*A Computer Interconnections Big Mess with E-Tix
Jul 7, 2007 | 2:46 am
#1
Original Poster
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*A Computer Interconnections Big Mess with E-Tix
I've just returned from a Star Alliance RTW itinerary that included SQ for several segments. Rules for RTW tickets allow changes in flight dates with no penalty (but not changes in itinerary without significant difficulties).
SQ was a ..... about every change in date that occurred, and claimed that the flight couldn't be seen in their system and/or required a "ticket number" that, with a E-Ticket, of course didn't exist.
There are significant problems IMHO with the computer connections between Star Alliance carriers. Changes with UA and LH were no problem, but SQ has enormous problems with accessing these records (telephone calls to UA reservations were required in SIN, BKK, and PVG) even when SQ could see the reservation in their record.
I am mostly unimpressed with SQ, despite glowing reports by others about this airline. Staff seem mechanical and phony, and when anything not "in the book" occurs they freeze up like deer in the headlights.
SQ was a ..... about every change in date that occurred, and claimed that the flight couldn't be seen in their system and/or required a "ticket number" that, with a E-Ticket, of course didn't exist.
There are significant problems IMHO with the computer connections between Star Alliance carriers. Changes with UA and LH were no problem, but SQ has enormous problems with accessing these records (telephone calls to UA reservations were required in SIN, BKK, and PVG) even when SQ could see the reservation in their record.
I am mostly unimpressed with SQ, despite glowing reports by others about this airline. Staff seem mechanical and phony, and when anything not "in the book" occurs they freeze up like deer in the headlights.
Jul 7, 2007 | 3:14 am
#2
Join Date: Apr 2007
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Wirelessly posted (xx: BlackBerry8100/4.2.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/100 UP.Browser/5.0.3.3)
It does seem odd in this age of internet connectivity that the airlines have not figured out how to connect their systems. I believe the problem, as I have encountered it between UA and NZ, consists simply of large, proprietary, legacy IT infrastructures that would cost way too much to replace. All of the partner airlines would have to agree on one system and then all purchase it. Too bad for us consumers, particularly FT'ers who push the envelope.
It does seem odd in this age of internet connectivity that the airlines have not figured out how to connect their systems. I believe the problem, as I have encountered it between UA and NZ, consists simply of large, proprietary, legacy IT infrastructures that would cost way too much to replace. All of the partner airlines would have to agree on one system and then all purchase it. Too bad for us consumers, particularly FT'ers who push the envelope.
Jul 7, 2007 | 4:15 am
#3
Join Date: Jan 2005
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Originally Posted by StarAlliance.com
Press Releases 2007FRANFKURT, Germany – May 31st, 2007Austrian Airlines Joins Star Alliance Common IT Platform
Star Alliance member carrier Austrian Airlines today announced the replacement of its inventory and check-in systems with the Star Alliance Common IT Platform (CITP). CITP is a joint centralised platform hosted by Amadeus for participating Star Alliance member carriers. Alongside Lufthansa and United and regional member carriers Adria Airways and Croatia Airlines, Austrian Airlines is now launching a comprehensive migration project to oversee the staged transfer of all key airline IT systems, including inventory, ticketing and check-in, to the new platform by mid-2009
Star Alliance member carrier Austrian Airlines today announced the replacement of its inventory and check-in systems with the Star Alliance Common IT Platform (CITP). CITP is a joint centralised platform hosted by Amadeus for participating Star Alliance member carriers. Alongside Lufthansa and United and regional member carriers Adria Airways and Croatia Airlines, Austrian Airlines is now launching a comprehensive migration project to oversee the staged transfer of all key airline IT systems, including inventory, ticketing and check-in, to the new platform by mid-2009
About the Star Alliance Common IT Platform (CITP)
The new platform is based on the first next generation Customer Management System available in the airline industry. Built on state-of-the-art technological infrastructure and software, the CITP will enhance customer service functionalities, specifically for sales and airport environments, including such transactions as schedule, availability, inventory, reservations, fare quote and ticketing as well as passenger check-in. The improvement in customer service will come through ease of use as well as through the provision of better quality and common data for airline service agents when dealing with alliance customers. The CITP project was originally launched in 2005 with Lufthansa and United as the lead carriers. To date, Austrian Airlines and regional members Adria Airways and Croatia Airlines have joined CITP. Additionally, Star Alliance member carrier South African Airways is using Amadeus Altéa, based on a similar technology as CITP.
The new platform is based on the first next generation Customer Management System available in the airline industry. Built on state-of-the-art technological infrastructure and software, the CITP will enhance customer service functionalities, specifically for sales and airport environments, including such transactions as schedule, availability, inventory, reservations, fare quote and ticketing as well as passenger check-in. The improvement in customer service will come through ease of use as well as through the provision of better quality and common data for airline service agents when dealing with alliance customers. The CITP project was originally launched in 2005 with Lufthansa and United as the lead carriers. To date, Austrian Airlines and regional members Adria Airways and Croatia Airlines have joined CITP. Additionally, Star Alliance member carrier South African Airways is using Amadeus Altéa, based on a similar technology as CITP.
Also, OT,
Originally Posted by flybmi.com
Sophisticated software continually monitors connecting flights, and highlights any problems that may arise and take steps to minimise the effects of any delays in your journey.
For example, the service will automatically re-book you onto another Star Alliance flight, or rush you and your luggage from one plane to another, if need be.
For example, the service will automatically re-book you onto another Star Alliance flight, or rush you and your luggage from one plane to another, if need be.
Jul 7, 2007 | 4:42 am
#4
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: New Zealand
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Absolutely , they tend to be pleasant enough but lacking in initiative - I have always found on overnight flights in economy that if I wake up there will always be at least one cabin attendant on NZ or LH patrolling the aisles with water / juice looking out for semi-awake pax to offer it to whereas the SQ cabin attendants seem to expect you to press the call button - then they will come with it promptly , but when you are only half awake it is so much easier just to grab it from someone who is already walking the aisles with it
Jul 7, 2007 | 8:38 am
#5
Join Date: Jan 2005
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Similarly if you order a vegetarian meal or other special meal...unless you want wine, you won't get offered a drink until they've served the other pax and offered them drinks, which is usually 30 minutes after you've finished your meal.
That said I personally find in general, SQ to be better in the air than on the ground.
That said I personally find in general, SQ to be better in the air than on the ground.
Jul 7, 2007 | 6:32 pm
#6
Join Date: Oct 2006
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Just wondering, which airline issued your ticket? All tickets have numbers, and if you had an e-ticket receipt with you, that would have had the ticket number on it. I think it's usually just a matter of visibility by airlines into each other's reservations networks--SAA even still needs paper tickets for tickets issued on UA stock
