Direct NDC integration supports bookings, post-ticketing changes, real-time analytics, and servicing through a modern retailing experience
Spotnana, a travel infrastructure company, has unveiled its strategic collaboration with United Airlines to introduce direct NDC integration, providing seamless end-to-end traveler journeys. Leveraging Spotnana’s technology, this collaboration offers travelers a personalized and modern retailing experience, encompassing bookings, post-ticketing changes, real-time analytics, and comprehensive servicing, all delivered through Spotnana’s Travel-as-a-Service Platform.
“We’re ecstatic to partner with United Airlines to redefine modern retailing beyond conventional ticket bookings,” said Sarosh Waghmar, Founder and CEO of Spotnana. “Through our deep direct NDC integration with United, we’re determined to push the boundaries of what’s conceivable in the travel industry.”
The integration enables Spotnana’s Travel-as-a-Service Platform to support United NDC-based offers across all stages of a trip, whether on a self-service basis or with full assistance from travel agents.
The key features of NDC integration that are set to influence the travel experience:
Continuous Pricing: With access to 40% more price points from United, travelers can avail fares equivalent to or lower than those available through EDIFACT-based distribution channels.
Negotiated Rates and Bundles: The integration enables the display of corporate negotiated rates and customizable bundles, including amenities such as WiFi, Economy Plus, Premier access, and more.
Entitlement Shopping: Personalized shopping experiences are offered based on traveler loyalty status. For instance, Premier Gold MileagePlus members and above receive complimentary access to Economy Plus seats through an interactive seat map.
Self-Service Changes and Cancellations: Travelers gain the ability to modify or cancel flights, dates, cities, seats, Known Traveler Numbers, or loyalty program numbers without the need for agent assistance.
Comprehensive Servicing: Travel agents now have access to the same capabilities as travelers, allowing them to book, change, and cancel NDC fares seamlessly.
Carrier Ticketing: This feature ensures that agents can effortlessly service bookings, even if previous changes were made by United or through a United channel, offering a unified servicing experience.
Integrated Real-Time Analytics: Travelers and travel managers can access and download real-time reports with integrated data across NDC and EDIFACT-based bookings.
Doreen Burse, United’s Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales, highlighted the company’s goals of providing a contemporary shopping environment through NDC, stating, “We want our products to be available in channels where our customers want to buy them. As a part of that effort, we’re collaborating with industry partners like Spotnana to provide a more contemporary shopping environment through NDC.”
Additionally, due to its architecture, Spotnana has eliminated the need for PNR comments and mid-office operations that often hinder the support of both NDC and EDIFACT-based content side-by-side.
