Computer Reservations & Departure Control Systems

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Questions and Answers

What is the full form of CRS?

Computer Reservation System

What does a CRS help an airline do? (Provide 3 answers)

Minimize repetitive work done by the system administrator and reservation agents. Maintain consistency across different access modes, e.g. phone, Internet, information desk and across different physical locations. The system is designed to take the users through the same steps as conventional desk-reservation systems. Maintain customer information in case of emergency, e.g. flight cancellation due to inclement weather. The profile can also be used by the airline company to track passenger preferences and travel patterns to serve them better, plan routes, target marketing and schedule flights more efficiently.

Which one of the following is not a CRS provider:

Navitaire

CRS and GDS are the same and are both used by airlines for reservations

False Signup and view all the answers

A CRS can be used by airlines and travel agents to make reservations

True Signup and view all the answers

An airline can only use one CRS or GDS at a time.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are the different steps that the CRS checks to ensure the correct information is provided?

The CRS checks for false entries such as the date of return being earlier than the date of departure. It checks for ambiguity in city names if more than two cities have the same name, the system will list all of them and ask the user to select one. If either the origin or destination cities are not listed in the database as being serviced directly by the airline, the system will suggest the nearest city to which service is available, and include the distance between the two. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the DCS?

To manage the check-in of passengers and the boarding of the aircraft Signup and view all the answers

What are the four key functions of a DCS?

Check-In, Boarding, Weight and balance, and Baggage reconciliation. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two options for airlines when it comes to self-check-in?

Use a Common User Self Service (CUSS) system or kiosks or use the airline's app or website to complete self check-in. Signup and view all the answers

The DCS system can only be used by ground handlers and not airlines.

False Signup and view all the answers

The DCS is not capable of printing baggage tags.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does the term TCI stand for when used in the DCS system?

Through Check-In Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a feature of the DCS that helps to save time and improve the passenger experience?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Module 2: Computer Reservations and Departure Control Systems Function

Computer Reservation Systems (CRS) & Departure Control Systems (DCS): CRS handles ticket reservations, blocking, canceling, and rescheduling. DCS manages passenger check-in, boarding, weight & balance, and baggage reconciliation. Modern CRSs integrate with Global Distribution Systems (GDS) for wider airline access. DCS often connects to CRS, flight planning, cargo systems and possibly immigration control.

2.1 The Computer Reservations System (CRS)

Objectives: Minimize repetitive work, maintain consistency across access points, maintain customer data for emergencies and maximize revenue (e.g., frequent flyer programs, seat capacity maximization, dynamic pricing).
System Context: CRS interfaces with GDS to support travel agents, offering booking confirmations, cancellations, and rescheduling functions. Offers various interfaces for passengers (e.g., web, phone) and agents (desktop).
Functional Requirements (CRS): Users have guest or registered status. Registered users can check availability and book/block seats. Guests can only check availability. The system guides users through steps with prompts for basic passenger details, travel class, dates and number of passengers. Flight schedules, availability, and prices are displayed. Options for origin/destination selection and possible routes are provided.
Reserving/Blocking: Guests must register to block/book. Blocking a seat reserves it temporarily with user specified duration and charge, while booking charges the passenger fare immediately. Frequent flyer miles can be automatically added if applicable.
Rescheduling: Users can reschedule their bookings with confirmed tickets. New dates are selected and the process to prepare itineraries similar to booking process is repeated until selection matches requirements. System displays price changes and adjusts database accordingly. If no seats are available for new dates, then system will display an appropriate message.
Non-Functional Requirements (CRS): Response time is typically under 2 seconds on average, with a capacity to handle over 1,000 transactions/sec. System operates 24/7, offers real-time data, has fault tolerance, and incorporates a user-friendly interface mimicking existing systems. Security is enhanced with encryption and authentication. Interoperability allows easy coupling with other systems like flight schedule databases.

2.2 The Departure Control System (DCS)

Check-in & Boarding: DCS automates passenger and baggage handling. It's linked to CRS for data exchange and passenger information update. Passengers can use self-service kiosks (CUSS) or traditional agent check-in. Advanced systems offer automated check-in 24 hours before each flight. The passenger can opt for electronic or printed boarding passes, and baggage tags. For manual input, the system generates a simple entry format for passenger name, number of passengers/bags, weight etc.
Weight & Balance: DCS manages aircraft weight and balance calculations to support safe flights.
Baggage Reconciliation: DCS tracks checked baggage through the process, ensuring it is tagged to the correct passenger. Self-service baggage drop locations have systems to scan boarding passes and tag checked baggage automatically and efficiently.

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Description

Explore the essential functionalities of Computer Reservation Systems (CRS) and Departure Control Systems (DCS). Understand how these systems integrate with Global Distribution Systems and support both travel agents and passengers in ticketing and boarding processes.