Introduction

In the dynamic and highly competitive travel industry, proficiency in Global Distribution Systems (GDS), such as Amadeus and Sabre, is no longer a niche skill but a fundamental requirement for travel professionals. These sophisticated computerized networks serve as the central nervous system of the global travel market, enabling travel agencies, airlines, hotels, and car rental companies to access real-time inventory, pricing, and booking functionalities for a vast array of travel services. The ability to efficiently navigate these platforms, construct complex itineraries, manage fares, and issue tickets is paramount for delivering seamless travel experiences, maximizing revenue, and staying competitive in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Without mastery of these systems, travel agents and airline ticketing staff would face significant operational limitations, hampering their ability to serve customers effectively. This essential training course focuses on equipping travel professionals with the expertise to master Global Distribution Systems (GDS) Ticketing (Amadeus/Sabre).

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to empower aspiring and current travel agents, airline ticketing staff, tour operators, and customer service professionals with the theoretical understanding and hands-on practical skills necessary to utilize Global Distribution Systems (Amadeus and Sabre) for comprehensive travel bookings and ticketing. Participants will gain a deep understanding of GDS architecture, learn advanced search techniques for flights, hotels, and car rentals, master fare construction rules, and acquire proficiency in issuing, reissuing, and refunding tickets. The course will delve into topics such as Passenger Name Record (PNR) management, queue management, ancillary service bookings, and adherence to IATA ticketing standards. By mastering the principles and functionalities of Global Distribution Systems (GDS) Ticketing (Amadeus/Sabre), participants will be prepared to efficiently manage complex travel itineraries, enhance customer service, and significantly contribute to the operational success of any travel-related business.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Aspiring Travel Agents
• Entry-Level Airline Ticketing Agents
• Travel Agency Personnel
• Online Travel Agency (OTA) Support Staff
• Tour Operators
• Corporate Travel Planners
• Customer Service Representatives in the travel industry
• Graduates seeking a career in travel and tourism
• Individuals looking to refresh their GDS skills
• Airline Call Center Agents

Objectives

• Understand the fundamental role and architecture of Global Distribution Systems (GDS) in the travel industry.
• Learn to navigate and effectively utilize core functionalities of Amadeus and Sabre GDS platforms.
• Acquire proficiency in searching for and booking flights, hotels, and car rentals.
• Comprehend fare construction rules, pricing, and ticketing procedures including taxes and surcharges.
• Explore techniques for creating, modifying, and managing Passenger Name Records (PNRs).
• Understand the processes for issuing, reissuing, and refunding airline tickets.
• Gain insights into ancillary services, special requests, and queue management.
• Develop practical skills through hands-on simulation exercises on Amadeus and Sabre.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Global Distribution Systems (GDS)

• Overview of the global travel industry ecosystem.
• What is a GDS? Its history, evolution, and significance.
• Key GDS providers: Amadeus, Sabre, Galileo, Worldspan (focus on Amadeus/Sabre).
• How GDS facilitates communication between travel suppliers and travel agencies.
• Role of GDS in airline, hotel, and car rental bookings.

Module 2: GDS System Basics and Navigation (Amadeus/Sabre)

• Understanding the GDS interface and basic commands.
• Signing in/out and managing user profiles.
• Decoding and encoding airport codes, airline codes, and city codes.
• Retrieving and interpreting information displays: timetables, flight schedules.
• Basic search functionalities and system messages.

Module 3: Flight Reservations and Availability (Amadeus/Sabre)

• Searching for flight availability by date, route, and airline.
• Understanding different fare classes and booking codes.
• Selecting flights and creating passenger segments.
• Advanced flight search options: direct flights, connecting flights, specific times.
• Handling waitlists and confirmed bookings.

Module 4: Passenger Name Record (PNR) Creation and Management

• Essential elements of a PNR: passenger details, contact information, itinerary.
• Adding optional PNR elements: remarks, special service requests (SSRs), other service information (OSI).
• Modifying existing PNRs: changing dates, times, or passenger details.
• Canceling segments and full PNRs.
• Retrieving and displaying PNRs.

Module 5: Fares, Pricing, and Ticketing Fundamentals

• Introduction to airline fare structures: base fare, taxes, surcharges, carrier-imposed fees.
• Fare rules and conditions: penalties for changes, cancellations, minimum/maximum stay.
• Basic fare calculation and pricing an itinerary.
• Understanding fare displays and interpreting fare notes.
• The process of issuing an electronic ticket (e-ticket).

Module 6: Advanced Ticketing Procedures and Fare Management

• Reissuing tickets for changes in itinerary, date, or fare.
• Processing ticket exchanges (voluntary and involuntary).
• Handling ticket refunds and associated penalties.
• Understanding Electronic Miscellaneous Documents (EMDs) for ancillary services.
• Ticketing for multi-city and complex itineraries.

Module 7: Hotel and Car Rental Bookings (Amadeus/Sabre)

• Searching for hotel availability by city, date, and specific property.
• Understanding hotel rate codes and room types.
• Booking hotel rooms and adding special requests.
• Searching for car rental availability by location, date, and car type.
• Booking car rentals and understanding rental conditions.

Module 8: Ancillary Services, Special Handling, and System Utilities

• Adding ancillary services to bookings (e.g., baggage, seat selection, meals).
• Managing special handling requests (e.g., unaccompanied minors, wheelchair assistance).
• Understanding and utilizing GDS queues for operational efficiency.
• Generating basic reports and summaries.
• Overview of IATA standards and industry best practices in ticketing.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training