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From: doug@terak.UUCP (Doug Pardee)
Newsgroups: net.travel
Subject: Re: How to access airline reservation systems?
Message-ID: <360@terak.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 11-Feb-85 16:52:47 EST
Article-I.D.: terak.360
Posted: Mon Feb 11 16:52:47 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 13-Feb-85 19:02:00 EST
References: <275@idi.UUCP>
Distribution: net
Organization: Terak Corporation, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
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> Does anyone out there have any idea about how to
> (legitimately) access airline reservation systems?
> I'm thinking of ones like United's Apollo system -
> not toys like the Official Airline Guide.  Do you
> have to be a "real" travel agent?  If so, what does
> it take to become "real"?  Seems to me we have one
> or more ex-travel agents out there, who I'm hoping
> can shed some light on this for me.  Thanks,

While Bob Shapiro did a fine job of explaining why the airlines
won't "let you in", I'd like to add another little point.

You wouldn't gain anything if you were let in.  Already through
CompuServe you have the ability to check schedules, fares,
and availability and to make reservations and seat assignments.
The only thing left is to print tickets and boarding passes.

You understand, I hope, that tickets and boarding passes are as
good as money?  The airlines aren't likely to let you "print
your own money".  Travel agencies have to post a bond to assure
that the airlines will indeed get paid for tickets written by
the agency.
-- 
Doug Pardee -- Terak Corp. -- !{hao,ihnp4,decvax}!noao!terak!doug