Travel Technology & Systems Flashcards
7 cards from real CTA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Travel Technology & Systems flashcards as text
What does 'NDC' (New Distribution Capability) enable that traditional GDS distribution cannot?
Answer: Rich content and ancillary offers directly from airline APIs
NDC is an IATA XML-based standard that allows airlines to distribute rich content, personalized offers, and ancillaries directly through API connections.
A hotel's Central Reservation System (CRS) connects to which system to make inventory available to travel agents through GDS channels?
Answer: Global Distribution System (GDS) via a switch or interface
Hotels use a switch or direct interface to connect their CRS to GDS platforms, making rates and availability visible to travel agents worldwide.
What is a 'low-fare search' feature in a GDS primarily used for?
Answer: Identifying the lowest available airfare across multiple dates or routing options
Low-fare search functions allow agents to query a GDS for the cheapest available fares across a date range or itinerary flexibility options.
In travel technology, what is a 'rate desk' or 'rate loading' function?
Answer: The process of loading negotiated or contracted rates into a GDS or booking system
Rate loading refers to the process by which airlines, hotels, or TMCs enter negotiated corporate or consortium rates into GDS and other distribution platforms.
Which IATA standard format is used for exchanging airline timetable and schedule data between airlines and systems?
Answer: SSIM (Standard Schedules Information Manual)
SSIM is the IATA standard governing the exchange of schedule data, slot coordination, and minimum connection times between airlines and airport/system operators.
What is the function of a 'mid-office' system in a travel management company's technology stack?
Answer: It processes transactions between the GDS front-end and back-office accounting systems
Mid-office systems bridge the gap between GDS booking data and back-office financial reporting, handling quality control, policy compliance checks, and data enrichment.
When an airline sends a 'schedule change' notification through the GDS, what action is typically required of the travel agent?
Answer: Review the change, notify the passenger, and accept or find an alternative if the change is unacceptable
Agents must review schedule changes, contact affected passengers, and either accept the new schedule or work with the airline to find acceptable alternatives.