Navigating NDC Fares

09.02.2024 - 09:38 / travelpulse.com / Airlines

You can save both time and money by booking New Distribution Capabilities (NDC) airfares with American Airlines and United Airlines in VAX VacationAccess. Additionally, you provide more value to your customers by adding flights to vacation packages—but it’s convenient and can boost sales. You can achieve higher commissions per booking and get closer to Elite or WAVEMAKER status—and their benefits—faster.  

For customers who want the lowest fare, that’s where NDC comes in. American Airlines and United Airlines have shifted their Value Content—which includes Basic Economy and promotional fares—from a legacy global distribution system (GDS) to New Distribution Capabilities (NDC) channels. NDC is now the only third-party distribution pathway agents can use to access these airfares. 

When American Airlines made the shift to NDC, ALG Vacations and Trisept Solutions secured an NDC connection via a GDS so travel advisors would be able to continue booking low fares through VAX VacationAccess. Simply sign into VAX, and book American and United fares as normal through Apple Vacations, Funjet Vacations, Travel Impressions, or Blue Sky Tours.  

You’ll know you are booking an NDC fare when you see the “NDC Fare Advisory” message appear next to the flight information. Click on the text for full directions on where to go for assistance with modifying your reservation if needed. 

NDC airfares are generally lower in price than non-NDC, or standard, fares. While many fares are in the Basic Economy category, they’re not restricted to it; you can find Main Cabin, Premium, Business, and First Class fares in NDC as well. Unless you’re booking Basic Economy, you can reserve seat assignments on the carrier’s website once the fare is ticketed.  

Remember that NDC fares are only exchangeable with other NDC fares as fare rules permit. NDC fares can’t be exchanged for a standard fare, and standard fare credit can’t be used to purchase an NDC fare. Although most NDC fares are published rates, there are also bulk options.  

As more airlines use NDC for more fares and add-ons, ALG Vacations will keep rolling out updates to VAX so that you never miss a booking or commission.  

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