CTC CTC Technology & GDS Systems 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does GDS stand for in the travel industry?
- Global Distribution System (Correct answer)
- General Destination Service
- Geographic Data System
- Global Destination Schedule
Correct answer: Global Distribution System
A Global Distribution System (GDS) is a computerized network that connects travel agencies with airlines, hotels, car rentals, and other suppliers in real time.
Question 2: Which of the following is NOT one of the major GDS platforms used by travel agencies?
- Sabre
- Amadeus
- Galileo (Travelport)
- Oracle Hospitality (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Oracle Hospitality
Oracle Hospitality is a hotel property management system, not a GDS; Sabre, Amadeus, and Galileo are the three dominant GDS platforms.
Question 3: In a GDS, a 'PNR' refers to:
- Passenger Name Record (Correct answer)
- Preferred Network Rate
- Processed Navigation Route
- Priority Notice Record
Correct answer: Passenger Name Record
A Passenger Name Record (PNR) is the electronic file in a GDS that holds all details of a traveler's booking, including segments, passenger info, and contact details.
Question 4: Which GDS function allows a travel agent to check real-time seat availability and fares on a specific flight?
- Availability display (Correct answer)
- Queue management
- Profile manager
- Ticketing authority
Correct answer: Availability display
The availability display in a GDS shows live seat inventory and fare classes for a requested flight, allowing agents to select and book open seats.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a 'queue' in a GDS system?
- To hold a fare before ticketing
- To organize and manage pending tasks or messages between agents and suppliers (Correct answer)
- To display available upgrade options
- To store client credit card details
Correct answer: To organize and manage pending tasks or messages between agents and suppliers
Queues in a GDS serve as an organized inbox for managing pending bookings, schedule changes, supplier messages, and tasks requiring agent action.
Question 6: A 'CRS' (Central Reservation System) differs from a GDS primarily because a CRS:
- Is used only by travel agencies
- Is operated by a single supplier to manage its own inventory (Correct answer)
- Covers all travel segments globally
- Requires IATA accreditation to access
Correct answer: Is operated by a single supplier to manage its own inventory
A CRS is a proprietary inventory management system owned by one supplier (e.g., an airline or hotel chain) to manage and distribute its own inventory.
CTC CTC Technology & GDS Systems 1
What does GDS stand for in the travel industry?