Central Reservation System (CRS)

A Central Reservation System (CRS) is a computerized system used to store and retrieve information and conduct transactions related to a hotel, airline, car rental, or activities. A CRS is a foundational technology in the airline industry, as it stores and distributes flight schedules, fares, and seat availability to travel agents, as well as online travel booking sites and other distribution channels.

The CRS is very important as it helps to facilitate smooth inventory transactions between suppliers (the airlines) and distribution channels (online travel agencies, GDS or corporate travel systems) in real-time.

Key Functions of CRS

1) Inventory Management

Maintains and updates the seats available for flight, fare classes, and flight schedules for all sales channels connected.

2) Reservation Handling

Enables booking, change, and cancellation of reservations while keeping an accurate balance of seating availability.

3) Fare Distribution

Distributes fares and rate information supplied by airline fare/pricing content providers to multiple distribution channels.

4) Real-time Synchronization

Real time integrated inventory and availability update at all points of sales to prevent overbooking and inconsistencies.

5) GDS and Booking Engines Integration

 Integrates with GDS (Global Distribution Systems), OTAs (Online Travel Agencies), and flight booking engines, facilitating airlines to go global to sell their inventory.

Advantages and Disadvantages to Central Reservation System

• Efficiency: Bookings and updates are automated, where data entry is minimized.
• Scalable: It can handle a high number of bookings at the same time (I didn’t count each field for scalabilit either).
• Worldwide Network: Direct access to travel agents and passengers around the world.
• Revenue Management: Enable dynamic pricing and ancillary offers.
• Customer’s Experience: Such that confirmation of booking is fast and availability information correct.

Airline-Focused CRS Features

• Seat Inventory Control – Assign and manage the seat classes of services (Economy, Business, Premium).
• Ancillary Services – Integrate additional services such as baggage and meals into the booking process.
• Dynamic Pricing – Utilize dynamic pricing with revenue management strategy.
• Interline & Codeshare Support – Used to connect with other airlines so that there is broader coverage.
• Reporting & Analytics – Provides visibility into how sales are performing, how demand is moving and where revenues are being generated.

Applications of CRS in the Airline Industry

• Direct Bookings: Behind official website and mobile app reservations of an airline.
• Agency business: Provide travel notes via GDS, OTAs to agency.
• Business Travel: Simplifying reservation process to help business travelers booking via travel portals.
• Flight booking engines: Serving as the inventory platform behind the cutting-edge AI-driven booking engines and NDC-ready solutions.

CRS vs. GDS vs. Booking Engine

• CRS: Controls the airline’s own inventory and reservations.
• GDS: A distribution system that intermediates between agencies / OTAs and airlines / suppliers.
• Booking Engine: Front-end interface (website/app) where customers search and book flights that's linked to CRS for real-time data.

Example of Leading CRS Providers

• Amadeus Altea Suite
• SabreSonic
• Navitaire
• Travelport Airline Solutions

These are used by the airlines around the world to run booking and distribution.

Future of CRS

Through the evolution of AI, NDC (New Distribution Capability), and automation, the CRS platforms are becoming more intelligent and dynamic. Airlines are embracing holistic solutions where their CRS, booking engine, and customer experience platform are integrated to drive greater efficiencies and revenue opportunities.