GDS system comparison: Amadeus vs Sabre vs Travelport

When you hear the word “booking,” the first thing that comes to mind is Booking,com or other large OTAs. But what about connecting with suppliers worldwide, instant data exchange, 24/7 visibility, and automatic inventory updates? If you say “yes” to this deal, a GDS is for you. These systems have been around for dozens of years and are getting more sophisticated. 

In this article, we will compare the three biggest GDSs: Amadeus, Sabre, and Travelport. Let’s talk about what they offer, how they differ, and which one to choose to get the most out of it. First, we’ll naturally start with the GDS meaning and some details on how they work.

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What is a GDS?

GDS acts like a bridge between travel agents and suppliers, creating a centralized hub for travel agents and OTAs to search and book options in real time. It gathers information from airlines, hotels, car rental companies, and other travel providers.

What is GDS’s big value in the travel industry? They’re a win-win for tourists, travel agents, and providers. With global distribution systems, travelers book flights and other travel services easier and faster, travel agents expand their offerings and provide automated services, and airlines distribute their products more efficiently. 

‍How does GDS work? GDS connects travel agencies with a CRS (central reservation system). When an agent searches the GDS for available flights, hotel rooms, or cars for rent, it gives options with pricing information through a system called ATPCo. Then, the updated pricing is sent to agencies, OTAs, and price aggregators all at once.

Now you know what GDS stands for, let’s find out where they came from and how they evolved with time.

The history of global distribution systems

In the 1960s, booking flights was a lot more difficult than now. If you needed to book a flight, you called a travel agent, who in turn called the airline to reserve a ticket. To fix the problem, American Airlines and IBM created SABRE (Semi-Automatic Business Research Environment) for agents to see available flights and prices and book directly from the terminal.

With time, these systems became the first B2B travel technology way before OTAs were created. It’s important to mention Apollo, Worldspan GDS, and GDS Galileo, which were big steps ahead of the more airline-focused Sabre.

What are GDS systems now? As the travel industry grew more complex, these systems evolved into the global networks we know today. And in the vast amount of options available, there are three key players we’d like to talk about.

GDS examples: Amadeus, Sabre, and Travelport

You’ve probably already heard about these global distribution systems in the travel circles. What sets them apart?

• Amadeus GDS 

In 1987, several European airlines joined forces to create this GDS. With time, this system took over the European, Middle Eastern, and African markets. Nowadays, Amadeus software covers an easily integrable set of connectors, and Amadeus Selling Platform Connect offers flights, hotels, and transportation to resell with instant updates.

• Sabre GDS

Originally an American Airlines system, it grew into a global system and after 60 years, it still holds positions for worldwide travel agencies. With its various content, it’s easy to book a quick domestic flight, as well as an international long-haul one. Besides, Sabre car or Sabre hotel bookings are simple and varied, with secure connectors.

• Travelport GD

Remember the spoiler about Galileo, Worldspan, and Apollo? Well, Travelport is their merger's product. Travelport quickly gained market share and popularity. And it’s not just for travel agents — airlines get quick tech support with it. It gained a raging popularity in Europe and Asia.

We will describe them in more detail in the next section, but so far, let’s figure out what alternatives you have other than GDS.

What are your alternatives to GDS systems?

While GDS providers offer great benefits for travel agencies, alternatives exist. Some businesses need more flexibility in their specific model, and traditional GDS might not fit in. Some travel agencies choose direct connections with suppliers instead of using traditional GDS as a middleman. It’s great for more specific and niche services and offerings.

Since we mentioned niche, another option is to use aggregators focused on definite travel segments. Take Hotelbeds, for instance. It offers access to a vast network of hotels, serving as a bed bank. Similarly, the TripAdvisor-created Viator opens various activities that a traditional GDS doesn’t cover.

Various APIs are a good alternative for booking platforms. You just use them to connect directly with multiple suppliers and create more customized booking management system. As a result, you can search, compare, and book the most suitable options. If you want to represent your offerings with booking functionality instead of a GDS model, opt for travel website development services tailored to your needs.

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How to choose optimal GDS experience

What to look at when you are choosing between a variety of global distribution systems? The first thing to consider is the travel content. A GDS travel solution packs a whole set. If your client needs a fast shuffle from the Tokyo airport and a 3-hour leisure tour as a part of the business trip, a couple of clicks are always a time and cost saver instead of connecting to different providers. 

