Flight Booking Software options Can Vary

Travel industry online sales have exploded over the past decade and as a result, choosing the right online booking engine a critical decision for anyone selling travel today. With airline online ticket sales increasing year over year, making sure your travel business has the right flight booking software is even more important than ever. The right flight reservation system can serve as B2B, B2C and B2B2C applications which will automate processes increase your agency’s revenues and reduce the amount of time and effort required to complete an airline reservation. These online applications should be easy to use Easy to Use for Consumers and travel agents alike.

Most flight booking software can provide “live” connectivity with airlines so that the most up to date pricing and availability is used. Some flight reservation systems even have the ability to search multiple content sources simultaneously for the best price, allowing agency owners the ability to combine their own content with content from other sources.

Most travel agents look for a Flight Reservation System that allows them to customize the branding such as headers, footers and style sheets to reflect their agency’s unique brand identity and provide a seamless online experience for their customers shopping online. Complete customized versions are also available for those agency owners who are looking to design a complete customized layout of the flight reservation system to match their own specific requirements. There are even state of the art Air Mobile Apps available that allow any agency to expand the reach of their travel booking engine to hand held devices. The most advanced online airline booking applications utilize innovative responsive technology to provide support of various mobile device screen sizes so customers can easily view and navigate through the booking process regardless of the device they are using.

The business management tools that any application includes is an important factor and something which can vary greatly from system to system. Most applications include the ability to adjust a products selling price up or down, but the level of flexibility defining business rules is where systems can vary tremendously. Most have the ability to adjust a fare by airline, but some go much further and allow for Rules to be defined by itinerary, class of service, travel or booking dates and much more.

The ability to easily run reports to track your business and help you make adjustments along the way is also important. Who are your top customers? What are the top city pairs being shopped by your customers? Are your customers finding what they are looking for on your website? Many applications include reporting tools that track your bookings, but some can even provide search statistics to easily let you know what customers are looking for on your website. This can be valuable information for a business owner to consider when reviewing their negotiated airfare agreements with their preferred airlines.

Finding flight booking software with the right combination of options for your business can be a critical decision. Finding the right technology company to partner with can be just as important.

Are Hotel Booking Engines a Nightmare?

Whether travelling for business or pleasure, one of the most important arrangements for any trip can be the hotel accommodations. A bad seat selection on an airplane can make for a miserable flight, but it is something that you'll only need to endure for few hours. The wrong Hotel room however can ruin your entire trip.

Hotel Reservation Software should be easy to use and provide the information you and your clients need to research and complete a Hotel Booking. It should not make a User feel disappointed or somehow trapped in a Hotel nightmare like described in the 1977 Eagles song “Hotel California”. The album'stitle track “Hotel California” is a rock ballad about a luxury hotel visit that crosses over to the dark side. This iconic Eagles song was inspired by a drive into Los Angeles one evening filled with high expectations that were later shattered. The song has become a metaphor for people anticipating a dreamlike experience only to find themselves trapped in a nightmare.

But with so many different hotel options available and so many different ways to book a hotel room, where does someone start? Do you shop using one of the many online discount hotel sites for the best rate? Do you book directly with the hotel? Contact a professional Travel Agent?

If you are not sure if the hotel is right for you or if you are getting the best price, this is one of those times that booking with a travel agent can really work in your favor. Many experienced Travel Agents know the different hotel properties, have access to special deals and in many cases can get you that VIP treatment that will make your stay more enjoyable. Booking with a travel agent may be the key to getting a special rate on a hotel room, a possible room upgrade or that special V.I.P. treatment during your stay.

Many of today's travel agency websites I even include a Hotel Booking Engine option. This allows travelers to take advantage of all the benefits that booking with a travel agent combined with the ease and accessibility of a using an online B2C booking engine.

Hotel Reservation Software should be simple to use and never make the User feel like they are trapped in a Hotel nightmare. A travel agency Hotel Booking Engine needs to contain the information that both the Travel Agent and Consumer need to research and book the right hotel. Many of today's hotel applications include tools that allow Users to search for hotels by geographic locations, including specific neighborhoods and points of interest within a selected city. Specific Hotel information and photos should be up to date and accurately depict the property to avoid disappointment and that “Hotel California” feeling. Hotel Reservation Software should provide quick confirmation of reservations along with any information that the consumer needs in order to properly plan their stay.

Despite this, many online booking engines are difficult to manage and do not provide the flexibility that many travel agents require. Finding a Hotel Booking Engine with the right combination of options for your business can be a critical decision. Finding the right technology company to partner can be just as important.