NDC checklist: What to do about airline distribution

2020 could be the year that adoption of the New Distribution Capability standard really takes off, according to analysis by BCD Travel in the latest Industry Forecast.

As more airlines roll out distribution channels enabled by the International Air Transport Association’s New Distribution Capability, 2020 could be the year that adoption of NDC really takes off. Travel managers, buyers and travelers can start preparing with this checklist from BCD Travel’s 2020 Industry Forecast.

  • Follow the big changes and work out what they mean for you and your travelers; go to bcdtravel.com/ndc to get started. Keep in mind that far more seats could be booked via NDC by the end of 2020, potentially changing what you can and can’t negotiate with airlines.

Register now for the New Air Retailing Model webinar on Oct. 16, led by Advito expert Olivier Benoit. Two sessions available.

  • Keep tabs on how NDC will be adopted by booking tools. Make sure your travelers can see and book the best possible fares, regardless of the distribution channels behind the booking technology.
  • Ask your booking tool provider how the tool will display NDC and non-NDC fares. Is there a hierarchy?
  • Watch out for airlines pushing personalized packages directly to your travelers. These packages could include additional services you may not want travelers to have (for example, lounge access). Revise policy to clarify what’s allowed.
  • Ask your travel management company—and perhaps its global distribution system (GDS) partners—how NDC will affect fees.
  • Beware of airlines removing their lowest fares from GDSs, as Lufthansa already has done.

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