The next important factor is geographic coverage. Let’s get back to our Tokyo business traveler. If they need to hold a conference, the hotel should be equipped with business lounges and reliable Wi-Fi connectivity. Additionally, if they arrange team-building activities in a rural area, your GDS hotel options should cover these requirements. 

Now, let’s see what the top GDS providers — Sabre, Amadeus, and Travelport — have to offer in terms of travel content and coverage.

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Which GDS has the best knowledge of travel content?

Each of the three GDS companies differs in what they offer for travel agencies, airlines, and hospitality businesses, so let’s talk numbers.

GDS Sabre: Travel content and inventory coverage

What is Sabre GDS for your business in terms of content and coverage? It’s a widespread option, as 55,000 travel agencies in the world prefer this system. Sabre currently covers tourist convent and inventory in 160 countries globally.

Here’s what it offers for flight options:

• The Sabre GDS platform connects users to over 400 airlines, from major carriers to regional operators.
• 170 of these airlines offer ancillaries and branded fares for you to customize bookings with priority boarding,  in-flight meals, extra legroom, and many other add-ons.
• SabreSonic, a passenger service system, makes the booking process even faster, and with the recent partnership with SKY Airline, it expanded the amount of diverse content even more.

Sabre recently became the first GDS used by Hawaiian Airlines. But what about hotels? Here’s what you get:

• More than 2 million lodging options! And as to diversity, it covers everything from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts and hotel chains.
• Sabre boasts detailed listing information with reviews, amenities, and location details.
• This year, Hyatt Hotels chose Sabre CRS as their main central reservation system provider. That’s a good sign of trust and reliability!

Also, Sabre global distribution system has some impressive options for car rental inventory and coverage:

• Sabre’s car rental coverage spans across 42,000 locations, so it’s easy to define the most suitable options.
• Sabre partners with over 50 car rental brands, so you’re free to choose the provider, whether your customer is in a busy city center or a remote location.
• Detailed inventory data, like rates, vehicle types, and rental terms, are always available in real time.

For the travel to become a truly amazing experience, and not just a move from point A to point B, this GDS company has a lot to offer:

• The system includes 9 major national rail networks and over 50 rail operators. It lets you add additional transportation types to your offers (which is really important for Europe!).
• For travelers craving water transportation, Sabre connects to 20 ocean and river cruise lines, making it even easier for you to diversify your selling proposition.
• Lately, Sabre Vacations travel software has expanded its functionality to allow travel agents to book pre-packaged tours or create custom itineraries in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Sabre is a good choice when you need to create complete travel packages and provide diverse experiences.

Amadeus GDS: Airline, hotel, and tours content and inventory

Amadeus currently serves 190 markets worldwide, and its unique Amadeus CRS gives excellent third-party integrations with booking tools, real-time visibility, and rocks inventory and pricing management. Let’s start with Amadeus’s airline content and geo coverage:

• The Amadeus platform aggregates content from over 400 airlines and connects users to 82% of the world's scheduled flights.
• 130+ hybrid and low-cost carriers are available, including Europe's leading budget airline, Ryanair.
• Amadeus allows booking of ancillaries and fare families from more than 150 and 100 suppliers, respectively, enabling customized travel experiences.
• Altéa Reservation, Amadeus's passenger service system, provides access to unique deals from 120 airlines.

What about accommodations? Amadeus impresses with its hotel, hostels, and other type of accommodation rental inventory:

• The system aggregates over a million unique properties from leading bed banks and 350 hotel chains.
• Amadeus also taps into the growing alternative accommodations market, partnering with providers like Booking.com and TrustedStays.
• Two hospitality giants, Marriott International and IHG, chose Amadeus's cloud-based central reservation system, highlighting the platform's reliability.

For ground transportation, it offers diverse options:

• The platform partners with 44 car rental brands across approximately 42,000 locations worldwide.
• Amadeus's inventory goes beyond traditional car rentals, including private transfers, taxis, airport express trains, and even private jets.

Amadeus doesn't stop at the basics. It provides additional services to enhance travel experiences:

• The system connects to 90 railways in 170 countries, catering to diverse transportation preferences.
• For adventure seekers, Amadeus offers access to over 300,000 tours and activities.
• Cruise enthusiasts can choose from over 30 bookable and 100+ searchable cruise companies and ferry lines.
• Amadeus even covers travel insurance, partnering with 21 providers to offer peace of mind to travelers.

