The inability of Global Distribution Systems (GDS) to visualize airline seats for customers at the time of booking can be attributed to various factors:
- Legacy Systems: Many GDS platforms use legacy systems that were initially designed for basic flight booking functionalities. These systems may lack the flexibility and features required for more advanced visual representations, such as interactive seat maps.
- Technical Constraints: The existing infrastructure of GDS may not be equipped to handle the complexity of visualizing detailed seat configurations. Implementing interactive seat maps could require significant updates and changes to the underlying technology.
- Standardization Challenges: The airline industry operates on diverse seat configurations, and achieving standardization for visual representations across various carriers can be a complex task. GDS providers may face challenges in creating a uniform system that accommodates the unique layouts of each airline.
- Data Synchronization: Maintaining real-time data synchronization between the airlines and GDS platforms is crucial for accurate seat visualization. Any delays or discrepancies in updating seat availability and configurations can lead to a less reliable booking experience.
- Prioritization of Features: GDS platforms often prioritize core functionalities that directly impact the booking process, such as availability, pricing, and itinerary details. Features like interactive seat maps might be considered secondary, and resources may be allocated accordingly.
- Collaboration Challenges: Integrating visual seat representations requires collaboration between GDS providers and airlines. Differences in priorities, technological capabilities, and business models may hinder effective collaboration to implement these features seamlessly.
- Resource Investment: Developing and maintaining advanced features like interactive seat maps involves significant financial and technical investments. GDS providers may need a compelling business case to justify such investments and ensure a positive return.
- Market Dynamics: The airline industry traditionally operated with a focus on filling seats, and the absence of visual seat representations might not have been perceived as a significant drawback. As market dynamics evolve, there may be increasing pressure to enhance the customer experience through advanced features.
While these challenges exist, the demand for a more visually immersive booking experience may drive GDS providers and airlines to collaborate on solutions that better showcase airline seats in the future. As technology advances and customer expectations evolve, there is potential for improvements in this aspect of the booking process.
