Travel agencies using Travelport can now book pre-paid seating on British Airways through the GDSGlobal distribution system – international computer reservation systems which amalgamate the content and enable booking on multiple suppliers for the first time. Previously, pre-paid seating was only bookable via the airline’s website at ba.com.

To use the new functionality, travel management companies have to download a free piece of software called Travelport Options Integrator, which Travelport says has been designed to “make shopping, selling and booking optional services through the GDSGlobal distribution system – international computer reservation systems which amalgamate the content and enable booking on multiple suppliers a straightforward process for travel agents”.

When a seat is booked through the GDSGlobal distribution system – international computer reservation systems which amalgamate the content and enable booking on multiple suppliers, the workstation automatically launches a web-based application and the purchase of the optional service completed directly with the carrier. Upon completion of the transaction, remarks information is added to the passenger name record (PNR) and the travel consultant is dropped back into their GDSGlobal distribution system – international computer reservation systems which amalgamate the content and enable booking on multiple suppliers. The PNR can then be run through any agency business process to capture the management information.

John Mornement, head of selling and distribution for BA, said: “Since signing our global agreement with Travelport, we have been working together to make our pre-paid seat selection service available on the Travelport GDSGlobal distribution system – international computer reservation systems which amalgamate the content and enable booking on multiple suppliers. We’re delighted to be going live with the Travelport functionality this month.”

Jason Clarke, Travelport’s managing director for Europe and Brazil, said: “This development not only makes the booking process easier for agents but also enables them to offer even better customer service by offering to book a pre-paid seat. It very much forms part of our ongoing merchandising strategy as a business.”

The system, is also used in the US to sell extras on United Airlines.

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