Airline Reservation Systems Key Terms

Learn some commonly used terms when dealing with airline reservation systems

Airline reservation systems are an interface between the consumer and the airline company that allows the consumer to book, rearrange and cancel air travel throughout the world. And while that sounds pretty simple, the interfaces are quite complex. With tens of thousands of flights occurring every day, prices constantly fluctuating and schedules ever changing, it's wise to learn a few of the terms you'll come across when using an airline reservation system for use in your personal life or business travel.

 

E-ticket

An e-ticket is a paperless ticket that a passenger obtains when booking a flight through an airline reservation system. As the e-ticket is purchased, both the airline and the online reservation systems take note of that ticket, securing the reservation in their respective databases. Upon arriving at the airport, a customer is given a boarding pass after checking in through the self-service kiosks or the airline ticket counter.
Try: Visit Orbitz for information about e-tickets. 

Public charter flight

A public charter flight is a flight purchased by an individual, company or organization through a private airline company that sells each seat individually for an advertised price. This differs from a private charter where a flight is purchased based on the total cost of the trip. Companies that offer public travel flights must register with the government and follow a set of standards similar to commercial airline travel.
Try: The Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings in Washington, D.C., describes different types of charter flight options in the United States.

Revenue accounting

Revenue accounting in airline reservation systems refers to the broader context of tracking the flow of money throughout the business. (All revenue that is generated when the customer books the ticket, to the deductions for the federal, state and local taxes and fees which must be set aside). Most airline reservation systems have a revenue accounting application within the system.
Try: Mazro offers information on revenue accounting.

Departure-control system

The departure-control system refers to a series of software applications found within airline reservation systems. The departure-control system is the glue between the passenger and the aircraft as it calculates such things as total baggage weight, tallying it for the entire aircraft. It also keeps track of delays and provides the crew with a flight manifest.
Try: InterGlobeTechnologies designs the application for departure-control systems found in many airline reservation systems.

Multiple-segment itineraries

Multiple-segment itineraries refers to travel in which a customer makes more than one stop, called a segment, before reaching a final destination.
Try: Home.Netcom has valuable information on multiple-segment trips. 

Code share

Code share refers to an alliance between two airlines that allows the consumer to gain or use "mileage points" or "frequent flyer miles" on their airlines when they travel. For instance, if American Airlines has a code share with British Airways, you would be able to earn and redeem mileage awards by traveling on either airline.
Try: American Airlines is one of many commercial airlines that participate in code sharing. It has a comprehensive explanation for travelers.

Copyright © 2011 Business.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

---