Expertflyer alternatives
Jul 4, 2021, 1:41 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2017
Programs: EK Plat
Posts: 244
Expertflyer alternatives
Is there any alternative to Expertflyert to see availability in individual fare buckets? After losing award availability, it appears it has that all EK functionality is now lost.
Jul 5, 2021, 4:04 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Seat 1A
Programs: Non-status paid F/J (best value for $$$)
Posts: 4,124
It looks like not only Expertflyer is having issues. Travel Agents and OTAs that use Sabre as their GDS provider also have issues displaying EK availability and booking EK flights.
Apparently, EK has not renewed their contract with Sabre which ended June 30th.
Apparently, EK has not renewed their contract with Sabre which ended June 30th.
Jul 5, 2021, 6:59 pm
#3
Left Expert Flyer 4/23
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,741
You can still see EK flights in the Flight Availability search if you specify EK as the only airline, that way our system knows to use a different reservation system, or just ask us.
Jul 6, 2021, 12:21 am
#4
Ambassador, Emirates
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: LGW / AMS / CPT
Programs: SA KL BA EK
Posts: 4,273
Can you give us any insight at all on if the award availability feature on EK will ever return?
Jul 6, 2021, 2:26 pm
#5
Left Expert Flyer 4/23
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,741
Yes it will, we can't go into what the issues are but it is our intention to have EK award searching return. We apologize it's not happening fast, but it's outside of our control at this time.
Jul 7, 2021, 1:48 am
#6
Ambassador, Emirates
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: LGW / AMS / CPT
Programs: SA KL BA EK
Posts: 4,273
Could you maybe post on this thread when that functionality is back? Without it, EF has little value for me personally.
Sep 15, 2021, 7:48 am
#8
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: London
Posts: 778
It now seems that all EK flights have disappeared from ExpertFlyer. I can only assume that this is tied to EK no longer supporting Sabre as GDS. Has anyone been able to figure out other valid alternatives to check availability (and seat allocations) on EK flights?
On a related topic, I am a bit shocked that EK has not renewed Sabre. I was under the impression it would be a temporary issue, but it looks like it's sticking. For companies like mine, serviced by AmEx GBT, this means no possibility of booking EK flights. Must be significant revenue lost for the airline.
On a related topic, I am a bit shocked that EK has not renewed Sabre. I was under the impression it would be a temporary issue, but it looks like it's sticking. For companies like mine, serviced by AmEx GBT, this means no possibility of booking EK flights. Must be significant revenue lost for the airline.
Sep 15, 2021, 2:18 pm
#9
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 43
I agree - quite bizarre. any suggestions for alternatives to expert flyer appreciated!
Sep 15, 2021, 2:36 pm
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Juneau, Alaska.
Programs: AS 75K;BA Silver;AA G;HH Dia;HY Glob
Posts: 15,819
It now seems that all EK flights have disappeared from ExpertFlyer. I can only assume that this is tied to EK no longer supporting Sabre as GDS. Has anyone been able to figure out other valid alternatives to check availability (and seat allocations) on EK flights?
On a related topic, I am a bit shocked that EK has not renewed Sabre. I was under the impression it would be a temporary issue, but it looks like it's sticking. For companies like mine, serviced by AmEx GBT, this means no possibility of booking EK flights. Must be significant revenue lost for the airline.
On a related topic, I am a bit shocked that EK has not renewed Sabre. I was under the impression it would be a temporary issue, but it looks like it's sticking. For companies like mine, serviced by AmEx GBT, this means no possibility of booking EK flights. Must be significant revenue lost for the airline.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/33383418-post3.html
I just did an availability search for EK for several dates and EF returned availability numbers.
Sep 15, 2021, 4:44 pm
#11
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: London
Posts: 778
Did you specify EK as the airline when doing the search as noted in this post?
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/33383418-post3.html
I just did an availability search for EK for several dates and EF returned availability numbers.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/33383418-post3.html
I just did an availability search for EK for several dates and EF returned availability numbers.
The Sabre issue is another story. I hope EK will sort it; it seems a lot of revenue is being left on the table.
Sep 16, 2021, 12:57 am
#12
Left Expert Flyer 4/23
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,741
I think I've narrowed down where the problem lies. It works by specifying EK as the airline but does not work if the "Exclude codeshares" box is also ticked (which is ticked by default in all my saved queries). I hope the ExpertFlyer team reads this, as it seems a strange glitch.
The Sabre issue is another story. I hope EK will sort it; it seems a lot of revenue is being left on the table.
The Sabre issue is another story. I hope EK will sort it; it seems a lot of revenue is being left on the table.
Sep 26, 2021, 10:57 pm
#13
Join Date: Apr 2021
Programs: EK
Posts: 50
Yes will this ever return? I only hold expert flyer for Emirates award upgrades from econ to business.... can you clarify if this will return?
Sep 27, 2021, 10:56 am
#14
Left Expert Flyer 4/23
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,741
We don't have a firm date at this time. However if you email customercare@ we can put you on our notification list if you want to let your subscription lapse in the meantime.
Sep 27, 2021, 11:11 am
#15
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: MAN DXB ✈️
Programs: Skywards Gold
Posts: 6,831