DECADECA Travel and Tourism Practice Exam

What system do travel agents use to make airline reservations electronically?

1. Global Distribution System (GDS)

2. Computer Reservation System (CRS)

3. Reservation Management Software

4. Online Booking Engine

The correct answer is: Computer Reservation System (CRS)

The correct answer is the Global Distribution System (GDS). This system serves as a network that enables travel agents to book airline reservations and access various travel-related services electronically. GDS platforms connect multiple service providers, including airlines, hotels, car rental companies, and tour operators, allowing agents to view and compare different options for their clients efficiently. While Computer Reservation Systems (CRS) are indeed used by airlines to manage their own inventory and bookings, they are not typically the systems used by travel agents to make reservations across multiple airlines. Instead, GDS platforms provide this broader functionality, making it easier for agents to serve customers seeking comprehensive travel solutions. Reservation Management Software and Online Booking Engines, while related to the broader travel technology landscape, usually serve different functions. Reservation Management Software is often used by travel agencies to manage bookings and client information, whereas Online Booking Engines are more focused on allowing consumers to book travel themselves through a website. Thus, these options do not encapsulate the specific technology that travel agents utilize to make airline reservations electronically, underscoring the importance of GDS in this context.