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A global distribution system (GDS) is a computerized reservation system used by airlines, travel agents, and travelers to book tickets for multiple airlines, trains, and hotels. It stores passenger information and is used by travel agencies and booking websites. GDS has been around since the 1940s and contains all relevant data relating to air travel. It is now used by travelers themselves and has become a popular way for airlines and hotels to market themselves. The technology is simple to use and displays a list of available tickets and ticket classes for purchase.
A global distribution system is a computerized reservation system (CRS) used by airlines, travel agents, and travelers to book tickets for multiple airlines. The system stores passenger information relating to their scheduled air travel; it is commonly used by airlines, travel agencies and travel booking websites. The global distribution system technology is also used by several passenger train companies and hotel chains so that customers can make multiple reservations for various tickets and locations.
Generally known by its abbreviated name GDS, this travel technology has been around since the 1940s and has been improved and refined over the decades. The first global distribution system was introduced by American Airlines in 1946. It made buying airline tickets so easy that a number of other airlines soon developed their own similar technology. In the 1970s, the popularity of the airline reservation system reached beyond individual carriers, and travel agencies also began using the software.
A global distribution system contains all relevant data relating to air travel. Stores passenger name, ticket details, fares and flight times. Information entered into a company’s system is automatically sent to the Global Distribution System. Data between different types of systems can be transmitted through a uniform messaging system, alerting the user to conflicts or scheduling changes.
In the past, this type of system was mainly used by those in the travel industry. Nowadays, with the advent of the internet and online ticketing options, travelers themselves are able to use these systems when booking travel over the web. Many popular travel websites use this type of technology.
Global distribution systems have also become a popular way for airlines and hotels to market themselves. By entering available flights or rooms into the system, those unsold tickets are immediately brought to the attention of thousands of customers. This effective technology allows entrepreneurs to reach new customers with relatively little footwork.
The technology for global distribution systems is simple to use. When an individual or business enters travel details, such as dates and cities, the system automatically displays a list of available tickets and ticket classes for purchase. If a flight is non-direct and requires a change of aircraft, the system will find matching connecting flights from a selection of carriers. The user can then select and purchase flights. In addition to storing passenger data, the system also records requests for special services, such as meal preferences or seating requirements; additional data is also typically stored, such as details of a customer’s membership in a loyalty program.
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