Glossary

A pricing model where each item or service is priced separately. Common in airlines and hotels where meals, amenities, or upgrades are offered individually.

A general term for lodging options such as hotels, hostels, resorts, or short-term rentals that provide overnight stays to travelers.

Hotel rooms located next to each other, but not necessarily connected by an internal door.

Discounted ticket prices offered when booked a set number of days in advance. Common with airlines and sometimes non-refundable.

Tourism that includes physical activity, cultural exchange, or interaction with nature. Examples: hiking, zip-lining, or safari trips.

Pre-arranged transportation between an airport and a traveler's accommodation.

A package where accommodation, meals, drinks, and certain activities are included in a single price. Popular with resorts and cruises.

Airlines that provide services outside of traditional full-service carriers, often offering cheaper fares and more flexible routes.

Extra features or services offered at accommodations or during travel, such as Wi-Fi, fitness centers, or toiletries.

Personal details provided by travelers before flying, used for security screening by governments.

The scheduled or actual time at which a flight, train, or other transport reaches its destination.

A type of transport booking where a vehicle is hired for a set period to go wherever the traveler needs, commonly used in chauffeur services.

A UK financial protection scheme ensuring consumers aren’t stranded abroad or lose money due to a travel company’s failure.

Indicates whether specific travel services (e.g., hotel rooms or flights) are open for booking at a particular time.

An airline ticket redeemed using frequent flyer miles or travel reward points rather than currency.

The amount of checked and carry-on luggage a passenger is permitted to bring without extra charges. This varies depending on airline, class of service, and destination.

The initial price of a ticket before taxes, fees, or surcharges are added. It covers only the cost of transportation, not including extras like checked baggage, meals, or seat selection.

Restricted travel dates during which special rates, discounts, or reward redemptions cannot be used. These often coincide with peak travel times such as holidays or major events.

A mix of business and leisure travel. A traveler on a business trip adds personal leisure time either before or after the work portion of the trip. This trend has grown with flexible working and travel policies.

A document provided at check-in that allows a passenger to enter the aircraft. It includes details such as seat number, gate, boarding time, and flight number. Available in paper or digital format.

An airline’s internal coding system used to assign fares and determine flexibility, refundability, and frequent flyer eligibility. Common codes include "Y" for economy, "J" for business, etc.

The period between the date a booking is made and the date of travel. Understanding booking windows can help travelers secure better rates or access promotions.

An airline that offers lower fares by eliminating traditional passenger services such as meals, checked baggage, or in-flight entertainment. Also known as low-cost carriers (LCCs).

A seat located directly behind a physical partition (bulkhead) in an aircraft. These seats often offer extra legroom but may have fixed armrests or no under-seat storage during takeoff and landing.

A premium travel class offering enhanced comfort, seating, meals, and services. Often used for long-haul business travel and positioned between economy and first class.

The category of service offered on an aircraft, such as Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class. Each provides varying levels of comfort, service, and pricing.

Another term for an airline or transportation company that provides travel services. Examples include national carriers, low-cost carriers, and regional airlines.

A charge imposed by airlines, hotels, or other travel providers for altering a booking. These fees vary depending on fare rules, provider policies, and timing of the change.

A non-scheduled flight arranged by a private group or tour operator. Often used for corporate events, group travel, or holiday packages.

An agreement between two or more airlines to share the same flight. A seat purchased on one airline may actually be operated by a partner carrier, providing broader service and flexibility.

Special pricing negotiated between a company and a travel provider, typically offering discounts, flexibility, and added perks for business travelers.

A hotel rate available for use of a room during the daytime hours without an overnight stay. Often used during long layovers or for meetings.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is the federal agency that manages and regulates the nation’s transportation systems. It ensures that travel and transport across the United States are safe, efficient, and accessible. The DOT oversees highways, railways, airports, and public transit, sets national transportation policies and safety regulations, and distributes federal funding for infrastructure projects.

A fee imposed by a country or airport that must be paid upon departure. Sometimes included in the ticket price or collected separately at the airport.

A flight that travels from origin to destination without a change of aircraft, though it may include a stop en route. Different from a non-stop flight.

A company’s legal and moral obligation to ensure the safety and well-being of its employees while traveling for work. It includes risk management, travel tracking, and emergency response planning.

A digital version of a paper airline ticket. Stored electronically, e-tickets simplify check-in and reduce the need for physical documents.

The expected time at which a flight, train, or other transport is scheduled to reach its destination. Important for meeting planning and ground transportation arrangements.

