Disrupting Legacy Systems: How OTAs Can Lead the Way with Virtual Interlining

Introduction

Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) are in a unique position to revolutionize air travel by leveraging Virtual Interlining (VI) opportunities. With the right technology, OTAs can create seamless, cost-effective itineraries across multiple airlines, offering travelers more choice and flexibility. However, the true game-changer for those selling self-connected itineraries lies in providing a Check-Thru service - automated baggage transfer at the connecting airport - allowing passengers getting their checked baggage directly at the final destination (similar to regular interlining) for a stress-free journey. This innovation not only enhances the passenger experience, but also creates new revenue streams for airlines and airports.

The Problem: Fragmented Travel Experience

Today’s travelers often book multi-airline itineraries to save money or reach destinations not reachable with a single airline or airlines cooperation (codeshare/interlining). However, self-connected itineraries present challenges, including having two separate tickets and no support from the airlines in the event of a missing flight connection. The other big task for passengers is to collect the checked baggage at the transfer airport and then check-in again for the next flight. These pain points could create some discomfort for travellers and reduce customer satisfaction, causing also complaints or negative reviews towards the OTA who sold them the itinerary.

The Solution: Virtual Interlining with Check-Thru

Offering to customers a Check-Thru service for virtual interlined itineraries, where baggage is automatically transferred between flights, allows streamlined transfers, takes away the stress from passengers and it can also make those who didn't do it before consider the possibility of booking these self-connect itineraries. Check-thru service becomes also a new source of revenue for the OTAs selling it as ancillary.

Major benefits for OTAs:

• Enhanced customer satisfaction: While most of the OTAs selling virtual interline itineraries already offer connection guarantee insurance, Check-Thru service represents the missing piece to ensure to customers a true seamless journey from origin to final destination with completely different travel experience perception and enhanced customer satisfaction.

• New Revenue Opportunities: Check-Thru service represents not only a new ancillary revenue source for OTAs, but could also lead to an increased number of bookings, with customers attracted by the competitive price of virtual interlined itineraries, finally bookable with peace of mind due to connection guarantee and bag transfer service.

• Increase customers loyalty: No-stress travel experiences together with competitive fares could lead in satisfied returning customers and increase loyalty.

Airsiders technology provides OTAs with a solution to enable them selling virtual interlined itineraries with connection guarantee to cover disruptions plus the possibility to offer to customers unique automated baggage transfers at selected VI hub airports, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free experience for passengers while unlocking new potential revenue for the OTAs.

Get in Touch

OTAs, airlines, and airports that embrace Virtual Interlining with Check-Thru will lead the future of connected travel. If you’re ready to boost your passenger experience and expand your network, contact us today to explore how our solutions can integrate seamlessly with your operations.

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