The Amadeus Global Distribution System (GDS) is one of the most widely used reservation systems in the travel industry. It allows travel agents to book flights, hotels, cars, and manage passenger reservations.
This beginner guide explains how to start using Amadeus for flight reservations and ticketing.
Module 1: Introduction to Amadeus
What is Amadeus?
Amadeus is a Global Distribution System (GDS) used by airlines, travel agencies, and tour operators to manage travel bookings.
It helps agents to:
-
Search flight availability
-
Create passenger reservations
-
Issue airline tickets
-
Book hotels and cars
-
Manage travel itineraries
Major airlines such as Emirates, Lufthansa, and Singapore Airlines use Amadeus distribution systems.
Module 2: Basic System Commands
These commands help agents navigate the system.
| Purpose | Command |
|---|---|
| Help command | HE |
| Help on availability | HE AN |
| Help on PNR | HE PNR |
| Clear screen | CL |
| Ignore transaction | IG |
| End transaction | ET |
These commands are used daily by travel agents.
Module 3: Understanding Airport Codes
Amadeus uses IATA airport codes.
Examples:
| City | Code |
|---|---|
| Bengaluru | BLR |
| Dubai | DXB |
| London | LHR |
| New York City | JFK |
Example command:
DACBLR
This decodes the airport code BLR.
Module 4: Flight Availability Search
The first step in booking is checking flights.
Command:
AN20JUNBLRDXB
Explanation:
-
AN – Availability Neutral
-
20JUN – Travel date
-
BLR – Departure city
-
DXB – Destination city
The system will show:
-
Airline name
-
Flight number
-
Departure time
-
Arrival time
-
Available seats
Module 5: Selling Flight Seats
After selecting a flight, the agent sells the seat.
Example command:
SS1Y3
Meaning:
-
SS – Sell seat
-
1 – Number of passengers
-
Y – Booking class
-
3 – Flight line number
This adds the flight to the PNR.
Module 6: Creating Passenger Name Record (PNR)
A PNR (Passenger Name Record) contains all passenger details.
Add passenger name:
NM1SHARMA/RAHUL MR
Example:
-
Passenger name
-
Flight details
-
Contact information
-
Special requests
All booking data is stored in the PNR file.
Module 7: Adding Contact Details
Agents must add passenger contact information.
Phone number:
AP9876543210
Email address:
APE-rahul@email.com
Contact details are important for flight schedule changes and notifications.
Module 8: Ticketing Time Limit
This indicates the last date to issue the ticket.
Command:
TKTL15JUN
Meaning:
-
Ticket must be issued before 15 June.
Module 9: Special Service Requests (SSR)
Passengers can request special services.
Examples:
| Service | Command |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian meal | SRVGML |
| Wheelchair | SRWCHR |
| Infant passenger | NM1SHARMA/RIA(INF) |
| Frequent flyer | FFN |
These requests are sent directly to the airline.
Module 10: Saving the Booking
After entering all details, save the booking.
Command:
ET
The system generates a PNR code like:
ABC123
This is used to retrieve the booking later.
Module 11: Retrieve Booking
To open the PNR again:
RTABC123
This displays:
-
Passenger details
-
Flight itinerary
-
Ticketing status
Module 12: Pricing the Ticket
To calculate the fare:
FXP
The system will show:
-
Base fare
-
Taxes
-
Total ticket price
Agents can also use:
FXL
This finds the lowest available fare.
Module 13: Issuing the Ticket
Once payment is confirmed, issue the ticket.
Command:
TTP
This generates the electronic ticket number (E-ticket).
Module 14: Canceling a Flight
If the passenger cancels:
Cancel segment:
XE1
Cancel multiple segments:
XE1-2
Module 15: Amadeus Booking Example
Example booking from Kempegowda International Airport to Dubai International Airport.
Commands:
AN20JUNBLRDXB
SS1Y3
NM1SHARMA/RAHUL MR
AP9876543210
APE-rahul@email.com
TKTL15JUN
SRVGML
ET
FXP
TTP
Tips for Beginners
✔ Practice commands daily in a training environment
✔ Memorize common commands like AN, SS, NM, AP, FXP, TTP
✔ Always verify passenger names before ticketing
Mistakes in names may require ticket reissue fees.
Career Opportunities After Learning Amadeus
Learning Amadeus Global Distribution System can help you work as:
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Travel Consultant
-
Airline Reservation Agent
-
Ticketing Executive
-
Tour Operator
-
Corporate Travel Manager
Travel companies worldwide use Amadeus for reservations.
Step-by-Step Amadeus Ticketing Tutorial
Ticketing in Amadeus Global Distribution System is the final process after creating a PNR (Passenger Name Record). It converts the reservation into an electronic airline ticket (E-ticket).
Step 1: Retrieve the Passenger Booking (PNR)
Before ticketing, open the passenger reservation.
Command
RTABC123
Explanation:
-
RT = Retrieve booking
-
ABC123 = PNR record locator
The system will display:
-
Passenger name
-
Flight details
-
Booking status
-
Ticketing time limit
Step 2: Verify Booking Status
Check if all segments are confirmed.
Example display:
EK 567 Y 20JUN BLR DXB HK1
Meaning:
-
HK1 = Confirmed seat
-
If status is HL or WL, ticketing cannot proceed.
