Selection of GDS Provider:

• Travel businesses first choose a GDS provider to work with. Common GDS providers include Amadeus, Sabre, Galileo, and Travelport.

Access to GDS Data:

• GDS providers offer APIs that allow authorized users to access their vast databases. These APIs are essentially sets of rules and protocols that define how systems can interact with the GDS.

API Authentication and Authorization:

• Travel agencies and OTAs need to authenticate themselves with the GDS provider and obtain authorization to access their APIs. This typically involves obtaining API keys or credentials.

Integration Middleware:

Middleware plays a crucial role in the GDS integration process. It acts as an intermediary layer between the GDS APIs and the travel company’s booking and reservation systems. Here’s how middleware functions in GDS integration.

Search and Booking Engines:

• The travel company’s website or platform typically includes search and booking engines that interact with the middleware. Customers or travel agents use these engines to search for flights, hotels, rental cars, and other services.

API Requests:

• When a customer or travel agent initiates a search or booking request, the travel company’s system sends API requests to the middleware.

Middleware Interaction with GDS APIs

• The middleware interacts with the GDS APIs on behalf of the travel company. It sends search queries and receives responses for available flights, hotels, and other services.

Presentation of Results

• The results obtained from the GDS APIs are presented to the user through the booking engine on the travel company’s website. This includes detailed information on pricing, availability, and options.

Booking and Payment

• Once a customer selects a service, the travel company’s system sends a booking request to the middleware, which, in turn, communicates with the GDS API to confirm the reservation. Payment processing may also be handled by the travel company’s system.

Confirmation and Itinerary

• The customer receives a booking confirmation and itinerary, and the reservation details are updated in both the GDS and the travel company’s systems.

Post-Booking Services

• After the booking is complete, the travel company’s system may continue to interact with the GDS to manage changes, cancellations, and other post-booking services.