Compare Amadeus, Sabre and Travelport for your travel portal. Learn how to assess supplier content, GDS API access, booking and ticketing workflows, NDC, costs and launch requirements before choosing a provider.
Choosing a global distribution system (GDS) is an important decision for any online travel agency, travel management company or travel portal. Amadeus, Sabre and Travelport connect travel sellers with supplier content and booking services, but the right choice depends on your target markets, available content, commercial agreement and how your team handles reservations.
This guide compares the questions you should ask before planning a GDS API integration. Features, coverage and access vary by provider, product and customer agreement.
What Is a GDS API?
A GDS API connects your travel website, agent portal or application with an approved global distribution system. Your platform sends requests for supported travel content and receives results that can be presented to agents or customers. Depending on your account and selected products, the connection may support flight search, pricing, reservation creation, ticketing and other travel services.
Amadeus vs Sabre vs Travelport: Quick Comparison
| Area | Amadeus | Sabre | Travelport |
|---|---|---|---|
| What to assess | Available API products, approved content and fulfilment model | Agency APIs, approved content and reservation workflows | TripServices products, approved content and supported workflows |
| Flight booking | Review search, price, order and servicing for your API agreement | Review shopping, booking and ticketing products enabled for your account | Review search, pricing, reservation and ticketing workflows available to you |
| NDC | Confirm eligible airline content and access with Amadeus | Confirm airline content, markets and access with Sabre | Confirm airline registration, Travelport provisioning and supported workflows |
| Costs and eligibility | Subject to product, market, supplier terms and ticketing arrangement | Subject to provider agreement, enabled products and agency setup | Subject to provider agreement, provisioning and commercial terms |
There is no universal winner. Compare the services actually available under your business agreement rather than relying on broad market-share claims or assumed coverage.
Amadeus API Integration
Amadeus provides enterprise APIs for travel applications. Its developer portal states that the former self-service portal has been decommissioned and the current portal serves Enterprise APIs. Contact Amadeus to confirm your access, commercial terms, flight content, booking and ticketing requirements; do not assume an old self-service signup or historical API guide is available for a new integration.
Explore Amadeus API integration.
Sabre API Integration
Sabre's developer hub lists travel APIs for search, booking management and related workflows. A travel business should confirm the API collection, airline and market coverage, credentials, ticketing model and operational support available for its account. A B2B agent portal and a B2C booking website may require different pricing, access controls and customer journeys around the same approved connection.
Explore Sabre API integration.
Travelport and Galileo API Integration
Travelport's TripServices flight documentation describes search, pricing, reservation and ticketing workflows for approved GDS and NDC content. Galileo is a Travelport GDS brand, so confirm the platform, credentials and products that apply to your business. Travelport documentation also distinguishes some GDS and NDC servicing operations; verify your airline and market requirements before development.
Explore Galileo API integration.
GDS, NDC and Low-Cost Carrier Content
NDC is an IATA standard for exchanging airline offer and order data. It is not a separate GDS or a guarantee that all airline content is included. Each provider's access, airline agreements, supported markets, ancillary services and post-booking actions can differ. For example, Travelport states that access to NDC content requires relevant provider provisioning and registration with the airline.
Ask each supplier for a current list of the routes, airlines and operations available to your account, including baggage, seats, exchanges, cancellations and refunds. Low-cost carrier access should also be confirmed separately.
How Does a GDS Booking Workflow Work?
- Search: The portal sends the route, dates and traveller details to an approved provider.
- Compare and revalidate: Users review the returned flight options, fare conditions and applicable extras. The selected fare is checked according to the provider workflow.
- Collect traveller details: The portal captures required passenger and contact information.
- Book and fulfil: The reservation request is submitted and payment and ticket issuance are handled according to your provider and commercial arrangements.
- Manage: Your team retrieves booking information and handles supported changes or cancellations.
A payment or reservation request alone does not guarantee a ticket. Design clear handling for pending responses, timeouts, price changes and failed transactions.
How to Choose the Right GDS: Step by Step
- Define your target markets, travel products and expected user types.
- List the airlines, routes and booking functions essential to your business.
- Request provider documentation and confirm approved content, NDC availability and support.
- Compare commercial terms, access, agency requirements and ticketing arrangements.
- Review search, pricing, booking, ticketing and post-booking workflows with your technology team.
- Plan test scenarios, provider checks and any required certification before production.
- Agree launch monitoring, ongoing maintenance and ownership of support issues.
Which GDS Fits Your Business Model?
For a new travel agency or OTA
First confirm how you will access inventory and issue tickets. Compare direct supplier agreements with an approved consolidator or aggregation partner, then assess whether the content, pricing and operational support match your target market. A third-party arrangement has its own commercial terms and does not automatically grant direct GDS access.
For an established B2B agency
Review your existing GDS contract, agency identifiers, negotiated fares and ticketing setup. Map agent roles, markups and reporting before considering migration. Ask how existing bookings will be serviced during a transition.
For a B2C or corporate portal
Compare the airlines and routes your customers actually search, then test the full experience: clear fare rules, passenger details, payment, ticket status and support after booking. Corporate teams should also review policy, approvals and reporting requirements in the agreed scope.
Test Providers Using the Same Scenarios
Build a representative list of routes and dates across your key markets. Ask each provider what your account can return and book for the same passenger types, cabin classes and sales channels. Compare total fare and conditions, baggage, ticketing, changes, refunds, failure handling and support—not just the number of search results. Results can change with time, supplier agreements and availability, so repeat the exercise under comparable conditions.
What Does GDS API Integration Cost?
The cost depends on your existing platform, selected provider, API products, business channels, required operations and testing. Supplier contracts, access fees, ticketing arrangements and ongoing maintenance can be separate from development. Request a written scope and commercial quote for your business instead of assuming a fixed universal price.
Can a Travel Portal Connect More Than One GDS?
Yes, a platform can be designed for multiple approved connections. Plan how results are displayed, duplicates are handled, provider-specific fare rules are preserved and booking records are serviced. Each supplier can have its own agreement, test process and operational requirements.
Which GDS Is Best for Your Travel Business?
The best fit is the one that supports your target content, markets and operational workflow under terms your business can use. If you already have an agreement, start by reviewing its API products and documentation. If you are comparing providers, validate your requirements with each supplier before making a commitment.
SRDV Technologies can help plan the portal journey around your approved provider access. Explore GDS API integration services or discuss your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Galileo the same as Travelport?
Galileo is a Travelport GDS brand. Confirm the specific Travelport platform and API product available under your agreement.
Do I need IATA accreditation?
Requirements depend on the supplier, market and ticketing model. Some businesses work with a consolidator; confirm your own arrangement with the provider.
Does one GDS include every airline?
No. Airline content, routes, fares and servicing depend on the provider, airline, market and your approved account.
How long does integration take?
It depends on your existing portal, access, features, testing and supplier approval. A reliable schedule follows a review of the documentation and project scope.
Sources and Further Reading
Provider-specific information was checked against the official sources below.