But if these two options are not enough to cover your needs, Travelport might be the answer. Let’s look at this child of 3 major legacy systems.

Travelport GDS: Inventory and coverage

This system is settled in Eastern Europe and Africa, but with more and more content and inventory added all the time, it’s expanding its reach to Northern and Southern America and Asian markets. It’s now present in 180 countries, and here’s a breakdown of what types of content diversity and coverage it offers.

For air flights, Travelport Travel GDS provides a large number of options:

• The platform gives access to a network of 460 distinct airlines, covering major carriers, regional operators, and low-cost airlines.
• Here, travelers choose from 340 different branded fare options, allowing for a great level of customization in price and add-ons.
• 150 airlines on the platform offer ancillary services, enabling you to add extras — like preferred seating, additional baggage, and onboard amenities.

In the accommodations sector, Travelport has also significantly expanded its reach:

• A strategic alliance with Booking has boosted Travelport's lodging inventory to over one million properties worldwide. That’s a great example of GDS and OTA’s partnership.
• This deal introduced flexible payment options, including pre- and post-stay payment for 140,000 accommodations.
• The expanded inventory offers an enormous amount of lodging types, so any needs and budgets are covered in any area present.

For ground transportation and additional entertainment and amenities, Travelport offers a uniquely diverse selection:

• The platform features 46 car rental brands, with coverage extending across numerous locations in the world, suitable for destinations in urban centers and more remote areas.
• Much like Amadeus, the Travelport system integrates 25 different rail operators, and the recent integration with Trainline made this GDS even more attractive for this kind of tour.
• Travelport gives access to vacation packages from cruise lines and tour operators, so both the luxury and cheapest travel agencies tailor options by budget.

And hold on, it gets better. Travelport's Travelport+ retail platform saves agents up to 1.5 hours daily compared to traditional GDS interfaces. As a result, in 2023, over 80% of Travelport's agency clients have adopted this platform in their daily operations.

But apart from content and coverage capabilities, you need to look at another important factor — NDC.

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GDC vs NDC: Differences and capabilities

First, let’s underline: NDC is its own phenomenon in travel distribution services. It stands for New Distribution Capability. Shortly speaking, it’s a modern way for airlines to sell their products to travel agencies with direct connectivity with travel sellers.

What are the main differences between GDS vs NDC? 

• NDC focuses on direct distribution, while GDS acts as an intermediary between providers and agents.
• NDC offers more customized and real-time updates than GDS, so that agents can react faster and offer only the most relevant information.
• A global distribution system provides a wider reach and standardized information, so the inventory is easier to filter and discover.

Now, while these systems do seem pretty different, they are sometimes combined as the best of two worlds. NDC integrates into GDS software through hybrid solutions, where GDS providers incorporate NDC content into their platforms. 

The three major GDS providers — Amadeus, Sabre, and Travelport — have embraced NDC to varying degrees. To which, exactly — let’s figure out. 

• Amadeus NDC integration

Amadeus is the leader in NDC adoption, offering content from many major airlines and the greatest connectivity. It offers 26 validated NDC capabilities, as well as NDC connections with 27 airlines. For travel agents with the Enterprise subscription, it provides NDC content from 20 airlines. It even allows you to choose giants like United, Lufthansa, and American Airlines!

• Sabre NDC

Sabre is not far behind Amadeus's competitor in terms of NDC adoption. It boasts an impressive 22 validated NDC capabilities for sellers and 18 for airlines. This extensive capability enables Sabre to offer NDC content from a variety of airlines, including well-known carriers like Qantas, United Airlines, and Singapore Airlines. 

• Travelport NDC

While Travelport may not have as many NDC capabilities as some of its competitors, it has one major advantage: it was the first GDS to reach THE IATA’s Level 3 NDC certification. What’s this? It’s documented proof that Travelport is committed to NDC standards and its ability to provide advanced NDC services. Currently, Travelport has 13 verified NDC capabilities for sellers.

To choose the right level of NDC connectivity for your GDS, you should consider your kinds of airline partnerships with different brands, business needs, technical capabilities, and cost-benefit analysis. 

