Travel Agency Operations

What is another name for Global Distribution Systems?

What is the primary function of Global Distribution Systems?

How many major Global Distribution System companies are there currently?

When was the first Global Distribution System created?

What was the primary reason for the creation of the first Global Distribution System?

What is the primary benefit of using a GDS system for travel agencies?

What is one of the additional benefits of using a GDS system?

What was added to Sabre in the 1980s?

What is the result of GDS systems encouraging competition among airlines?

What is the benefit of GDS systems for customers?

What is the primary purpose of a Global Distribution System (GDS)?

Which of the following is a capability of a GDS system?

What is the approximate percentage of available seats in the world that a GDS system has access to?

Which of the following airlines owned a GDS system?

How many fare combinations can a GDS system use?

Global Distribution Systems (GDS)

GDS is a worldwide computerized reservation network used for booking airline seats, hotel rooms, rental cars, and other travel-related items.
It is also known as Automated Reservation System (ARS) and Computerized Reservation System (CRS).

Benefits of GDS

Saves time and increases productivity by reducing phone calls and waiting times.
Gives customers better and quicker service.
Helps travel agencies to improve their business efficiency.
Reduces the chance of errors with scheduling.
Finds the cheapest prices for customers.

Major GDS Systems

Sabre: one of the oldest GDS systems, operational since 1960, and added advanced airline yield management systems in the 1980s.
Other major GDS systems include Amadeus, Galileo, and Worldspan.

Capabilities of GDS

Operational 99.9% of the time, with access available 24/7.
Can handle up to 17,000 messages per second during peak traffic times.
Uses advanced enterprise systems architecture for fast response times.
Can make large numbers of reservations in a short time.
Can use over 1 billion combinations of fare.
Has access to more than 95% of available seats in the world, representing over 750 airlines, 50,000 hotels, 400 tours, and 30,000 car rental sites.

Background of GDS

The first GDS began to be created in the 1950s and became functional in the 1960s.
Initially owned and operated by airline companies, now independent.
There are also smaller, local GDS systems in specific regions.

This quiz is about the benefits of technology in travel agency operations, specifically in checking availability and making reservations with airlines.