Cookie

    We use cookies and similar technologies. By clicking OK you agree to this. Learn more

    GDS

    How to Obtain Travelport GDS API for Your Travel Platform - A Detailed Step by Step Guide


    Travelport GDS (Global Distribution System) provides access to a wide range of travel-related services, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and more. Businesses that want to integrate Travelport's API into their travel platforms need to go through a structured process. Below is a comprehensive step by step guide to obtaining and integrating Travelport GDS API.


    Step 1: Understand Travelport GDS and Its APIs

    Before proceeding, it's important to understand what Travelport GDS offers and how its APIs work.

    What is Travelport GDS?

    Travelport is a global travel technology company that provides GDS services through three main platforms: 

    • Galileo: One of the largest GDS systems
    • Apollo: Used mainly in North America
    • Worldspan: Focused on automation and efficiency
    Types of APIs Offered by Travelport

    Travelport provides Universal API (uAPI), which allows access to multiple services, including: 

    • Flight API: For searching, pricing, and booking flights
    • Hotel API: For searching and booking hotels
    • Car API: For renting cars and managing reservations
    • Rail API: For rail ticket booking

    Explore Travelport APIs at: Travelport Developer Portal


    Step 2: Register Your Business with Travelport

    Travelport does not provide open API access. You need to contact Travelport and register your business.

    Steps to Register: 
    1. Visit the Travelport Website:
      • Go to Travelport Contact Page
      • Select "API Integration Request" from the form
    2. Submit Business Information:
      • Business Name
      • Website URL
      • Country of Operation
      • Type of Business (B2B, OTA, Travel Agency, Startup)
      • IATA/Non-IATA Status
      • Expected API Usage (Flights, Hotels, Cars)
    3. Speak to a Travelport Representative:
      • A Travelport region sales representative will contact you for further discussions
      • You may need to sign an agreement based on your API usage

    Step 3: Obtain API Credentials & Licensing

    After approval, Travelport will provide the following credentials: 

    • PCC ID
    • Universal API Key
    • Target Branch Code (unique for each business)
    • Login Credentials (User ID & Password)
    • Access to Travelport UAT (Sandbox Environment)
    Possible Costs Involved: 
    • Travelport may charge licensing fees based on your business model
    • Some businesses may qualify for free access through partnerships

    Step 4: Set Up the Development Environment

    1. Choose Your Integration Method: 

    Travelport APIs mainly use SOAP/XML, but some endpoints support REST APIs.

    2. Download API Documentation & SDKs: 
    • Get detailed API documentation from the Travelport Developer Portal
    • Download Travelport SDKs and code samples
    3. Use the UAT (Sandbox) Environment: 
    • The Test Environment (UAT) allows you to test API responses before going live
    • You can make trial bookings and understand API behavior

    Step 5: Get IATA / Non-IATA Accreditation (If Required)

    IATA Accreditation (For direct ticketing)
    • If you want to issue tickets directly, you need IATA accreditation
    • Apply through IATA Website
    Non-IATA Agencies (Third-Party Ticketing)
    • If you don’t have IATA, you can partner with a Travelport licensed IATA agency

    Travelport allows hosted agency models

    Step 6: Develop & Integrate Travelport API into Your Travel Platform

    1. Implement Authentication (Login API)
    2. Implement Core API Functionalities
    • Flight Search API: Search for available flights
    • Booking API: Make and confirm bookings
    • Pricing API: Get real-time pricing updates
    • PNR Management API: Modify or cancel bookings
    • Payment Gateway Integration: Connect with a payment processor
    3. Use Travelport Support Resources

    Step 7: Testing and Quality Assurance (QA)

    1. Test API Responses in UAT
    • Verify flight search, booking, and payment functionalities
    • Check for error handling & response time optimization
    2. Implement Logging and Monitoring
    • Use real-time monitoring tools to track API performance
    • Set up alerts for API downtime
    3. Security Testing
    • Secure API access with OAuth 2.0 / Token-based authentication
    • Implement encryption for payment transactions

    Step 8: Request Live API Credentials & Go Live

    1. Request Production API Credentials
    • Once testing is complete, submit a Go Live Request to Travelport
    • Travelport will review your integration and issue live API credentials
    2. Deploy to Production
    • Replace sandbox credentials with live credentials
    • Run final test transactions before launch
    3. Launch and Start Booking
    • Open the platform to customers

    Begin processing real time bookings and payments

    Step 9: Ongoing Support & Optimization

    1. Get Technical Support
    • Access Travelport’s Technical Support Team
    • Join the Travelport Developer Forum
    2. Optimize API Performance
    • Reduce API response times
    • Improve caching mechanisms for faster searches
    3. Regularly Update API Integrations
    • Travelport updates its API structure periodically
    • Ensure your system remains compatible with new API versions

    Additional Tips for Success and Faster Approval

    ✔Ensure your company is legally registered and has a valid Tax ID, Business License

    ✔If you are an IATA accredited travel agency, you have a higher chance of approval.

    ✔ If you are not an IATA certified agency, partner with an IATA agent for ticketing.
    ✔ Use Travelport's B2B Wallet for secure payments.
    ✔ Consider integrating other travel APIs (e.g., hotel, car rental, ancillary services).

    ✔ Strengthen Your Application with a Clear Business Plan

    • Your business model (B2B, OTA, corporate travel etc.)
    • Target market (domestic, international, niche segments)
    • Expected monthly booking volume (number of transactions).
    • Technology & development team capabilities (to prove you can handle API integration).
    • How you will use the API

    Additional Integration Tips

    ✔ Use caching (Redis or MongoDB) to store search results for a short period.

    ✔ Batch API requests when possible to reduce latency.

    ✔ Set rate limits to avoid exceeding Travelport API quota.

    ✔ OAuth2 Authentication: Use secure access tokens.

    ✔ IP Whitelisting: Restrict API access to trusted sources.

    ✔ Data Encryption: Encrypt PNR details and payment transactions.

    ✔ Instead of polling Travelport API frequently, set up webhooks to get instant updates on: 

    • Flight status changes
    • PNR modifications
    • Payment success/failure

    ✔Plan your API integration in phases to avoid delays

    ✔ Ensure your technical team understands API error codes (400, 401, 500).

    ✔ Provide customer support staff with PNR retrieval & modification training.

    ✔ Get Dedicated Support from Travelport

    • A dedicated Travelport account manager for priority support.

    • Access to API documentation & sandbox for smooth integration.

    • Training sessions for your team on API best practices.


    Supercharge Your Travel Operations with Seamless Tech, Don’t Wait - Contact Us Today and Let’s Make It Happen!


    0