Airline Reservation Systems: Evolution and Advantages
Airline reservation systems have really come a long way since they were first introduced back in the 1940s. From the Sabre booking system to the Amadeus reservation system and more, these systems have revolutionised the way airlines manage their reservations and ticket sales. So, what are they, what’s their history, how do they work, and what are the benefits of using them?
What is an Airline Reservation System?
An airline reservation system is a software application that helps airlines manage reservations, ticket sales, and inventory. These systems also provide real-time flight information, schedule management, and customer data management. Airline reservation systems have streamlined the booking process for travellers, making it more convenient to book flights and manage reservations.
The Evolution of Airline Reservation Systems
The first airline reservation system, the Sabre airline reservation system, was developed in the 1940s. It was initially designed for American Airlines and helped automate the process of booking flights and managing reservations. Other airlines soon followed suit, and the Sabre booking system became the standard for the airline industry.
In the 1980s, the Amadeus reservation system was introduced. It offered a more user-friendly interface and was quickly adopted by many airlines around the world. Today, these two systems are still the most widely used in the airline industry, although other systems like Galileo and Deltamatic also exist.
How Do Airline Reservation Systems Work?
Airline reservation systems work by managing flight schedules, inventory, and fares. When a traveller searches for a flight, the system searches for available flights, seats, and prices. Once the traveller selects a flight, the system manages the reservation and ticketing process.
They also provide real-time flight information. This comes from the aircraft ADS-B systems and it allows airlines to keep passengers informed about flight delays, cancellations, and other important information that would be of use to both travellers and airline staff. Airline reservation systems also manage customer data, including personal information, frequent flyer programs, and other loyalty programs.
Advantages of Airline Reservation Systems
Airline reservation systems offer numerous advantages for both airlines and travellers. Here are some of the main benefits:
- Increased efficiency: Airline reservation systems automate many of the processes involved in managing reservations and ticket sales, making it easier and faster for airlines to manage their operations.
- Real-time information: Airline reservation systems provide real-time flight information. With so many aircraft flying at any given time, airlines and passengers need to know about any deviation, diversion, cancellations, or other interruptions to a planned route.
- Personalised services: These systems can offer personalised recommendations to travellers, based on their travel history and preferences.
- Increased revenue: Airline reservation systems help airlines increase revenue by offering dynamic pricing and inventory management, which allows airlines to adjust prices and availability based on demand.
Types of Airline Reservation Systems
The most commonly used ARS are listed below:
- Sabre reservation system: The Sabre booking system was the first airline reservation system and is still widely used today.
- Amadeus reservation system: The Amadeus reservation system offers a user-friendly interface and is used by many airlines around the world.
- Galileo reservation system: The Galileo reservation system offers a global distribution system for airlines and travel agencies.
- Deltamatic reservation system: The Deltamatic reservation system is used by Delta Airlines and provides real-time information about flight schedules and availability.
Conclusion
The airline industry was an early adopter of computer systems. Today, the industry depends on secure and reliable information and the reservations systems are just one of the many such systems that keep aircraft and passengers where they need to be. They are a crucial component of the airline industry, providing airlines with the technology they need to manage flights, track inventory, and offer personalised services to travellers. From the Sabre booking system to the Amadeus reservation system and more, these systems have revolutionised the way we book and manage flights.
FAQ
How does an airline reservation system work?
Airline reservation systems work by managing flight schedules, inventory, and fares. When a traveller searches for a flight, the system searches for available flights, seats, and prices. Once the traveller selects a flight, the system manages the reservation and ticketing process. Airline reservation systems also manage customer data, including personal information, frequent flyer programs, and other loyalty programs, and they also provide real-time flight data.
Which airline reservation system is best?
The best airline reservation system depends on the specific needs of each airline. However, the Sabre airline reservation system and the Amadeus reservation system are the two most widely used in the airline industry.
What software do airlines use for reservations?
Airlines use a variety of software for reservations, including Sabre, Amadeus, Galileo, and Deltamatic reservation systems. These systems offer airlines the technology they need to manage reservations, ticket sales, inventory, and flight information.
Why is an airline reservation system used?
Airline reservation systems are used to make booking flights and managing reservations more efficient and convenient for both airlines and travellers. These systems help airlines manage their operations, increase revenue, and offer personalised services to travellers.
How does an online reservation system work?
An online reservation system works similarly to an airline reservation system, but it is designed for online bookings. These systems allow travellers to search for flights, choose their seats, and book their tickets online. Once the reservation is made, the system manages the booking process and sends the traveller a confirmation email.
What day of the week is best to make airline reservations?
There is no one specific day of the week that is best to make airline reservations. However, many travel experts suggest that booking flights on a Tuesday or Wednesday can lead to lower prices as airlines tend to release their discounted fares on these days.
Is it best to book a flight directly with the airline?
Booking a flight direct with the airline can often lead to better deals and more personalised services, such as loyalty programs and frequent flyer benefits. However, it is still a good idea to compare prices and options with other booking channels like online travel agencies (OTAs) and travel search engines.
Does easyJet use Amadeus?
No, easyJet does not use the Amadeus reservation system. Instead, it uses its own airline reservation system called the easyJet reservation system.
Is Skyscanner an OTA?
Yes, Skyscanner is an online travel agency (OTA) that allows travellers to search for flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages from various providers.
What type of software is a reservation system?
Reservation system software is typically a cloud-based software application that helps businesses manage reservations, bookings, and inventory.
