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From: shaprkg@sdcrdcf.UUCP (Bob Shapiro)
Newsgroups: net.travel
Subject: Re: OAG
Message-ID: <2664@sdcrdcf.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 6-Mar-86 19:30:47 EST
Article-I.D.: sdcrdcf.2664
Posted: Thu Mar  6 19:30:47 1986
Date-Received: Sun, 9-Mar-86 00:10:24 EST
References: <554@mhuxr.UUCP> <14@bgsuvax.UUCP> <558@mhuxr.UUCP>
Reply-To: shaprkg@sdcrdcf.UUCP (Bob Shapiro)
Organization: System Development Corporation R&D, Santa Monica
Lines: 36

In article <558@mhuxr.UUCP> ibdemc@mhuxr.UUCP (CUNDARI) writes:
>> UUCP:	cbosgd!osu-eddie!bgsuvax!devore
>> CSNET:	devore@bgsu
>> ARPA:	devore%bgsu.csnet@csnet-relay
>
>Sorry to disagree, but People's Express has 
>2 systems; the touch-tone one you describe, AND a modem-based one, which
>works similarly to OAG or any other system, only it's just for People's
>Express. It allows you to make reservations directly, gives fares and
>available flights.
>	Compuserve also allows you to book flights directly. I was
>under the impression that certain airlines, such as United, Peoples
>and Singapore, refuse to participate in any consumer package other
>than their own. If this has changed, please let me know.

   I have a TWA airline system in the travel agency that I own. I believe
that Compuserve uses TWA as a base so the rules should be similar.

   There are some airlines which you cannot book with TWA. Notably People
Express and Southwest.  This is because they have archaic computer systems
which do not tie into ARINC (the distribution system for the net which most
airlines, car rental firms, and hotels tie into).  The computer shows
schedules and prices for the 2 airlines mentioned above but cannot make any
reservations. This has to be done on the phone and the information put back
manually into the computer in order to do the ticketing.

   I have seen trade magazine releases about a system that People Express has
which works through a 300/1200 modem.  Last time I saw it they had a sign-up
charge plus a monthly fee. I don't remember whether the number was an 800
number or local dial but I do remember that I could not justify the expense.

   In summary, I would be very surprised if the OAG system was able to make
reservations on People Express and Southwest but who knows - maybe they have
a special independent connection.

			Bob Shapiro