With the total number of flights performing globally reaching 40.1 million by the end of 2024, there is a great opportunity for travel agencies to maximize their profits. However, though there are innumerable flights available online, finding the best deals and suitable flight tickets is a struggle. To minimize the hassle, travel agents and tour operators can significantly improve the quality of their services with the assistance of flight API integration. From grabbing attractive deals to instant flight bookings, a flight API helps travel businesses reduce manual labor, focus on what is important, and grow the business exceedingly. Let us explore how flight API integration allows travel agents to grow their business with excellent customer satisfaction and turnaround time for any service. 

What is the Flight booking API?

Airline APIs are systems integrated into the travel agency’s online booking portal that provides immediate details on flight prices, schedules, on-flight meals, etc. The implementation is done through the airline’s in-built system that helps receive real-time updates. Flight booking APIs act as a connecting bridge between the travel service provider and the airline system. This way, travel companies can offer a comprehensive range of services to their users. 

Flight API integration benefits

1. Search and compare flights

As per Salesforce Research, 89% of customers are more likely to make another purchase after a positive experience. Travel agents can effectively enhance the customer experience by offering them the option of searching and comparing multiple airline tickets. After all, who doesn’t like to have options? A seamless and well-organized search result section provides them with numerous flight ticket details, availability, and more. This saves the time spent on tedious browsing and gives efficient results based on the client’s preferences. 

2. Quick flight updates

Flight APIs enable quick and smooth information flow, allowing travel agencies to access essential information. API gives them instant updates on flight availability, price modifications, delays, etc. This prepares the travelers for their journey and allows them to plan accordingly. Travel agents remain updated with accurate information, which reduces the chances of unnecessary confusion. Having a portal integrated with flight API delivers an improved customer experience. 

3. Exclusive offers on flights

Through Flight API integration travel agents can surprise their customers with exclusive cashback offers and deals. Most airlines provide insider perks to travel agencies associated with them. This includes cheaper ticket prices, free meals, and more. Travel companies can leverage these exclusive offers and grow their customer base to manifolds.

4. Impressive customer service

Travel portals integrated with flight APIs provide additional benefits of direct communication channels. This helps travel agents gain deeper details and timely information on tickets and flight schedules. All these features together ensure exceptional customer service, helping travel agencies expand their business in the market. 

5. Partnership with global airlines

Having ties with global airlines gives travel agents a competitive edge, providing them with a respected name in the industry. Integration with flight API proves advantageous to travel agents because it gives them easy access to numerous global flight operators. They allow for proper flows of information making it easy for the agent to provide the client with personalized and diverse solutions. It further expedites bookings for customers, raises their satisfaction levels, and enables travel agents to develop partnerships with airline companies and gain exclusive contracts at higher commissions. 

How to implement flight API in your travel solution?

Seeking help from an experts that have great advantages for travel companies when integrating flight APIs in their travel systems. Here is how travel agents can implement flight APIs:

• Reach out to the airline you want to partner with. Different airlines have distinct procedures so that would need to be checked. 
• Get in touch with a professional company that provides API integration services. 
• After setting up the API into the back end of the agency’s travel portal, a request is raised to the airline asking them to add the agency to their inventory. 
• Once the request is approved, details of flights operated by the airline are shown on the agency’s portal. This information will automatically update when modifications are made to the airline’s system.

Wrapping up

Flight API integration is a wonderful strategy that travel agencies can’t afford to overlook, especially in the current competitive market. Travel enthusiasts want two things – the latest updates and simplified bookings. Both these can be delivered using flight APIs. Travel companies can position their businesses towards significant business growth by adopting strategies influenced by cutting-edge technologies. Partnering with an experienced flight API integration provider can expedite the process and give travel agencies the required push toward success. 

Flight API Integration FAQs