Southwest adds functionality for travel managers to Travelport GDSs

Southwest adds functionality for travel managers to Travelport GDSs

US lowcost carrier plans to add similar capability to Amadeus this year

US lowcost carrier Southwest Airlines has announced its fares are now available on the Travelport GDSs Apollo and worldspan.

The deal also means agents can access the carrier’s  booking, ticketing and management functionality as well as business relevant content.

Southwest also announced it will settle tickets booked via the new GDS processes through Airport Report Corporation (ARC).

The airline says it has plans to add similar capability to Amadeus’ GDS by the end of 2020. Andrew Watterson, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, said:

“Our new GDS capabilities allow business travel managers the ability to book, modify, and cancel Southwest travel without having to pick up the phone, and they can better track and manage their organisation’s travel.

“I’m thrilled we delivered these in-demand industry-standard capabilities that our business Customers have desired on-time and on budget.

“While we weather the current business climate, today and every day, we’re working as hard as we can to be ready for a rebound and welcome travellers back to the skies with the warmth and hospitality they’ve come to know and love about Southwest.”

Previously, travel managers who managed travel on Southwest through a GDS channel could only book or cancel a reservation.

The new capabilities add a new level of service that Southwest has not been able to offer for its corporate travellers.

Greg Webb, Travelport chief executive, said: “Our Partnership with Southwest Airlines is one of the most exciting opportunities for us to deliver more value to our travel agencies, extend Southwest’s reach to new Customers, and together make managing travel easier as travel restrictions ease.

“This level of access offers Agents a single point of sale for shopping, pricing, booking, and after-sale support, providing for an unprecedented level of superior customer service.”