Apart from NDC, there is another common connectivity factor – API, and it really makes a difference.

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GDS API features: Sabre, Amadeus, and Travelport APIs

Think of API connectivity as a universal translator between computer systems. It lets travel companies talk directly to the big global distribution systems. Why is this important? Well, it means travel agents and websites get real-time updates about flights, hotels, and car rentals. No more outdated prices or unavailable rooms! 

For travelers, this means more personalized options. APIs make it possible to bundle flights, hotels, and activities into custom packages. Now, let's break down the details of travel API integration for each major GDS.

Sabre GDS API

Simply put, Sabre focuses on helping airlines sell their services better. Their APIs let travel sites offer extras like seat upgrades or special meals. It's similar to how a restaurant might suggest appetizers to go with your main course. Here are the details:

• Sabre Red 360 platform makes the travel consulting experience at least 25% faster with the vastness of bookable content.
• Low fare search API finds the lowest available fares across multiple dates.
• Bargain Finder Max API is the sophisticated search tool for the best airfares.
• Beyond the NDC Program, as we already discovered, is very important. It integrates New Distribution Capabilities and allows for more custom and standard content.
• Office Price API verifies the price of a previously shopped offer, updates passenger information, and sends a pricing request.‍
• Ancillary Services API enables you to book airline extras like baggage or seat selection and get information about flight-related ancillary and baggage charges.

Sabre's strength lies in its advanced airline retailing capabilities. Their APIs are particularly good at handling complex flight searches and airline ancillary services.

Amadeus GDS API

Amadeus has a toolbox of APIs that make life easier for developers. They quickly build apps that search for flights or book hotel rooms. Let’s look at these options in more detail:

• Amadeus offers free Self-Service APIs for developers to build travel applications. There, you get an API key, make test calls, and get started building your app in 3 steps.
• Flight Offers Search API gives you a choice of over 400 airlines to find the cheapest option.
• Hotel Search API finds the best hotel deals and provides detailed information on each of the 150,000 hotels, including room availability and prices.
• Destination Experience API offers information about points of interest, tours, and activities.
• Enterprise APIs: More robust solutions for larger businesses, including booking management, customer profile management, hotel services, insurance, payment processing, queue management, and rail solutions.
• Airline Availability API: Checks seat availability on each flight across multiple airlines.
• Flight Price Analysis API helps predict future flight prices using AI.

Amadeus provides the most comprehensive coverage across different travel sectors. They're particularly strong in offering multi-modal transport options, seamlessly connecting flights with trains or buses.

Travelport  GDS API

Travelport’s universal API combines old-school GDS info with newer NDC content. Imagine a supermarket where you get both your everyday groceries and gourmet items in one place. 

Here’s what on the list:

• Universal API combines traditional GDS content with NDC offerings, showing air, hotel, car, and rail travel content.
• Air Shopping API set is a multistep JSON query flow for journey-based and leg-based searches, branded fares and upsells, search workflows, search modifiers, split ticketing, and search responses.
• Hotel Details API: Provides rich content about hotel properties and rooms.
• Profile API allows you to create and manage traveler profiles for personalized booking experiences.
• Trip Services API: Streamlines the entire travel lifecycle management.

All three GDSs offer APIs for flight, hotel, car rental, and other travel bookings. It enables seamless data exchange between systems. Consider your technical capabilities when choosing a GDS with suitable APIs.

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GDS software and additional tools

The major GDS systems don't just offer APIs. They provide a suite of tools and software solutions to make travel management easier and more efficient. Let's explore what each GDS offers.

Amadeus system tools and software

First, the mentioned Amadeus Selling Platform Connect, the web-based booking travel agent tool, offers a user-friendly interface for flight, hotel, and car rental bookings. This Amadeus website also includes fare comparison and itinerary management features.

What’s even cooler is Amadeus Ticket Changer. This portfolio of automated solutions puts the process of rebooking and reissuing tickets on autopilot and saves you a lot of time and effort. It instantly calculates fare differences and changes fees, reducing errors and saving time.

Also, Amadeus Revenue Integrity helps airlines optimize seat inventory. This tool identifies and manages duplicate bookings and no-shows so no mistakes or human factors interrupt the processes. 