Example route:
From Kempegowda International Airport to Dubai International Airport.
Step 3: Check Fare Quote
Before issuing a ticket, price the itinerary.
Command
FXP
Explanation:
-
FXP = Automatic fare pricing
The system will calculate:
-
Base fare
-
Airline taxes
-
Total ticket price
Example output:
FARE USD 250
TAX USD 70
TOTAL USD 320
Step 4: Display Fare Details
To see the detailed fare breakdown:
Command
TQT
This shows:
-
Fare basis
-
Fare construction
-
Tax breakdown
-
Ticketing information
Step 5: Check Fare Rules (Optional)
To view fare restrictions:
FQN1
This displays:
-
Refund rules
-
Change penalties
-
Minimum stay
-
Maximum stay
Step 6: Add Form of Payment (FOP)
Before issuing a ticket, add the payment method.
Cash payment
FP CASH
Credit card payment
FP CCVI4111111111111111/1226
Explanation:
-
FP = Form of payment
-
CCVI = Visa card
-
1226 = Expiry date (MMYY)
Step 7: Issue the Ticket
After confirming payment, issue the ticket.
Command
TTP
Explanation:
-
TTP = Ticketing entry
The system will generate a 13-digit electronic ticket number.
Example:
ETKT 176-1234567890
Step 8: Display the Issued Ticket
To view ticket details:
TWD
This shows:
-
Ticket number
-
Passenger name
-
Flight details
-
Ticket status
Step 9: Print or Email the Itinerary
Travel agents can send the ticket to passengers.
Email itinerary
IEE
Print itinerary
IEP
Step 10: End Transaction
Save the ticketing record.
ET
This finalizes the ticketing process.
Complete Amadeus Ticketing Workflow
Example ticketing process:
RTABC123
FXP
TQT
FP CASH
TTP
TWD
IEE
ET
Example Real Booking Scenario
Passenger booking from Bengaluru to Dubai on Emirates.
Steps:
1️⃣ Retrieve booking
2️⃣ Price the ticket
3️⃣ Add payment method
4️⃣ Issue ticket
5️⃣ Send itinerary to passenger
Common Ticketing Errors
Travel agents often face these issues:
1. NO FARE FOR BOOKING CODE
Solution: Reprice using FXP.
2. SEGMENT STATUS NOT CONFIRMED
Solution: Waitlist must be confirmed first.
3. TICKETING TIME LIMIT EXPIRED
Solution: Revalidate booking with airline.
Tips for New Travel Agents
✔ Always check passenger name spelling before ticketing
✔ Verify passport details for international travel
✔ Use FXL to find the lowest available fare
Mistakes during ticketing can require ticket reissue or cancellation fees.
Amadeus Flight Booking + Ticketing (Full Practical Example)
In this example, we will book a flight from Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bengaluru to Dubai International Airport (DXB) in Dubai.
Passenger Name: Rahul Sharma
Travel Date: 20 June
Airline Example: Emirates
Step 1: Check Flight Availability
Search available flights between the cities.
Command:
AN20JUNBLRDXB
Explanation:
AN = Availability Neutral
20JUN = Travel date
BLR = Bangalore
DXB = Dubai
The system will display multiple flights with seat availability.
Example result:
EK 567 Y BLR DXB 10:30 13:00
Step 2: Sell the Flight Seat
Choose the flight from the availability list.
Command:
SS1Y3
Explanation:
SS = Sell seat
1 = Number of passengers
Y = Booking class
3 = Flight line number
The flight segment is now added to the booking.
Step 3: Enter Passenger Name
Add passenger details to create the booking.
Command:
NM1SHARMA/RAHUL MR
Explanation:
NM = Name entry
1 = Number of passengers
SHARMA/RAHUL = Passenger name
MR = Title
Step 4: Add Contact Phone Number
Command:
AP9876543210
Meaning:
AP = Passenger phone contact
Step 5: Add Email Address
Command:
APE-rahulsharma@email.com
Explanation:
APE = Passenger email
Step 6: Add Ticketing Time Limit
Set the deadline for issuing the ticket.
Command:
TKTL18JUN
Meaning:
Ticket must be issued before 18 June.
Step 7: Add Special Service Request (Optional)
Example: Vegetarian meal.
Command:
SRVGML
Other requests:
SRWCHR– WheelchairSRAVML– Asian vegetarian meal
Step 8: Save the Booking
Command:
ET
The system generates a PNR (Passenger Name Record).
Example:
PNR: ABC123
This code is used to retrieve the booking.
Step 9: Retrieve the Booking
Command:
RTABC123
This will display:
Passenger name
Flight details
Contact information
Ticketing status
Step 10: Price the Ticket
Now calculate the fare.
Command:
FXP
The system will show:
BASE FARE USD 250
TAX USD 70
TOTAL USD 320
Step 11: Display Fare Details
Command:
TQT
This displays:
Fare rules
Fare construction
Tax breakdown
Step 12: Add Form of Payment
Example: Cash payment.
Command:
FP CASH
Example: Credit card payment.
FP CCVI4111111111111111/1226
Step 13: Issue the Ticket
Command:
TTP
The system generates an electronic ticket nu
