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Glossary for the airline industry

From A-Z, this glossary covers definitions and explanations for common airline industry terminology.

open jaw

1. A trip that is essentially of a round trip or circle trip nature except that the outward point of departure and the inward point of arrival, or vice versa, are not the same.

2. (Subcategory 101, US/CA fares) Turnaround Open Jaw = The outward point of arrival and the inward point of departure are different. At least one fare component must be priced using half of a round-trip fare. Origin Open Jaw = The outward point of departure and the inward point of arrival are different. At least one fare component must be priced using half of a round-trip fare. Single Open Jaw = Either the outward point of arrival and the inward point of departure are different, or the outward point of departure and the inward point of arrival are different. At least one fare component must be priced using half of a round-trip fare. Double Open Jaw = Both the outward point of arrival and the inward point of departure are different, and, the outward point of departure and the inward point of arrival are different. At least one fare component must be priced using half of a round-trip fare. Open Jaw = Any of the above. Open jaws can consist of two or more fare components unless otherwise restricted in Subcategory 101 Record 3. See also combinations.

3. (Subcategory 101, International fares) Using applicable half-round trip fares: Turnaround Open Jaw = The outward point of arrival and the inward point of departure are different. Origin Open Jaw = The outward point of departure and the inward point of arrival are different. Single Open Jaw = Either the outward point of arrival and the inward point of departure are different, or the outward point of departure and the inward point of arrival are different Double Open Jaw = Both the outward point of arrival and the inward point of departure are different, and the outward point of departure and the inward point of arrival are different Open Jaw = Any of the above. Open jaws can consist of two or more fare components unless otherwise restricted in Subcategory 101 Record 3.

operating carrier

The carrier actually providing flight service (it is not necessarily shown on the ticket).

operating certificate

A piece of paper issued by a government to an airline, allowing it to operate passenger service. This document is a prerequisite for obtaining a two-position IATA code.

optimized offers

Dynamic offers created from predefined products and price points with dynamic availability. They are created using traditional ATPCO data (such as fares, rules, and services), airline availability, and Routehappy content.  With optimized offers, humans use some automation and better technology to optimize managing data. 

Optional Services

ATPCO product that supports automated pricing of a wide range of ancillary services from traditional in-flight amenities such as meals and entertainment to a variety of pre- and post-flight options including the sale of merchandise. It also supports options to prepay change and refund penalties at a reduced rate.
 

order

A unique record of the transaction agreement between the service provider and the traveler that includes data on services, payment, personal information, and other items. It includes sale and post-sale information from the PNR, the e-ticket, and EMDs. The order also contains all the details of the offer, such as flight and ancillary services and disclosure data. See also offer.

order management

The process of a retailer creating, storing, and managing orders after a customer accepts an offer. See also offer management.

order store

Where the order is stored and maintained, including a record of all changes made by either the traveler or supplier.

origin

Initial starting place of the journey as shown on the ticket.

OTA

Online travel agency.

outbound travel

1. (non-directional fares) All fare components within the pricing unit prior to the point of turnaround (prior to the furthest geographical fare break point).

2. (directional fares) All fare components that are selected in the direction of the passenger's travel.

overwater

Applies when crossing a water mass within Area 1. When validating overwater travel, processing will determine the endpoints of a sector (coupon). Both end points must be within Area 1. When one end point is within the continental United States/Canada and the other endpoint is outside continental United States/Canada, this is considered overwater travel. This definition applies specifically for sectors between the following points: Between Continental US/CA and Hawaii Between US/CA/Hawaii/Alaska and Puerto Rico/Virgin Islands Between Alaska and Hawaii.

owning carrier

The carrier who owns or publishes the fare. Also called publishing carrier.

owning-carrier tariff

A tariff where the carrier who has data in the tariff also owns the tariff. This means they have full access to all data in the tariff.