NDCTerm vs Travelport
Travelport+ unifies Apollo, Galileo, and Smartpoint Cloud into a modern GDS workspace. NDCTerm is a cryptic terminal built around NDC content with direct GDS access for EDIFACT content. Here's how they compare for agents who already know Apollo or Galileo cryptic.
At a glance
| Capability | Travelport+ / Smartpoint | NDCTerm |
|---|---|---|
| Cryptic command syntax | Native (Apollo/Galileo) | Native |
| NDC content | Layered on GDS | Core focus — 30+ carriers |
| GDS content | Core focus | Via EDIFACT |
| Hotel / car / rail | Yes | Air-only today |
| Interface | Cloud GUI + cryptic | Terminal-first — web |
| GDS contract required | Yes | No for NDC bookings |
| Setup | Enterprise sales | Invitation / partnership |
| Audience | OTAs, TMCs, consolidators, leisure | Cryptic-fluent agents wanting NDC speed |
Syntax side-by-side
Apollo and Galileo cryptic differ from each other in places; NDCTerm is closer to one unified syntax. Examples below show Apollo first.
Search flights
A15NOVJFKLAX
15NOVJFKLAX
Drop the leading A. NDCTerm assumes search by default.
Add passenger
N:1DOE/JOHN MR
-DOE/JOHN MR
Sabre-style dash prefix. Same surname/given-name format.
Sell from results
01Y1
1
Just the line number. Cabin and class are handled at the offer step.
Price the offer
$D
WP
Returns NDC fare brands directly from the airline.
End record / book
E
2ER
Prefix with the offer line number to book in one shot.
Retrieve PNR
*ABC123
*ABC123
Identical. Asterisk + record locator.
Seat map
S*1
$MAP
Seat select is $P1/12A (passenger 1, seat 12A).
Cancel
X1
CANCEL
Spelled out. Less risk of accidental keystroke disasters.
When to use which
Travelport is the right tool when…
- You need a unified GUI + cryptic experience across Apollo and Galileo content.
- You book deep hotel, car, rail, and multi-source content alongside air.
- You're already on a Travelport contract with mature mid- and back-office integration.
- You serve OTAs, TMCs, or consolidators with content that hasn't been fully NDC'd.
NDCTerm is the right tool when…
- Your bookings are mostly NDC-eligible carriers and you want the shortest path to an offer.
- You think in cryptic and don't want to click through a GUI for every fare comparison.
- You want fare-brand transparency — baggage, changes, lounge — from the airline directly.
- You don't want a long GDS contract or segment commitment for NDC volume.
FAQ
>Can I use NDCTerm alongside Travelport?
Yes. NDCTerm is built so an agent can keep an Apollo or Galileo session open for legacy workflows while using NDCTerm for NDC content. Cryptic patterns overlap in shape if not in exact syntax.
>Does my Apollo or Galileo cryptic work in NDCTerm?
Some patterns are close, others differ. NDCTerm drops the leading A on search, uses dash-prefixed name entries, WP for pricing, and CANCEL instead of X. Galileo and Apollo agents will both find a learning curve, but a small one.
>Why not just use Travelport's NDC support?
Travelport+ supports NDC, but the agent experience is layered on a GDS workflow. NDCTerm is NDC-first by design — every command goes to the airline's offer/order system directly. For NDC-heavy volume that means fewer steps and cleaner responses.
>Does NDCTerm cover everything Travelport does?
No. Travelport's coverage of hotel, car, rail, and traditional GDS content is broad. NDCTerm focuses on air — NDC content from 30+ carriers plus direct GDS access for EDIFACT content.
See if NDCTerm fits the way you book
NDCTerm is in limited release. Tell us how you'd use it and we'll be in touch.
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