airline reservation?

Question

What are the algorithms/logic used in airline reservation systems? Just want to understand the basic logic on which they work

Answer 1

Sorry the first answer was way off. As a travel coordinator, the airlines use a system based on what days are most popularly traveled, length of stay, season/holidays/special events, and advanced notice. Supply and demand do regulate a lot of what flights cost, they are in the business to make money. There are normally several classes of service and several fare rules for each fare and the mainframes look like DOS. Some of the web systems have made this a simpler process, but the reality is that the airline industry and all of it's rules and regulations are extremely confusing.

A couple of rules of thumb
1.Tuesday Wednesday and Saturday are normally less expensive days to travel.
2. If you have 21 to 14 days advance notice normally you can get a better fare than if you wait.
3. Tuesday mornings used to be the best day to purchase the best fare but that has changed to include Friday and Saturday with more of the web searches.
4. If you are traveling during a popular time book out at least 3 months but don't expect rock bottom prices.
5. If you are flexible with your dates for travel, you will probably have an easier time getting closer to the fare you want.

Hope this helps with some of the question.

Answer 2

This is a question for a computer specialist. Most of the data systems in use today are web based. Like the ones on the airlines own webpage. As I have understand it travelagent use much the same system as we do when we book a ticket through the airline. Hope it help! Johan

Answer 3

If the airline had to put you onto a flight with a different airline (for whatever reason), then there would be no problem, but if you simply want to change on your own, then you are out of luck.