a2b

Key information

Companies using the tool 1,000
Number of users/seats 50,000
Number of bookings handled annually 140,000
Total transaction volume annually US$150 million
Frequency of updates Continuous; multiple updates weekly
Type of company Travel management company
Regions served Primarily North America

Pricing model

Set‐up fees No
Ongoing fixed costs No
Transaction fees Flat fee per booking

Content

Air Global distribution system and New Distribution Capability content. Full array of air offers in display, from basic economy and economy fare brands up to premium economy, business and first class including all Southwest fares. Bookers can book for themselves or others. They can filter for details like seat type and dimensions, WiFi speed, entertainment and free bags. Travel policies, discounts and approvals are automatically applied. Unused tickets are applied with one click.
Accommodation Bookers can see all hotels and many rates per hotel in the a2b display, with travel policy, approvals and negotiated rates automatically applied. Bookers can book themselves or on behalf of others, can view results on a map or in a list and filter by hotel chain, star class, location and more. Virtual card and prepaid options are automatically offered for payment, plus certain prepaid merchant rates sourced from a third party.
Rail Pulls in Amtrak US rail content and displays Amtrak itineraries and fares alongside flight options so bookers can select, book and pay for Amtrak itineraries.
Car Bookers see car rental options in a map or list display, with filters and details on car size, location, supplier, with travel policy, approvals and supplier discounts applied. AmTrav facilitates clients’ direct billing agreements for rental car payment.
NDC content and other direct connects AmTrav was the launch partner for Southwest Airlines' and American Airlines' NDC content in 2020, enabling bookers to shop, book and pay for the full array of Southwest and American flights, fares, ancillaries and corporate bundles with full operational support including exchanges, refunds and unused ticket tracking and application. Additionally, a2b offers Spirit Airlines content via NDC and Expedia prepaid hotel rates.

Key staff

CEO Jeff Klee
President Craig Fichtelberg
Director of product marketing Elliott McNamee
Director of relationship management Greg Ross
Director of partnerships Fran Bal

What the company says

According to the company's executives, AmTrav saves clients time, headaches and money by integrating travel services in one connected platform. Client relationships operate on what execs call a "simple" contract, and one login gives client teams access to all a2b/AmTrav travel tools and services including booking, service, reporting, duty of care and account management. AmTrav continually improves the a2b platform so client teams can find the itineraries they want, get accurate real-time travel and safety data and great service "whether it's noon or midnight." The company identified its biggest innovation in 2021 as its Gather tool. They called it "the modern way to book guest and meeting travel, giving clients the control they require and guest travellers the choice they want, with great service included." The platform minimises forms, phone calls and emails by operating with a travel invitation system for candidates, consultants and meeting attendees. These traveller types use the invite to book themselves within the parameters and policies set by their host, with supplier agreements and payments applied.

What buyers say

Users responding to BTN Europe's survey cited a2b’s ease of use with one calling it “intuitive.” Others cited the tool’s reporting dashboard as a good feature while others highlighted the traveller profiles. One buyer felt it would be good to have a group travel booking option while another said the tool lacked the ability to support multiple corporate cards on the account.

What consultants say

A2b technology is admirable and AmTrav executives are pursuing smart content and display strategies. Currently, the tool is appropriate for clients with small- and midsize travel programmes up to about $10 million in annual spend and concentrated in the US domestic market. One consultant had A2b in an active bid.