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
The following table outlines three options to book Southwest flights through Deem.
To remove a Southwest SDA, GDS , or Hybrid option: log into a site and follow this path: Services > Travel Agency > Agency Settings > Setting Name > Ancillary Sources > Remove. Save and Commit Changes.
Configuration Option | Deem Rating | Search Display | Book | GDS Segment Type | 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 | 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
⚠ Worldspan is limited to a single fare search and book | Active segment | 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: EarlyBird |
Option 3 Sabre Bargain Finder Max (BFM) *only available to Deem Sabre customers currently using BFM instead of ITA |
| Multi, some fares 🚫 Web only | Same as fare searched | Active segment | 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: EarlyBird |
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 AwayTips
Start with a Test or Demo site if you’d like to preview changes prior to deploying to customer sites
Take screen shots of configurations, just in case you decide to revert back
Update your Template site(s) with new configurations
For Sabre BFM: enable Branded Fare Pricing in the Agency Settings
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