In this article, we’ll take a look at the four most popular types of software for travel agencies: airline reservation systems, global distribution systems, tour operators software, and comprehensive travel agency solutions. As part of your travel agency business plan, it’s crucial to consider these options. We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of each, so that you can make an informed decision about which type of travel agency software best fits your needs.
Airline Reservation Systems
Airline reservation systems are software programs that travel agencies use to book airline tickets. The most popular airline reservation system is Amadeus, which is used by more than 60% of travel agencies worldwide. Other popular airline reservation systems include Sabre and Galileo.
Pros:
- Airline reservation systems are very user friendly.
- These programs offer a variety of features that make it easy to search for flights, book tickets, and manage travel itineraries.
- Many airline reservation systems offer discounts on flights you book on their platform.
Cons:
- Airline reservation systems can be expensive. Some providers charge travel agencies a monthly fee.
- Some airline reservation systems require travel agencies to sign a long-term contract, which can be difficult to cancel if you’re not happy with the service.
- Airline reservation systems may not always have the most up-to-date information on available flights and ticket prices.
Global Distribution Systems
A global distribution system (GDS) is a software program that travel agents use to book airline tickets, hotel rooms, and car rentals. The most popular GDS software is Travelport, which is used by more than 70% of travel agencies worldwide. Sabre and Amadeus are two other popular programs.
Pros:
- GDS software is very user-friendly and easy to use.
- It offers a wide variety of features, including the ability to search for flights, book tickets, and manage travel itineraries
- GDS software gives travel agencies access to multiple airline reservation systems, which can save time and money.
Cons:
- GDS software can be costly. You may have to pay a monthly fee.
- Some GDS software requires you to commit to a long-term contract, which can be difficult to cancel if you’re not happy with the service.
- GDS software may not always have the most up-to-date information on flights and ticket prices.
Tour Operators Software
Tour operators software programs offer all the features of an airline reservation or GDS system, but are designed to meet the specific needs of travel companies that specialize in package vacations.
Pros:
- This type of software is designed specifically for tour operators, so it offers all the essential features you need.
- You can customize the software to meet the specific needs of your business.
- It’s usually more affordable than airline reservation systems or GDS software.
Cons:
- Tour operators software can be more difficult to set up and use than an airline reservation system or GDS software program.
- These software programs may not always have timely information on flights and ticket prices.
- Tour operators software may not be available from all travel software providers.
Custom Travel Agency Software
Custom travel agency software solutions are designed to serve the different needs of travel agencies. These software programs offer all the features that airline reservation and GDS systems provide, and then some.
Pros:
- Custom travel agency software is tailor-made for travel agencies, so it offers all of the features that travel agencies need.
- You can customize the software to meet the specific needs of your travel agency.
- Custom travel agency software is usually more affordable than airline reservation systems or GDS software.
Cons:
- Custom travel agency software can be more difficult to use than airline reservation systems or GDS software.
- Custom travel agency software may not always have the most up-to-date information on flights and ticket prices.
- Custom travel agency software may not be available from all travel software providers.
Travel Agency Software Comparison
Now that you know the different types of travel software available and the advantages of each, you have the tools to make an informed choice. Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re comparing the different types of software and deciding which one is the best fit for your needs.
- User-friendliness: How easy is the software to use? Does the program make it easy to search for flights and book tickets?
- Travel Software: What type of travel software do you need? Are you looking for an airline reservation system, a GDS system, or custom travel agency software?
- Price: How much does the software cost to use? Is there a monthly fee? Do you have to sign a long-term contract?
- Up-to-date Information: Does the software have the most up-to-date information on flights and ticket prices?
- Customer Support: If you need help using the software, what types of customer support does the platform offer? Email, live chat, phone support? How quickly can you get a response to your questions?
Conclusion
Choosing the right travel agency software can be a difficult decision. There are many factors to consider, such as cost, features, and ease of use. We hope this article has helped you understand the pros and cons of the different types of travel agency software so that you can make the right decision for your business.