For large enterprises, this GDS also has an efficient set of tools called Cytric Travel and Expense with a reliable B2B payment solution Amadeus Outpayce, which makes paying for airports, flights, and hotels even easier.

Sabre software and tools 

All Sabre APIs are located at Sabre Dev Studio. This developer portal integrates all API documentation and testing tools in one place. It also offers software development kits (SDKs) for quicker integration and provides a sandbox environment for experimenting with Sabre APIs. It gives you all the power to experiment and find an optimal solution.

Sabre Red 360 is cool too. With a graphical interface for easier navigation, this comprehensive travel agents' booking platform combines NDC content with traditional GDS offerings. Plus, this GDS has a lot to offer for airlines with Sabre AirVision. This suite of airline management tools includes modules for revenue management, network planning, and pricing. 

Travelport GDS tools and software

What’s amazing about Travelport, is that it understands the need for businesses to dive deeper into sales, marketing, and processes with its Travelport Insights product that helps agencies and airlines make informed decisions with insights on booking trends and market performance.

You’ll find more advantages of this GDS in Travelport Smartpoint, a desktop application for travel agents. It features a point-and-click interface for easier bookings and integrates with third-party apps for extended functionality. The GDS company also created Travelport Mobile Agent, a mobile-first solution for travelers that provides instant flight updates and itinerary management. 

To decide what functionality will be your best win, consider the types of services and client base you have. If a traditional GDS doesn’t cover all your business needs, custom hotel management software or booking software development might be a better choice.

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Choosing a global reservation system: Cost and scaling

Apart from GDS connectivity, coverage, and functionality, the next important criteria you naturally look at is its cost and how it affects your time-to-market. Unfortunately, none of the major GDSs provide transparent pricing publicly, so contact them directly for a consultation. 

Factors influencing GDS pricing

The cost structure of Global Distribution Systems (GDS) significantly impacts a travel company's bottom line. Understanding the pricing models is crucial for businesses integrating GDS solutions. So let’s look at some factors that impact your pricing:

• Transaction volume. The more bookings you make, the better deal you might get.
• Contract length. Signing up for a longer period often means better rates.
• Content mix. The types of travel products you book affect your costs. 
• Geographic region. Different markets have different rates, much like how the price of a cup of coffee often varies from city to city.
• Level of support. If you need more hand-holding or technical assistance, it might cost you extra. ‍
• Segment fees. These are charges for each part of a flight booking. A direct flight might cause one segment fee, while a flight with a stopover might cause two.‍
• Variable costs also include charges for extra services. 

So consider these factors to negotiate the most optimal pricing for your needs. However, the cost of GDS solutions isn’t the only thing to consider. How long will it take for you to adopt this technology?

How GDS impacts your time-to-market

Balancing costs with speed to market is key. While getting up and running quickly is tempting, make sure the solution fits your long-term needs. Here are some factors that affect how quickly you launch:

• Advanced APIs might take longer to integrate.
• The size and skill of your tech team influence the results.
• Each GDS has its own certification requirements.
• Thorough testing is crucial but takes time. 

When choosing a GDS solution, carefully consider your needs, budget, and timeline. Starting small and scaling up helps manage costs and get you to market faster. It's like building a house — start with the foundation and essential rooms, then add extensions as you grow.

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GDS in airline, travel, and hotel industry

There's no one-size-fits-all. The best GDS for your business depends on your unique needs, goals, and resources. Amadeus excels in airline coverage and NDC adoption, Sabre provides robust airline solutions, and Travelport offers innovative tools like Travelport+. 

Implementing a GDS is a significant investment of time and resources. Take the time to thoroughly evaluate your options, try demos, and even consider working with an IT consultant to make the best choice for your business. If you need expert guidance on the process of choosing the right GDS, reach out to COAX’s travel technology consultants. We will navigate the complexities of GDS integration, optimize your workflows, and tailor the chosen GDS to fit your operations perfectly.

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FAQ

What is GDS?

A network system that facilitates transactions between travel service providers and travel agencies.

What is GDS in travel?

A system used by travel agencies to access and book various travel services like flights, hotels, and car rentals.

What is Sabre?

One of the major Global Distribution Systems, developed by American Airlines.

What is Amadeus?

A leading Global Distribution System and travel technology provider based in Europe.

What is Travelport?

A travel technology company that operates the Apollo, Galileo, and Worldspan GDS platforms.