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 | 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 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 (just like the majority of carriers) Remove SDA or Southwest GDS configurations from Agency Settings to book this airline like other carriers |
| Multi-fares based on GDS All GDS’s: Sabre & Amadeus: Apollo & Worldspan: | Same fare as searched. (to book Anytime, the user must search for unrestricted fares) | Active segment | Only regions available in GDS (Mexico is 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: ATE for Sabre Better search experience over GDS No Amadeus limitations Split tickets, book with other airlines Not offered: |
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 | Active segment | Only regions available in GDS (Mexico are not be 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: |
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 is 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) Unsupported routes | Active segment | Only regions available in GDS (Mexico routes may not be 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: |
Option 6 GDS - Search & Book Supported GDSs: Sabre, Apollo, and Worldspan Not supported: Amadeus | Zero
| Single Fare | Same fare as searched. (to book Anytime, the user must search for unrestricted fares) | Active segment | Only regions available in the GDS (Mexico routes may not be available in the GDS) | Traveler can change/cancel on Etta Auto ticket tracking ATE available via Sabre ATE (change return pre or post trip start) Single unused ticket | Agent impersonate traveler in Etta, service booking direct in GDS, or call Southwest | Not offered: |
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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