Distribution & selling · Trade
Global Distribution System (GDS)
Also called GDS
The short answerA large reservation network that travel agents use to book flights, hotels and rental cars from many companies in one place.
What it means
A Global Distribution System is a shared booking network that connects travel sellers (agencies, corporate travel tools) to travel suppliers (airlines, hotels, rental companies). An agent can search, price and book a rental car inside the same system they use for a flight. The best-known GDS companies are Amadeus, Sabre and Travelport.
Why it matters
For rental companies, a GDS connection is one of the main routes into travel agencies and corporate travel. For a new reseller, it's usually not needed on day one: most online car rental is sold through direct connections (XML or API) instead.
Related terms
Also related Direct connect, XML connection / feed, Pseudo city code (PCC), Passenger name record (PNR), Vendor code