Patent ID: 7761314
Filing Date: 2010-07-20
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. A method of planning a trip for a traveler, comprising the steps of: connecting, using a connection, to a plurality of global distribution systems (GDS), travel vendor databases, multi-use terminals of a plurality of travel counselors, and travel websites such that the plurality of travel counselors have access to the travel vendor databases and the plurality of GDSs, wherein the connection is accomplished via a frame relay network having hubsites and using an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) backbone and multiple redundant data centers; wherein the connection further includes a translation server configured to communicate natively with the plurality of GDSs, travel vendor databases, multi-use terminals of a plurality of travel counselors, and travel websites; wherein the translation server is configured to communicate with the plurality of GDSs, travel vendor databases, multi-use terminals of a plurality of travel counselors, and travel websites via at least one of: (i) XML, (ii) a native application programming interface (API), and (iii) an open standard alliance; wherein the translation server is configured to communicate with each of the hubsites; receiving the trip request, using the connection, via email; parsing, by a trip module, the trip request to obtain trip request data; selecting, using the trip module comprising a processor and a data store, among GDSs for the trip request, using the connection, based upon a comparison of a prior trip request and a contractual requirement, wherein said contractual requirement is embodied in a configuration item; booking, using the connection, the selected air travel option and the selected car option verifying that the trip request is fulfilled without modification; confirming that compliance is achieved with a negotiated contract; and processing a second trip request, using the trip module, based upon said selected GDS and said contractual requirement.