Travelport GDS Enables Southwest Bookings

Travelport on Tuesday announced it has signed a long-term deal with several leading travel management companies in the U.S. to enable Southwest Airlines travel bookings through its Global Distribution System (GDS). 

Back in May, Southwest announced it was accepting bookings through Travelport’s GDS, as well as settling tickets booked via the new GDS processes through Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC). Currently, Travelport has completed the roll out of Southwest Airlines to its U.S. customer base, with Southwest content fully live across Travelport, allowing more corporate travel managers to access Southwest’s fares, industry-standard booking and ticketing, and new levels of functionality and service.

“We’re very excited to select Travelport as our new GDS because of its game-changing partnership with Southwest, which will really improve our agents’ workflows so that we can better service our travelers,” said Brian Dickerson, CEO at CTI Business Travel – one of Travelport’s new TMC customers.

“Travelport has made the on-boarding process simple and provided us superior support every step of the way. We’re looking forward to recovery and a bright future ahead with a better business travel experience for all.” 

Southwest is also utilizing Travelport Rich Content and Branding to promote the airline’s enhanced health and safety measure, to help put travelers at ease. The carrier has implemented a mandatory face mask policy for employees and guests, is keeping middle seats open and encouraging social distancing on-board aircrafts and even requiring guests fill out a health declaration form prior to boarding.