ARS & CRS — Airline Reservation System and Computerised Reservation System Explained

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Aviation · Part 3 · Module 24

ARS & CRS — Airline Reservation System and Computerised Reservation System Explained

By Tourism369 · Aviation Industry, Ticketing & Frontier Formalities · UGC NET Paper 2 Unit IV

Before the internet, booking a flight meant visiting an airline office and waiting in line. The Airline Reservation System changed everything — and the Computerised Reservation System changed it again. Here is the complete story of how technology transformed travel booking.

💻 Airline Reservation System (ARS) — Concept

An Airline Reservation System (ARS) is a computerised system used to store, retrieve, and process information and transactions related to air travel. It contains information on flight schedules, fares, seat availability across multiple airlines on the same routes, and other travel-related services.

The traditional reservation system followed since 1930 has evolved into the modern computerised reservation system. ARS works in line with the Global Distribution System (GDS), enabling travel agents and customers worldwide to access flight information and make bookings in real time.

🔄 How ARS Works — The Booking Flow
Customer searches route
→
ARS queries GDS
→
Available flights displayed
→
Seat selected
→
Payment made
→
e-Ticket issued
✅ Benefits of ARS
🏠
Book from Anywhere
Passengers book tickets from home, office, or mobile — no need to visit airline offices or travel agencies in person.
💰
Compare Prices Instantly
ARS displays multiple airlines on the same route simultaneously — customers compare fares, timings, and availability in real time.
💺
Seat Selection & Meal Preference
Passengers choose their preferred seats, meals, and add-ons online. Complete personalisation of travel experience.
✏️
Easy Modification & Cancellation
Bookings can be modified or cancelled without visiting any office. Error-free processing vs manual system errors.
🔔
Real-time Updates
Loyal/repeat passengers receive regular updates of offers, discounts, and flight alerts on phone and email.
📊
Complete Information Display
Screen shows: timing, fare, baggage rules, departure terminal, gate number, expected travel time — all in one place.
📋 Reservations Services Manual (RSM)

The RSM is a reference/training manual that contains reservation rules and procedures agreed and accepted worldwide. It establishes relationships between technology, airlines, customers, media, and service providers. It supports the AIRIMP (Airline Interline Message Procedures — Passenger) system, enabling airlines to perform day-to-day reservation functions economically and responsibly.

🖥️ Central Reservation System (CRS) — Concept

The CRS emerged in the 1970s when the airline industry sought to enhance customer experience and enable booking through online sales agents. Although initially developed for airlines, CRS was later adopted by hotels, railways, and other transport modes. Statistics show that around 50% of all US hotel reservations are now made through CRS.

CRS Definition
A Central (Computerised) Reservation System helps multiple hotels/airlines to access booking information (availability and prices) worldwide and communicate that information efficiently. It consists of a central reservation office and member properties sharing availability information in real time. Works in line with GDS (Global Distribution System).
🏨 Two Types of CRS
1. Affiliate Reservation System
All hotel/airline properties within the same chain are interconnected and contractually linked through one CRS. Properties work for each other — if one property is full, the CRS automatically suggests the nearest available property within the group. Reduces operational costs. Promotes mutual business within the chain. Example: All Marriott properties linked through Marriott’s CRS.
2. Non-Affiliate Reservation System
Connects independent properties that are not part of the same chain. Creates a larger distribution network for independent hotels, smaller airlines, and regional carriers. These properties subscribe to a shared CRS platform to gain global visibility.
🌐 GDS — Global Distribution System

GDS is the super-network that connects all CRS systems globally. GDS provides complete, current information on airlines, railways, cars, hotels, cruises, and tours worldwide. Travel agents worldwide use GDS to book across all supplier types simultaneously. The leading GDS platforms are:

World’s Major GDS Platforms
Amadeus — Largest GDS globally. HQ: Madrid. Created by Air France, Lufthansa, Iberia, and SAS.
Sabre — USA-based. Originally American Airlines’ internal reservation system. Now global.
Galileo/Travelport — Created by United Airlines. Now part of Travelport group.
Worldspan — Now also part of Travelport.
🎯 UGC NET Key Points — Module 24
◆ ARS = Airline Reservation System — computerised flight booking and inventory management
◆ Traditional reservation system era: since 1930
◆ ARS works in line with GDS (Global Distribution System)
◆ CRS = Central/Computerised Reservation System — emerged 1970s
◆ CRS: initially for airlines, later adopted by hotels, railways, other transport
◆ 50% of all US hotel reservations made through CRS
◆ CRS types: Affiliate (same chain properties) + Non-Affiliate (independent properties)
◆ GDS = Amadeus + Sabre + Galileo/Travelport + Worldspan
◆ RSM = Reservations Services Manual — contains worldwide-accepted reservation procedures
◆ AIRIMP = Airline Interline Message Procedures — Passenger (standard messaging protocol)
◆ Non-GDS booking engines: DataLex, SITA Travels
Continue Learning

Next: Module 25 — Types of Airline Tickets

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