Why airlines adopted NDC
Traditional GDS distribution was built around fare filing and could not easily show what modern airlines sell: branded fares, ancillaries and offers priced for the moment. NDC lets the airline build each offer itself and return it through an API, to an agency directly or via an aggregator or GDS that supports NDC.
What it means for travel sellers
- Access to fares and bundles that may not appear in the GDS.
- More integration work: each airline’s NDC implementation differs, so many sellers connect through an aggregator.
- Servicing (changes, refunds) happens through the same API, which has to be built into the booking flow.
Example
An OTA shows a "fare with seat and 23 kg bag" bundle that the airline offers only through NDC, alongside standard GDS fares, and lets the traveller compare both.
How TraveleXe handles NDC
TraveleXe connects flight, hotel and GDS suppliers to booking platforms through its travel API integration services.
Explore Travel API integrationFrequently asked questions
Does NDC replace the GDS?
Not entirely. Most sellers use both: GDS for broad coverage and servicing, NDC for airlines whose best content is only available there. Several GDSs now carry NDC content themselves.
Last reviewed 25 October 2026 by the TraveleXe product team.