The expected time at which a trip is scheduled to begin. Used for travel coordination and delay notifications.

Luggage that exceeds the allowed weight or number limit, often resulting in additional fees. Policies vary by airline and fare type.

A premium airport lounge offering business travelers a quiet space with amenities like Wi-Fi, refreshments, workstations, and sometimes shower facilities.

An alphanumeric code used by airlines to identify the rules, restrictions, and pricing of a specific airfare.

A service that allows travelers expedited access through airport security or immigration checkpoints, typically offered to premium passengers or for an extra fee.

A loyalty scheme run by airlines to reward customers with points or miles that can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, or other perks.

An additional fee added to a base fare to offset fluctuations in fuel costs. Often itemized separately from the ticket price.

An airfare that allows changes and cancellations with minimal or no penalties. Preferred by corporate travelers for its adaptability.

A designated area at an airport terminal where passengers board and disembark from an aircraft.

A computerized network used by travel agencies and corporations to book flights, hotels, rental cars, and other travel services.

All types of travel on land - taxis, rental cars, trains, buses - used before or after air travel.

A reservation for a large number of travelers, typically 10 or more. Common for conferences, company retreats, or tour groups.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a regional intergovernmental organization established in 1981, consisting of six Middle Eastern countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The alliance aims to foster economic, political, and security cooperation among its member states, promoting regional stability and shared development.

For travelers, the GCC plays a significant role in shaping tourism policies across the Arabian Gulf. Many of the member countries have invested heavily in world-class hospitality, infrastructure, and major international events, making the region a hub for luxury, business, and cultural tourism. Visa agreements within the GCC often allow for easier cross-border travel between member nations, benefiting both tourists and business travelers. Understanding the GCC is essential for navigating regional travel rules, planning multi-country Gulf itineraries, and staying informed on current developments affecting tourism in the area.

Also known as checked baggage, this is luggage that is stored in the aircraft’s cargo hold rather than carried into the cabin.

A booking that allows guests to use a hotel room for a few hours during the day, often for rest or meetings between flights.

A rewards system offered by hotel chains that allows frequent guests to earn points toward free stays, upgrades, or exclusive perks.

An airport used as a central transfer point by an airline to connect passengers to various destinations. Examples include Frankfurt for Lufthansa or Doha for Qatar Airways.

A global trade association of airlines that helps standardize and regulate air travel operations and safety.

Traveling into a country or city, typically referring to visitors or international arrivals.

A partnership between two or more airlines that allows passengers to book connecting flights on different carriers using a single ticket.

A document or digital summary outlining a traveler’s complete trip details, including flights, hotel stays, meetings, and transfers.

A temporary condition resulting from crossing multiple time zones quickly, leading to fatigue, insomnia, or digestive issues.

A commercial agreement where two or more airlines collaborate closely on routes, pricing, and revenue sharing as if they were one carrier.

Corporate planning of safe and efficient travel for employees, especially in high-risk areas or complex itineraries.

An electronic card issued to guests for hotel room access and additional amenities such as gyms or executive lounges.

Distance units used globally in travel—most countries use kilometers, while the U.S. uses miles. Important for route planning and rental agreements.

A delay caused by a previous disruption in the travel schedule, often affecting connecting flights or transport services.

A scheduled stop between two flights, usually for a connecting flight. Layovers may be short (1–4 hours) or extended overnight.

The amount of time between booking and the actual date of travel or stay. Early lead times often result in better rates and availability.

An airline that offers low fares by minimizing traditional services such as meals, seat assignments, and free baggage.

A tier or level achieved in a travel rewards program that grants members additional benefits like upgrades, lounge access, or priority boarding.

A flight taken primarily to accumulate airline miles or retain elite status, rather than for reaching a specific destination.

The shortest permissible time between connecting flights as determined by the airline or airport. Critical for smooth transit.

A ticket or itinerary that includes different classes of service on different flight segments (e.g., economy outbound, business inbound).

A digital boarding pass stored on a smartphone, typically accessible through an airline’s app or email.

A fare provided to travel agents or corporate buyers without markup. Often used in negotiated or bulk purchase agreements.

A passenger who fails to appear for a booked flight or hotel stay without prior cancellation.

A ticket that cannot be refunded if canceled. These tickets are typically cheaper but come with more restrictions.

A direct flight that travels from origin to destination without any stops or layovers.

Travel reservations made via phone or email, rather than through an online booking tool (OBT).

