Airlines and online travel agencies can now quickly and easily inform passengers of destinations’ COVID-19 testing requirements inline as part of flight searches. The new data distributed by industry stalwart ATPCO provides clear details about which countries and airlines require proof of a negative COVID-19 test before departure and if vaccination is required to enter a country.
OTAs
Fareportal sues JetBlue as access is cut
JetBlue faces accusations of excluding online travel agencies to “illegally acquire, enhance, and maintain its monopoly over passenger air travel” in markets where it holds a dominant share. Fareportal, parent of CheapOair, filed the suit this week after the carrier cut off access for Fareportal to sell the carrier’s fares.
Gulf Air picks Routehappy Rich Content from ATPCO for digital merchandising
The deals keep rolling in for ATPCO as it secures another customer for its Routehappy Rich Content offering. Bahrain’s Gulf Air signed a five year contract to include the content on the GulfAir.com website as part of the company’s efforts to modernize and enhance its flight shopping display.
AirAsia to begin ticket sales for other airlines
Making good on a promise by CEO Tony Fernandes earlier this year, AirAsia is poised to sell tickets for other airlines on its website. Fernandes confirmed the plans on Monday, with further details to come in a formal announcement next week. The effort is the latest step in the company’s efforts to grow beyond just being an airline into a digital services company that just happens to also operate planes.
Kayak picks ATPCO’s Routehappy Rich Content to enrich flight details
Chalk up another win for ATPCO and the Routehappy rich content it distributes. Kayak signed a deal last week to bring the details into its metasearch engine, helping passengers to better understand what they are purchasing, beyond just a seat from point A to point B.
ATPCO boosts rich data distribution with Amadeus, Sabre deals
The online flight shopping experience is about to become a far richer experience. Amadeus and Sabre, two of the largest distribution platforms, will soon have the ability to include far more details about the inflight travel experience and amenities for travelers, helping to shift away from price and schedule as the dominant comparison metrics.
Delta’s upgrade efforts continues to spread
Delta Air Lines is selling more upgrades than ever, which is both good news and bad news for the SkyMiles loyalty program. But probably more good than bad.
Google Flights expands amenities details with Routehappy by ATPCO
The flight amenity info shown on Google Flights is about to get more detailed thanks to an updated 5-year deal with ATPCO
CTrip, Routehappy team for improved online shopping experience
Millions of passengers across Asia will soon have access to more and better information when shopping for flights thanks to a new partnership between CTrip and Routehappy by ATPCO.
Kiwi offers legal support for sketchy flight bookings
Do you hate following the rules? Feel like airlines need to be taught a lesson in what’s really fair when it comes to fares? Online travel site Kiwi.com wants to help out, possibly even including legal counsel.