Apollo

Please find below some Frequently Asked Questions about GDS Training.

If your questions isn't covered here please use the Contact Us form to get in touch. 

• What is GDS?

  The Global Distribution System (GDS) is a primary reservation tool for travel agents. 

  GDS is a network that enables travel agencies and their clients to access travel data, shop for and compare reservations options, and book travel. GDS networks like the system operated by Travelport generate billions of dollars in global travel sales. 

  The three most important GDS systems are Amadeus, Sabre and Galileo.

• Why should I learn a GDS course?

  Major travel organisations and professionals use a Global Distribution System (GDS) to coordinate travel arrangements holistically from flights to hotels to car rental. Travels companies will require job seekers to have proficiency in GDS. Learning GDS could secure your dream travel job!

• What is IATA Accreditation?

  IATA Accreditation is a global standard that allows travel agents and agencies to issue airline tickets directly through the BSP (Billing and Settlement Plan).

  It enhances your credibility and gives you access to global fares, commissions, and industry partnerships.
  
  See list of  IATA Accredited GDS courses on OTT

• How do I get IATA Accredited?

  To apply for IATA Accreditation, you’ll need to meet IATA’s business and financial criteria, submit supporting documents, and provide proof of GDS industry training such as one of the IATA accredited GDS courses on OTT

• Do I need GDS training for IATA Accreditation?

  Yes, IATA requires proof of GDS training that includes a ticketing module. Our Amadeus, Sabre, and Galileo courses are recognised by IATA and include everything you need to meet their training requirements.

• Which GDS course should I choose?

  OTT recommends Amadeus if you are based in Europe and most of the world because it’s the most popular and frequently used GDS. Sabre is most popular in the US market, whilst Galileo should be taken by anyone working in the African and Middle East market

• After registering, when will I get my login details?

  Access to the course is not immediate and depends on the course you purchased. Please see below some guidelines by course suppliers:

  For GDS courses, you should expect your login details and instructions to be emailed to you within 24-48 hours.

  For IATA courses, please allow up to 7 working days for your login details and instructions to be emailed to you.

  All Orders made on Saturdays and Sundays will be processed on Mondays. Please email [email protected] for all other enquiries.

• Can I cancel my order?

  You have the right to withdraw from this contract/purchase within 14 days without giving any reason. The withdrawal period will expire after 14 days from the day on which you confirm your order. 

  If you have already commenced the course within 14 days of placing the order, you are subject to supplier’s terms and conditions regarding refund. 

• Am I entitled to a refund?

  You can cancel the course and receive your money back within the 14-day period from initial purchase. If you have already commenced the course within 14 days of placing the order, you are subject to supplier’s terms and conditions regarding refund. 

  Failure to complete the training (or any part of it) will not entitle you to receive a discount or refund of any kind. 

• What are the minimum system requirements?

  You should have an up-to-date browser and a good internet connection. No specific system is required to install them, however Google Chrome is recommended.

  Unfortunately OTT is not able to provide basic computer literacy and skills training.

• Is the exam online only?

  Yes, for majority of our courses the exams are online only. 

  For IATA courses, some of the exams are physical, rather than online only. The list of physical exams includes the following courses: Travel and Tourism Consultant, Managing the Travel Business, Global Distribution Systems Fares and Ticketing and the Foundation in Travel and Tourism.  

  The exam takes place in an accredited IATA training centre. For information on examination for IATA courses, visit http://www.iata.org/training/Pages/exam-information.aspx.  

• I have passed, how do I get my certificate?

  For GDS courses, if you have successfully passed the course please contact us at [email protected]. We will check your score and send you out a certificate in the post free of charge using the address provided on your original order form. If you would like the certificate to be sent to a different address, inform us by email.

  For the paper-based exams, IATA will send you an official IATA certificate once you have passed the exam. If the exam is online, you will receive a digital version of your certificate. 

  For all other courses, please email [email protected]. 

• Can I use the course and gain a certificate in any country?

  Yes, because all our courses are done online, all you need is an internet connection and an up to date browser to log in and proceed. We send certificates to any country in the world.

• I cannot order through the website/I do not have a credit card, how can I order a course?

  The easiest alternate method to order a course is through PayPal. It is fast and secure. Email [email protected] with your name, postal address, and the course you would like to order. We will then send you a PayPal request via email. Once payment is received for the course, we will set up your account.

• Can someone else buy a course for me?

  Yes, it is fine for someone else to pay for the course, we just need to receive an e-mail with the name and email address of the person that is going to take the course.

• Can I pay by American Express card?

  No, unfortunately we do not accept American Express cards.

• How long do I have to complete my GDS course?

  Courses with an allocated time (e.g. 20 hours, 45 hours, and 90 hours) expire when the full time is used. The course must be completed within 180 days (6-month's) of initial login. Extensions can be purchased on our website. 

• Does the 6-month deadline start from the day I purchase the course or from the day I first login?

  The 6-month deadline begins from the day you first login. 

• Can I only take the exam once?

  As long as you have time left on your course, you can re-take the exams as many times as you need to pass the course. 

• Can I take the course in another language?

  The courses can only be completed in English, so a basic level of understanding of English is needed

• Can I make real bookings with the GDS you provide?

  No, we only provide training courses which Emulate the real GDS System. So, the system you will be using on our courses is the same system as the real GDS, but can only be used for training purposes. You will be given exercises to do on this GDS Emulator which will prepare you and teach you how to make real life bookings and changes on a GDS.