A process that allows passengers to check in and obtain their boarding pass online prior to arriving at the airport.

An Online Travel Agency (OTA) is a website or app that lets travelers browse, compare, and book travel services like flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages. OTAs act as middlemen between travel providers and customers, streamlining the booking process by offering multiple options in one place. Examples of well-known OTAs include Expedia, Booking.com, and Trip.com.

A travel itinerary where a passenger flies into one city and departs from another. Common in multi-city business trips.

The practice of selling more tickets than available seats to account for expected no-shows. May result in passengers being denied boarding.

A daily allowance given to employees to cover travel expenses such as meals and incidental costs.

A unique identifier for a travel booking, storing all relevant itinerary and passenger information.

A travel provider (e.g., airline, hotel, car rental) selected by a company as part of a negotiated program offering benefits and discounts.

An older method of paying for a ticket in one location and issuing it at another; now largely replaced by e-tickets.

A line of travelers waiting for services such as check-in, boarding, or immigration.

A short period between arrival and departure for an aircraft, or for a traveler’s return journey.

A limit on the number of bookings, seats, or rooms allocated to a specific group or travel program.

Changing a travel reservation to a new time, date, or itinerary. May involve additional fees depending on the fare rules.

An overnight flight that typically departs late evening and arrives the next morning. Popular for maximizing working hours.

A ticket that can be fully or partially refunded if canceled, offering greater flexibility for travelers.

A reserved group of hotel rooms set aside for an organization or event, often at negotiated rates.

The distance between seats in an aircraft, indicating legroom. Important for traveler comfort, especially on long flights.

An automated machine at airports allowing travelers to check in, print boarding passes, or tag baggage without staff assistance.

A stay of more than 24 hours (or 4 hours for domestic flights) in a connecting city, typically requiring special fare rules.

An additional fee added to the base cost of a ticket, often for fuel, security, or airport use.

The date by which a booking must be paid and ticketed to avoid cancellation.

A business travel agency that helps corporations manage bookings, policies, reporting, and traveler support.

A company’s official guidelines regarding how employees can book and conduct business travel, including budget limits and preferred suppliers.

A U.S. program by the Transportation Security Administration that offers expedited airport security screening for pre-approved travelers. Shoes, belts, and laptops stay in place.

A child traveling alone, requiring special arrangements and supervision by the airline.

A negotiated discount below published fares, often used in corporate contracts.

A travel device that allows electrical plugs from different countries to be used in foreign outlets.

An enhancement to a better class of service or room type, often granted via loyalty programs or for a fee.

Stands for "Visiting Friends and Relatives" – a major travel category distinct from business or leisure.

Official permission granted by a country allowing entry for a specified purpose and duration. Requirements vary widely by destination.

A change to a booking initiated by the traveler, as opposed to airline-initiated schedule changes.

A document issued by travel providers that represents a prepaid service like a hotel stay, transfer, or meal.

A list of passengers awaiting a seat on a fully booked flight, often cleared based on fare class or status.

The process of checking into a flight online via the airline’s website or app. Usually available 24–48 hours before departure.

Internet access offered on flights, sometimes free for business travelers or elite members.

A seat located next to the aircraft window—preferred by travelers who want a view or to lean against the wall during sleep.

A special promotional or unpublished fare, often restricted to certain channels or travel consolidators.

A data format often used in travel tech systems to facilitate communication between booking tools, GDSs, and vendors.

The fare class code for a full-fare economy ticket. It typically offers the most flexibility and earns maximum frequent flyer benefits.

A pricing strategy used by airlines and hotels to adjust rates based on demand, booking window, and availability.

A discounted airfare available to travelers within a specific age range, usually under 26 or 30.

A ticket issued at no cost to the traveler, often in the form of a reward or frequent flyer redemption. Taxes and fees may still apply and must be paid separately.

A pricing method used by some airlines where fares are calculated based on geographic zones rather than specific distances or cities. Often used in corporate or negotiated fare programs.

A boarding process where passengers are called to board the aircraft by pre-assigned zones, usually based on seat location, fare class, or frequent flyer status. Helps streamline boarding and reduce congestion.

A type of airline ticket based on pre-set zones (e.g., North America to Europe) rather than specific cities. Often used in travel management programs to simplify global travel planning.

Also known as Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), Zulu Time is the standard time used in aviation, military, and navigation to avoid confusion across time zones. Essential for accurate flight planning and international scheduling.