Booking travel has become increasingly complex in today’s digital age. Consumers expect seamless, personalized experiences whether planning a family vacation or corporate travel. Behind the scenes, two major players – Sabre vs Travelport – are locked in a high-stakes battle to power those bookings through their global distribution systems.
These industry giants provide the technological plumbing that connects airlines, hotels, car rental companies, and other travel suppliers with the agencies and websites where customers make reservations. Their computerized reservation networks are vast, allowing travel options and pricing to be shared and purchased efficiently worldwide.
This blog talks about the following:
- Sabre vs Travelport
- Sabre pros and cons
- Travelport pros and cons
- Sabre or Travelport? Which one to choose?
What is GDS?
GDS, or Global Distribution System, is a vast computerized network used by travel agencies, airlines, hotels, car rental companies, and other travel service providers to reserve and book travel-related services. It serves as a central hub, connecting various suppliers of travel products and services with travel agencies and consumers worldwide.
The primary function of a GDS is to facilitate the distribution and sale of travel products and services. It allows travel agencies and online travel platforms to access real-time availability, pricing, and inventory information from multiple suppliers simultaneously. This streamlines the booking process and ensures that travelers have access to a wide range of options, from flights and hotels to car rentals and travel packages.
GDS systems are operated by major companies like Amadeus or Sabre vs Travelport. These companies work closely with airlines, hotels, and other travel suppliers to integrate their inventory and pricing data into the GDS. Travel agencies and online travel platforms then subscribe to one or more GDS systems to access this comprehensive database of travel products and services.
The GDS also plays a crucial role in facilitating the back-end processes of travel bookings, such as ticketing, payment processing, and itinerary management. Travel agents can use the GDS to issue tickets, process payments, and manage customer reservations, all within a single platform. This level of integration and automation helps to reduce errors, improve efficiency, and enhance the overall travel booking experience.
Let’s see which GDS system wins the race: Sabre or Travelport?
Sabre
Sabre is a leading technology provider in the travel industry, renowned for its innovative solutions and global distribution system. Established in 1960, Sabre has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the way travel is booked and managed.
At the core of Sabre’s offerings is its powerful GDS, which connects travel agencies, online travel platforms, and corporations with a vast network of airlines, hotels, car rental companies, and other travel suppliers. This comprehensive platform provides real-time access to inventory, pricing, and availability information, enabling efficient and streamlined booking processes.
Sabre’s expertise extends beyond its GDS, encompassing a wide range of cutting-edge technologies and services. The company offers advanced solutions for airline operations, including crew management, revenue optimization, and flight planning tools. Additionally, Sabre’s hospitality solutions cater to hotels and resorts, providing property management systems, central reservation systems, and revenue management tools.
With a global presence and a customer base spanning over 160 countries, Sabre has established itself as a trusted partner for travel agencies, airlines, hotels, and corporations worldwide. Its comprehensive solutions, combined with its industry expertise and dedication to customer service, have solidified its position as an industry leader in the travel technology landscape.
Travelport
Travelport is a prominent global distribution system and technology company. Established in 1971, Travelport has evolved into a leading provider of innovative solutions that connect travel suppliers, agencies, and consumers worldwide.
At the heart of Travelport’s offerings lies its powerful GDS platform, which serves as a central hub for travel bookings and transactions. This comprehensive system allows travel agencies, online travel platforms, and corporate travel departments to access real-time inventory, pricing, and availability information from a vast network of airlines, hotels, car rental companies, and other travel suppliers.
In the comparison of Sabre vs Travelport, Travelport’s GDS platform is known for its user-friendly interface, advanced search capabilities, and seamless integration with various travel management tools and systems. This enables travel professionals to efficiently search, compare, and book travel products and services, streamlining the entire booking process.
Sabre vs Travelport
The only way to solve this battle “Sabre vs Travelport” is to look at Sabre pros and cons. Then, evaluate it against Travelport Pros and Cons.
Sabre pros and cons
Pros:
- Very large global network, their booking system is used by over 425,000 travel agents worldwide
- Good hospitality solutions too, including hotel property management and reservations
- Continues investing in research and new technology developments
Cons:
- Maintaining and upgrading older systems can be complex and costly
- Challenges adapting to disruptions like direct bookings and online travel sites
- Still relies heavily on traditional booking fees, which could decrease
Travelport Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Developed NDC (New Distribution Capability) solutions earlier than competitors
- Focus on next-generation travel retailing platforms like Travelport+
- Seen as more innovative compared to some legacy competitors
Cons:
- Not as competent in hospitality property management systems
- Slower adoption of their new solutions by some established customers
- Financing constraints as a private company for major investments
Final Verdict
The battle for supremacy in travel booking between industry giants Sabre vs Travelport is fierce and ever-evolving.
While Sabre continues to leverage its extensive global footprint, deep airline relationships, and comprehensive hospitality solutions, Travelport has staked its claim as an innovator.
With pioneering offerings like NDC integration and next-gen travel retailing platforms, Travelport aims to disrupt traditional distribution models. However, Sabre’s formidable presence across airline operations could give it an edge.
Be it Sabre vs Travelport, the company that will lead the charge in travel booking is the one that can successfully combine its long experience with adopting new, cutting-edge technology.
One major corporate travel management company is ITILITE. It provides personalized travel experiences and has a suite of hi-tech solutions like expense management, approval flows, and spending checks. Who do you think will lead the charge? ITILITE, Sabre or Travelport?
If you’re not sure, book a demo with ITILITE.
