Direct connect

Direct connect in the travel industry generally refers to a method by which travel agencies, corporate travel departments, tour operators, or other travel distributors can access an airline’s, hotel’s, or car rental company’s inventory directly, bypassing the traditional Global Distribution Systems (GDS). 

An alternative to GDSs, direct connect allows airlines to avoid related commissions. It also enables real-time data exchange due to direct API integration, provides suppliers an opportunity to customize and personalize their offerings, and also grants service providers more control over customer data.

All that said, direct connect requires significant technical investment from travel resellers to establish and maintain multiple direct integrations with suppliers.