Flight booking technology specialist AirGateway has released a new browser tool allowing TMCs and agencies using the Amadeus Selling Platform to directly compare NDC and EDIFACT airfares on a single screen.
The company has released its BookingPad Browser Extension which allows consultants to view airline prices in both legacy and NDC channels without leaving the GDS screen or having to use multiple windows.
Some airlines, such as American Airlines, have removed some of their fares from EDIFACT-based booking systems, while other carriers have imposed surcharges on some fares booked through the GDS.
“Despite the dramatic shift in the distribution landscape, at AirGateway, we understand this change cannot happen overnight and experienced travel consultants might for now still prefer their blue screen as the go-to search platform,” said the company in a statement.
BookingPad Browser Extension has been in beta testing for the past few months to help TMCs with this transition away from legacy booking platforms.
“The ability to compare NDC and EDIFACT fares without jumping between multiple windows has been at the forefront of our focus in the past months and we're thrilled to introduce the BookingPad Browser Extension, which makes the comparison of content between Amadeus Selling Connect Platform and BookingPad a seamless experience,” added AirGateway.
When installed, the tool will automatically search for the same itinerary as input in the Amadeus Selling Platform and return matching NDC offers with details and price, eliminating the need for separate windows or tabs.
The browser extension can also search for and display other fare types, such as private, negotiated or special fares, for the itinerary so that agents have the widest choice of content to book for clients.