BUSINESS TRAVEL CONSULTANTS using either Travelport global distribution system - Galileo or Worldspan - can now book pre-allocated seats on British Airways' flights for customers. The pre-booking service has until now only been available on BA.com. Travelport says it is the first of the three major GDSs to make the service available.
Historically, BA customers have been able to reserve a seat on an aircraft from 24 hours before departure. But last year the airline made it possible for travellers to book their seat in advance of this for a small premium.
However, this was problematic for many frequent flyers whose corporate travel policy dictated that their bookings be made through the company's travel management company. Until now they were not able to pre-book the seat on the traveller's behalf.
Jason Clarke, Travelport's managing director for Europe and Brazil, said the BA initiative was the first of what is likely to be a number of merchandising agreements with airlines.