Overview

Ad-hoc transports are special travel arrangements you can include in an itinerary when the usual transport options are missing from either live or offline supply. As "ad-hoc" suggests, these transports are typically unique and not designed for repeated use across multiple itineraries. If a transport option is intended for reuse, it might be more appropriate to define it as inventory transport.

Although flights are the most common transportation use case, trains and buses can also be used as point-to-point transport.

Transport Configuration

An ad-hoc transport can be categorized as a flight, train, or bus. The availability of these options, whether all three, two or just one, is configurable through the Cockpit Settings for each distribution channel.

If only the flight category is selected, all instances of the term "transport" will be replaced by "flight" in the corresponding context. Since the typical scenario involves multiple transport options for users to choose from, this article will generally refer to "ad-hoc transport" instead of "ad-hoc flight."

Adding an Ad-hoc Transport

1. Open the itinerary in the Planner.

2. Access TO-Tools or TA-Tools.

3. Select Ad-Hoc Components.

4. A new page will appear, offering options to create various ad-hoc components, such as generic components, accommodation, rental cars, activities, transport, and indirect components from imported PNRs.

5. Select + Add Transport Ad-Hoc Components.

6. A popup titled "Ad-Hoc Transports" will appear. The option Incoming Transport is selected by default, but you can create a return trip by selecting Outgoing Transport. Details to define ad-hoc transports, include:

• Incoming/Outgoing Transport Details:
  • Transportation Type (*): Choose from Flight, Train or Bus.
  • Class (*): Choose from Economy, Premium Economy, Business or First.
  • Carrier
  • Carrier Number
  • Departure:
    • Date
    • Hour
    • City or Airport
  • Arrival:
    • Date
    • Hour
    • City or Airport

• Booking Details:
  • Supplier
  • Booking Status: Choose from Open, On Request (RQ), Booked (OK), Cancelled or None.
  • Net Price (*): Total cost for all passenger(s).
  • Sales Price (*): Total selling price for all passenger(s).
  • Taxes: These are already included in the Net Price.

7. Click Save after entering the transport details.

8. The updated page with all ad-hoc components will be displayed. The transport will now be visible in Planner, Customer Care, and Travel Documentation.

Ad-Hoc Transports for International and Local Flights

Ad-hoc transports can be created for international and local flights or just one of these options, depending on your needs. Here’s an explanation of the terminology:

• International Flights: These refer to the flights that connect the itinerary's starting and ending locations, whether inbound or outbound. While international flights are typically between different countries, they occasionally involve destinations within the same country.
• Local Flights: These are flights between locations within the itinerary, established when the transfer or connection type is set as a flight. Although local flights usually involve domestic travel, they can sometimes cross into another country.

The previous example demonstrated two international flights connecting the itinerary's initial and final destinations. In contrast, the example presented below illustrates a scenario where a flight was configured as a transfer or connection between London and Manchester in the Route Builder.

When defining the ad-hoc transport, you’ll find an additional option for creating the flight between London and Manchester.

Updating an Ad-hoc Transport in Planner

1. Open an itinerary in the Planner.

2. Click on either TO-Tools or TA-Tools.

3. Select Ad-Hoc Components from the menu.

4. A list of all ad-hoc components associated with the itinerary will appear.

5. Locate the transport leg you wish to update and click the pencil icon.

6. Update the transport details as necessary.

7. Click Save after making the changes.