In fits and starts, travel tech companies and associations around the world are gearing up to handle airline optional services.
Two cases in point from Europe and the U.S. over the last couple of days:
Datalex announced it now supports ATPCO Optional Services (OC) data.
This is an ATPCO standard that enables airlines to file their automated baggage rules and ancillary fees, and would enable global distribution systems to access the data for distribution purposes.
Dublin-based Datalex, which provides travel distribution software and solutions to airlines and intermediaries, says it has handled baggage and seat fees though its own TDP Merchandising Platform [pdf] since 2005, but supports ATPCO's Optional Service industry standards.
Separately, OpenTravel began a public review period, ending Nov. 3, 2010, for new OpenTravel messages, including Electronic Miscellaneous Documents for Air Messages.
ARC is working to implement IATA's EMD standards, which would enable travel agencies to settle these services with airlines.
Valyn Perini, OpenTravel executive director, says the EMD for Air Messages enable trading partners -- airlines, online travel agencies and GDSs, for example -- to use XML to exchange data related to fees (separate from the fare) for items and services, including in-flight meals, entertainment, merchandise and baggage charges.
Perini says OpenTravel took EMD elements, as defined by IATA, "and inserted them in our messages so anyone using our book/modify/display messages can use the EMD data elements."
The Datalex's and OpenTravel's efforts highlight the heavy lifting under way in the travel tech industry to accommodate airline optional services.
There will be plenty of more heavy lifting to come.