11/16/2007

Travelport GDS Announces Implementation of Southwest Content for Galileo-Connected Agencies in North America

-- Delivers “Best in Class” Industry Booking Functionality --

Travelport GDS, one of the world’s largest global distribution system (GDS) providers, today announced that implementation of Southwest’s published fares and inventory is completed for all Galileo-connected travel agencies in the United States and Canada who have signed up for access.

With the implementation of Southwest, Travelport is providing its Galileo subscribers with more information at the point of sale on Southwest than is currently offered by other competitors.  Travelport functionality includes:

• Ability to view open or closed inventory at the point of sale which eliminates uncertainty associated with whether or not the flight is available to be sold
• Built-in intelligent error responses that alert agents throughout the booking process – and helps agents to manage the aspects of booking Southwest
• Flexibility to add more passengers and flight segments on a per-passenger name record (PNR) basis than is currently offered by other competitors –  the Travelport solution enables agents to book up to 6 segments for up to 8 passengers in a single PNR.

Galileo customers will enjoy other enhanced features and benefits such as:

• Inclusion of Southwest itinerary options in shopping results
• Access to Southwest content from the agency desktop as well as corporate booking tools
• New functionality to give agencies added protection from unwanted debit memos.

In 2008, additional functionality will include:

• Interactive sell (Link sell)  
• Ability to transmit frequent flyer (Rapid Rewards) numbers   
• Automatic return of ticket number to Apollo PNR.

“We are extremely delighted to implement access to Southwest Airline’s fares and inventory through Galileo and to provide our customers with unique functionality,” says Jean Collier, vice president, Supplier Services, Travelport GDS, Americas. “Delivering Southwest content and doing so with ‘best in class’ booking capabilities is truly an exceptional win for all of our leisure and corporate customers to celebrate.” 

In keeping with Travelport GDS bringing access to new content to its customers, agencies must agree to certain financial terms.  All fees associated with booking Southwest will be waived through the end of the year.

For further information, and to sign up for Southwest access, Galileo-connected customers can visit: http://support.galileo.com/