Two ways to start selling flights without IATA
Many people think you need IATA accreditation before you can sell a single flight online. You don’t.
There are two practical ways to start. Both let you put your money where it matters most: getting customers.
Way 1: Start with Duffel’s API
Duffel gives you an API to search, book and sell flights. This is the route I recommend, because it is the fastest way to start selling flights.
Way 2: Integrate consolidator APIs
A consolidator already has ticketing authority. You integrate their API into your booking site.
When a customer books, you hand over the booking. The consolidator issues the ticket on their own office ID.
You sell under your own brand. They take care of issuing the ticket.
Add low cost carriers
Once your main flight source is working, add low cost carriers.
This gives your customers a wider range of fares to choose from.
Spend the money you save on marketing
Starting without IATA saves money. Put that money into marketing.
A booking site with no visitors sells nothing.
When volume grows, apply for IATA
Once your ticket volume grows, apply for IATA.
Direct ticketing authority gives you better fares and more margin on every ticket. Read more in When should a travel agency get IATA?