Channel features

In this post, we will have a close look at types of data that can be updated across online distribution channels through TravelLine Channel Manager and the “Channel features” section.

To get to know the features of the channel you need, take the following steps:

1. Go to “Channel Manager” > “Manage channels”.

2. Select the channel you need from the list.

3. Open the “Channel features” tab.

4. On this page, you will find what kind of data can be synced with this channel and which cannot. On the left, there is the name of the parameter. On the right, there is either a tick or a cross icon that signifies whether or not the channel accepts and displays this parameter.

At the top of the list, there are restrictions that can be set in the TravelLine account.

In the screenshot, we can see that Expedia/Hotels.com does not support minimum and maximum lengths of stay upon the arrival date, minimum and maximum advance bookings upon/before the arrival date, and booking import.

In case, in your TravelLine account, there is a rate plan with a minimum length of stay of 3 days, and this rate plan is offered on Expedia, then, apart from prices and availability, the minimum length of stay will also be sent to the channel. The same for other restrictions.

NB: Not all the channels support rate plan restrictions. This depends on the Channel integration type. You can check what data is sent to each channel specifically in the “Channel features” tab.

Apart from restrictions, in the list, there are the following parameters:

• Booking import — bookings for the future period that were made before connecting the channel to the Channel Manager will be pulled to the TravelLine account upon connection.

• Meal plan — if meals are included in a rate plan, then, Channel Manager will send the fact that meals are included but not the meal service fee to the channel.

• Adult bed — the channel supports prices for adult beds.

• Adult on extra bed — the channel supports prices for the accommodation of adults on extra beds.

• Child on adult bed — the channel supports prices for the accommodation of children on beds for adults.

• Child on extra bed — the channel supports prices for the accommodation of children on extra beds.

• Child without bed — the channel supports prices for the accommodation of children without beds.

• Early check-in/ late check-out — the channel supports leaving availability for bookings with early check-in or late check-out.

Let’s study the last one in detail.

For example, you got a booking from a distribution channel. It checks in early at 9 am on April 2. The set check-in hour is 12:00. The time before the set check-in hour is considered to be a continuation of the previous day, that is April 1.

Therefore, the booking with the early check-in takes away 1 day from the availability.

The early check-in fee is indicated in a separate line of the booking confirmation and is calculated by the distribution channel itself.

Make sure that the channel supports an early check-in or late check-out. Otherwise, you will have to take away the availability by hand.