What does GDS stand for? What is a Global Distribution System?

What does GDS stand for? What is a Global Distribution System?

• A. Global Distribution System. A reservation system travel agents use to make bookings, as well as to issue tickets for carriers.
• B. Global Data Storage
• C. General Distribution Service
• D. Global Direct Sales

Answer: (A)

A GDS is a Global Distribution System, a computerized reservation network that travel agents use to access airline schedules, availability, and fares, and to issue tickets across multiple carriers and other suppliers from one interface. This is why the best description is that it’s a reservation system travel agents rely on to make bookings and ticket purchases for carriers. Think of it as a live bridge between airlines’ reservation systems and travel agency desks, plus hotels and car rentals. It provides real-time inventory and pricing so agents can search across many suppliers, compare options, and issue tickets in a single workflow. Major GDS providers include Amadeus, Sabre, and Travelport. The other options don’t fit because they describe storage, a generic distribution term, or direct sales, none of which capture the real function and naming of a Global Distribution System in travel distribution.

A GDS is a Global Distribution System, a computerized reservation network that travel agents use to access airline schedules, availability, and fares, and to issue tickets across multiple carriers and other suppliers from one interface. This is why the best description is that it’s a reservation system travel agents rely on to make bookings and ticket purchases for carriers.

Think of it as a live bridge between airlines’ reservation systems and travel agency desks, plus hotels and car rentals. It provides real-time inventory and pricing so agents can search across many suppliers, compare options, and issue tickets in a single workflow. Major GDS providers include Amadeus, Sabre, and Travelport.

The other options don’t fit because they describe storage, a generic distribution term, or direct sales, none of which capture the real function and naming of a Global Distribution System in travel distribution.