Travelport unveils real-time customised flight search tool

A tool which allows agents to customise web-based flight search in real time has been introduced globally by Travelport.

A tool which allows agents to customise web-based flight search in real time has been introduced globally by Travelport.

The Search Control Console enables agencies to configure air shopping search parameters according to individual traveller needs.

Agencies can centrally control more than 35 rules and parameters to fine-tune the relevancy of search results to client needs.

Agents can use the application to eliminate particular transit airports or prohibit a connection point for a set time period if the area has been affected by something like an ash cloud or other natural disaster.

Travelport claims Search Control Console removes the burden of labour-intensive ‘intelligence coding’, or the need to continually send instructions to frontline sales staff.

Simon Ferguson, Travelport’s UK and Ireland regional director, said: “The Search Control Console is testimony to our commitment to intelligent search and investing in technology solutions that are important now and in the future. We are convinced our travel agency customers will see the value in this highly efficient tool as it really does enable them to offer an enhanced customer experience.

“Several major UK agents and OTAs have been involved in Beta-testing the console and are already seeing significant benefits to their business.”

Claimed benefits:

• OTAs can present only the most relevant options to meetcustomer needs without undertaking coding projects in their systems to enforce rules and parameters.
• Multi-branch agencies can centrally govern rules and parameters based on the locations of its branches with pseudo city codes, removing the need to constantly provide detailed instructions to sales staff and reducing the need for staff to have advanced GDS coding knowledge to perform the search.
• Businesses in general can better manage compliance in line with their travel policies, prioritising preferred suppliers and incorporating other corporate travel guidelines.

Examples of Travelport Search Control Console parameters include:

• Restrict overnight itineraries
• Travel effective and discontinue dates
• Restrict maximum ground time
• Restrict maximum number of connections by carrier
• Prohibit a specific connection point
• Restrict intra-airport connections
• Restrict carrier transfers
• Inhibit shopping results by fare type, RBD, fare family, fare basis code
• Direct flight preference, regardless of price point
• Restrict flight or flight number ranges
• Restrict carrier sales by a specified number days