happydad100

1) I signed up about 2 years ago. I remember something in the signup form about having to have a "sponsor travel agency". I spoke with Sabre on the phone and told them I was a private individual who wanted to use this service for the monthly fee. They said that was fine. I don't beleive I am a ARC (not even sure what an ARC is).

2) I haven't learned how to do ticket reservations. I'm pretty sure that I can. You could call their 800 number (I don't have the number anymore that I first called, but you could call 1-682-831-6490 and they could probably transfer you to the right department at Sabre to answer the ticketing question (this number is for software help).

3) I use the service to see fair buckets as follows (example output below):
112SEPSLCJFK‡DL«
12SEP MON SLC/MDT JFK/EDT‡2
1DL 1862 F0 A0 SLCJFK 4 955A 427P 757 L/R 0 MS DCA /E
Y0 B0 M0 H0 Q0 K0 L0 U0 T0
2DL 1898 F0 A0 SLCJFK 6 455P 1114P 757 D/R 0 XFJ DCA /E
Y9 B9 M9 H9 Q9 K9 L9 U9 T9

I also use the service to see fares, routings, etc. There is some award bucket info that is available ... but I believe it is similar to the other sources posted on this forum (i.e. KVS). I especially like the service when I am on the road and need to find realtime availabilty for alternative flights. Also helpful if I'm thinking about a bump to see if a flight is soldout.

If you call, let us know what you find out about ticketing. I assume one would need a special printer for papertickets, but maybe nothing more is needed for electronic tickets. And, maybe one could earn a commission for tickets.

Hope this helps ... Happydad

HamburgAround

Hello as one of the European fellows on this great forum,

I would as well really care for those pieces of information.

By the way, I will be flying to SEA on September 13th.
Hopefully, I can meet one of you folks on the way over there ;-)

Enjoy your day (as we already live at 11:27pm) ;-)

Thx, HamburgAround

kanebear

It CAN'T be any worse than working for two freaking hours teasing a OneWorld itinerary out of Expedia that doesn't include a leg on such illustrious carriers as Gulf Air, Air Lanka or Kenya Airways. Fine airlines that they are, if I can't earn EQMs/EQPs I ain't interested.

Yeah, I have the feeling learning Sabre/Amadeus is gonna be a pain but the rewards will be WORTH it.

darkhawkkg

From those who have the info, I would also like to find out about becoming a home based travel agent.

Thanks.

TheAirman

Please PM me the info as well. THANX !

Cheers
TheAirman

tcook052

So you're using this service but not to print actual tickets? Who is doing the ticketing? Or do you use it simply to find routings/fares, etc and then book via Expedia?

Also, IATA has quite strict rules about who gets paper ticket printers so home based agents won't get near one. Even E-tickets are controlled and they just don't let anyone buy a membership and print their own E-tickets.

And as for commissions, I'd also think that unlikely as almost all airlines moving away from paying TA's anything as it is.

Maybe this trend is a side effect from the DIY craze but I would caution folks here not to believe it's all that easy or inexpensive of an option.

fti

It is relatively easy to get access to one of the four major GDS's (Global Distribution Systems). Most have an internet-based option that will cost little or nothing per month. The catch is the ticketing. As was pointed out above, there are strict rules for ticketing, though home-based agents who get approval from ARC (Airlines Reporting Corporation) can obtain a ticket printer. A ticket printer is needed even for electronic tickets. But it takes months for the application process, bonding, weekly reporting, annual fees, etc, etc. Not worth it for most DIY'ers.

Best if someone goes this route is to find a "host travel agency" that will let you have access to a GDS through them then you can have them print your tickets. Another option is to obtain the GDS totally on your own but then find a local travel agency that uses the same system and you can "queue" or send the reservation to them and have them ticket it. The problem here is some of these cheapie fares come out on weekends and/or in the middle of the night (think the NW sale fare to Europe a week ago Saturday) and it might be gone by the time a travel agent gets into the office to ticket it for you.

The best use of the GDS system for FT'ers is probably just to be able to find the fare classes, rules, etc. However I am not sure how much trouble and cost it is worth.

mersk862

Please PM me as well with the info. Thanks...

docr775

I would lover the information as well if it is available. Thanks!

swag

What's with all the PM requests? Is there some reason not to just post the info here? What am I missing?

haricharan

i would also love the info as well. please PM me.
thanks.

uibd

Throw me into the PM send to mix also. Thanks.

oliver2002

If fare and availability is all you are looking for expertflyer.com (5-10US$/month) and KVS Tool (see the aeroplan AC forum) is for you.

Once you know what fare is available and if there are seats in that fare are open with either of the two tools above, you can go to any online booking site like opodo or expedia and book the ticket.

bhatnasx

As this is more TravelBuzz related and not Mileage Run related - I am moving this from the MR forum to the TravelBuzz forum. Please continue this thread there.

Thanks,

bhatnasx
Mileage Run Moderator

I-flybynight

Could you email me the info as well?

thanks a million miles,
Robert