The travel industry is evolving at a rapid pace, and staying ahead means offering more than just a seat on a flight. In today’s competitive landscape, airlines and travel agents need to find innovative ways to create value for customers while also boosting their revenue. That’s where the concepts of upselling and branded fares come into play.
We are excited to announce that we’ve recently integrated upsell and branded fare options into our B2B travel portal. This enhancement is not just about offering tickets but delivering a tailored travel experience that matches each customer’s preferences.
Understanding the Difference: EDIFACT vs. NDC
In the traditional EDIFACT system, fare offers are pretty rigid—what you see is what you get. The fares are predefined, with no room for customization. You choose a fare family, and that’s that. Partial selection of passengers or segments isn’t an option. This works fine if you’re looking for a straightforward booking, but it lacks flexibility.
NDC (New Distribution Capability), on the other hand, is all about flexibility and personalization. It introduces the concept of branded fares, enabling airlines to showcase a base offer while letting customers customize their booking with additional options—baggage, meal preferences, extra legroom, Wi-Fi, or even premium seating. This approach opens the door to upselling, where customers can start with the lowest fare and then add on services that suit their specific needs.
What Are Branded Fares?
Simply put, branded fares are a way for airlines to bundle different amenities into their airfares. These fares allow customers to see exactly what they’re paying for and choose what matters most to them. Some of the perks that can be included in branded fare options are:
- Checked baggage
- Meal and beverage services
- In-flight entertainment
- Miles and loyalty rewards accrual
- Pre-reserved seating
- Flexible changes and refunds
- Priority boarding and standby options
- Onboard Wi-Fi access
By leveraging branded fares, airlines can:
- Build stronger customer loyalty
- Simplify shopping and booking experiences
- Target specific customer segments more effectively
- Increase customer satisfaction by managing expectations upfront
- Drive ancillary revenue by offering tailored add-ons
The Power of Upselling: More Than Just a Booking
In the modern travel landscape, upselling has transformed into a strategic tool. It’s not just about maximizing profits; it’s about enhancing the overall customer experience. With our recent integration, customers can start with a basic booking and then upgrade to include extra features—even after the booking has been confirmed. This flexibility is key, especially in an era where customer expectations are constantly evolving.
For example, a customer may initially book a flight at the lowest fare. Later, as their travel date approaches, they might decide they want a more comfortable experience—adding baggage, choosing a premium seat, or including onboard Wi-Fi. Our system now supports this type of dynamic customization.
How This Benefits Our B2B Clients
By implementing upsell and branded fare options in our B2B platform, our clients can now offer their customers a more personalized booking journey. Travel agencies using our portal can differentiate their services, attract new customers, and increase repeat bookings. It’s a win-win situation where both customers and agents benefit from a streamlined, efficient booking process.
If you’re a travel agency looking to elevate your service offering or an airline aiming to boost your ancillary revenue, the combination of upselling and branded fares is a game-changer. This new feature is now live on our platform, and we’re thrilled to see how it can transform the booking experience for your clients.
Conclusion
In an industry where customer preferences are continually shifting, offering flexibility and personalization is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. With our newly integrated upsell and branded fare functionalities, we are setting the stage for a more engaging, customer-focused travel booking experience.
Feel free to reach out if you want to learn more about how these new features can benefit your business. Let’s take travel booking to the next level together!