and send customized itineraries, invoices, and vouchers to your clients.

5 Use GDS feedback

Finally, you can use your GDS to collect and analyze feedback from your VIP clients. Feedback is essential to measure and improve your customer service and satisfaction, and to identify areas of improvement and opportunity. You can use your GDS to send surveys, ratings, and reviews to your clients, and to receive and respond to their comments and complaints. You can also use your GDS to generate and review reports and statistics on your performance, such as sales, commissions, productivity, and quality. By using feedback, you can adjust and optimize your service, and build long-term relationships with your clients.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?