At Reho, we’re keeping a close eye on these changes, not just because we’re travel experts, but because we’re committed to protecting your time, your experience, and your budget.
The Systems Behind the Scenes
EDIFACT: The Reliable Backbone of Travel Booking
For over 30 years, airline reservations have mostly been powered by a technology called EDIFACT. It’s not something you see, but it plays a crucial role in connecting travel agents, booking tools (like Serko, which many of our business clients use to book online), and airline systems. The result? Reliable, consistent pricing and a smooth booking experience.
NDC: A New Way of Selling Flights
Airlines like Qantas are now promoting something called New Distribution Capability (NDC). It’s designed to give you access to richer, more personalised offers—including photos, seat upgrades, and extra baggage, instead of just rows of flight numbers and prices. Sounds great, right? The catch? Every airline is doing it a little differently. And most booking systems weren’t built for NDC, at least, not yet.
What This Means for You
More Complexity, More Cost (For Now)
For corporate clients using online tools like Serko, bookings made using NDC can come with added costs, up to $9 extra per booking. That’s because integrating NDC into existing systems requires costly upgrades that travel providers (and eventually, customers) need to cover.
More Manual Work, Less Efficiency
Unlike EDIFACT, NDC bookings often can’t be processed automatically. They take more time for our consultants to manage manually, which means longer turnaround times and, in some cases, higher service fees. That’s not the experience we want to deliver.
Our Approach: Pragmatic and Client-Focused
EDIFACT First, Always
We’re sticking with what works best for now. For all online bookings, especially those made via Zeno, we continue to use EDIFACT content, which guarantees a smooth experience without additional costs.
NDC When It Makes Sense
If you’re booking through one of our consultants, we always compare prices. If NDC gives you a significantly better fare or value, we’ll let you know and help you decide what’s best.
What’s Next? Keeping Innovation Accountable
We’re not anti-NDC. We believe in progress, when it truly benefits our clients. As this new technology matures and becomes more standardised, we’ll be ready to integrate it in a way that enhances your booking experience, whether you’re heading to a boardroom in Singapore or a beach in the Maldives.
In a Nutshell
At Reho, we believe technology should work for you, not complicate your plans or your budget. While the industry moves toward change, we’re focused on making sure you get the best experience today, without losing sight of tomorrow.
