Background
Before Southwest became a full GDS participant, Deem implemented Southwest GDS that matched Southwest’s limited capabilities at the time. To add a full feature set that covered any gaps in functionality, Southwest Direct Access (SDA) was built.
Although Southwest is now a full GDS participant, SDA is still our top recommended solution – here’s why…
Booking Southwest flights through Deem
There are six options to book Southwest flights through Deem:
Configuration Option | Deem Rating | Search Display | Book | GDS Segment Type | Region/Routes | Traveler Support | Agency Support | Other Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Option 1 Southwest Direct Access (SDA) Supported GDSs: All (Sabre, Amadeus, Apollo, Worldspan) Click here for SDA FAQs |
| Multi, all fares | Same as fare searched | Passive segment | All regions/routes serviced by Southwest | Traveler can change/cancel in Etta Auto ticket tracking Apply 2 unused tickets | Agent impersonate traveler in Etta or call Southwest | Benefits: Not offered: |
Option 2 ITA - search Southwest via ITA and book via the GDS Remove SDA or Southwest GDS configurations from Agency Settings to book this airline like other carriers |
| Multi-fares based on GDS Sabre & Amadeus: Apollo: Worldspan: | Same fare as searched
âš Worldspan is limited to a single fare search and book | Active segment | Only regions/routes available in GDS *Mexico routes are not available in the GDS | Traveler can change/cancel in Etta Auto ticket tracking Sabre ATE Single unused ticket | Agent impersonate traveler in Etta, service booking direct in GDS, or call Southwest | Benefits: Sabre ATE Better search experience over GDS No Amadeus limitations Split tickets, book with other airlines Not offered: Early Bird |
Option 3 Sabre Bargain Finder Max (BFM) *only available to Deem Sabre customers currently using BFM instead of ITA |
| Multi, some fares | Same as fare searched *Search unrestricted fares to book Anytime | Active segment | Only regions/routes available in GDS *Mexico routes are not available in the GDS | Traveler can change/cancel in Etta Auto ticket tracking ATE available via Sabre ATE | Agent impersonate traveler in Etta, service booking direct in GDS, or call Southwest | Benefits: Not offered: Early Bird |
Option 4 Hybrid option A Search via Southwest Direct Access (SDA), book via SDA or GDS
Supported GDSs: All (Sabre, Amadeus, Apollo, Worldspan) Click here for Hybrid Configuration steps
|
| Multi, all fares | Same as fare searched GDS fare will be used when found, otherwise SDA fare will be used
| Active or passive depending on booking source Active = GDS Passive = SDA | Dependent on SDA vs. GDS booking source (outside of NA, booking will go to SDA) Routes in SDA vs GDS may differ based on connections. | Traveler can change/cancel in Etta Auto ticket tracking ATE available via SDA or Sabre ATE SDA = 2 unused | GDS: Agent impersonate traveler in Etta, service booking direct in GDS, or call Southwest SDA: Agent impersonate or call Southwest | Benefits: Check-in reminder and Early Bird are not applicable flights booked via the GDS |
Option 5 Hybrid option B Search via Southwest Direct Access (SDA), book GDS only
Supported GDSs: All (Sabre, Amadeus, Apollo, Worldspan) |
Some fares may be re-priced to the next available fare once selected - this is because the fare is shopped via SDA, but booked in the GDS | Multi, most fares | Repriced if: Web only fare Business Select fare (Apollo/Worldspan/Amadeus) | Active segment | Only regions/routes available in GDS *Mexico routes are not available in the GDS | Traveler can change/cancel in Etta Auto ticket tracking ATE available via Sabre ATE Single unused ticket | Agent impersonate traveler in Etta, service booking direct in GDS, or call Southwest | Not offered: Early Bird |
why this rating: This is the easiest, fastest way to book Southwest in Deem! This offers full fare and market access along with the check-in reminder feature.
Wanna Get Away
Business Select (Apollo/Worldspan/Amadeus) - displayed during search; repriced to next available fare when selected
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