NDC rates: what are the benefits and limitations?
NDC, which stands for New Distribution Capability, is a data exchange format developed by IATA (International Air Transportation Association). The purpose of NDC is to enable eand greater diversity of fares to travelers be able to offer and ultimately more personalized rates create. Currently, dhese fares are offered through the airlines' own channels and not through the usual global reservation systems, such as Amadeus that Uniglobe and KLM, among others, work with.
Recently, there have been many developments to be made as travel agent to still have access to these rates as well as being able to offer them to our customers, while managing bookings and billing centrally. In cooperation with our suppliers, we were able to successfully link Amadeus and the airlines' NDC channels. This ensures that you, the customer, have access to all available (NDC) fares from the major airlines.
What are the benefits of NDC tickets for the customer/traveler?
NDC offers a wide variety of rates that are constantly changing based on supply and demand, a concept known as "continuous pricing." As a result, ticket prices change continuously. The benefit to you as a customer is that with it, the best available rates are always offered and therefore cheaper rates can no longer be found through other websites. Moreover, it also easy all airline options are compared, so not just the price. Consider additional services such as booking comfort class chair or benefits associated with a frequent flyer program.
What are the restrictions for the customer/traveler?
NDC offers many advantages, but there are also some limitations to consider. Because NDC still under development is, the NDC rates of less common airlines (e.g., non-European airlines) may, less accessible. Although most problems have now been resolved, changes to NDC tickets may not be processed as quickly as with regular fares. This is because changes to NDC tickets often not online can be done, but that telephone contact with an airline is required. As a result, hhe booking process may be slightly more time-consuming. This is something to consider as a customer.
What role do we play in this?
Uniglobe has worked hard in recent years to develop the ability to book and offer these rates to our customers. We are therefore pleased to be able to report That all KLM fares are available through our systems, both for offline bookings through our Business Travel Consultants and for online bookings in our online booking tool UBI. NDC fares of other airlines are added monthly and continuously expanded. In addition, we closely monitor developments and inform our clients at new steps in the NDC-process.
In conclusion, the introduction of NDC rates offers business travelers a greater choice To personalized rates and a more transparent comparison and clearer overview from the additional services. Uniglobe Alliance Travel remains committed to making these fares accessible to our customers and keeping them informed of the latest and last developments. Do you have questions about NDC rates or want to know more about how we can help you support when booking your next business trip? Then feel free to take contact on with our business travel consultants. We are happy to help you.
