5 minutes read
What this article talks about
- How NDC uses APIs and JSON to deliver real-time, scalable, and secure travel content — and why that matters for modern retailing.
- Why agencies need a single platform to manage multi-source content efficiently and deliver consistent customer experiences.
- How Travelport+ simplifies NDC complexity through aggregation, normalization, and enriched merchandising tools.
10 Years of NDC: How NDC Works — A Technical Deep Dive for Travel Agencies
We’ve talked about what NDC is and why it matters. Now it’s time to get technical. And with NDC marking its 10th anniversary this September, there’s no better time to dive deeper.
In this blog, we’ll explore how NDC actually works behind the scenes — from the role of APIs to the benefits of JSON, and how platforms like Travelport+ simplify the complexity for agencies.
Let’s dive in.
The role of APIs in NDC
NDC is delivered via APIs — short for Application Programming Interfaces. Think of APIs as translators that enable different systems to communicate and exchange information seamlessly.
Compared to older methods like EDIFACT or ATPCO, APIs offer a range of advantages:
Real-time data exchange
APIs allow for live communication between systems. Airlines can send up-to-date pricing, availability, and personalized offers — something static formats simply can’t do.
Flexibility
APIs let systems request exactly the data they need, in a format they can easily process. This is essential for delivering personalized experiences in travel retailing.
Scalability
As businesses grow, APIs can handle increased traffic and more complex requests. They’re built to scale.
Integration
APIs make it easy to connect different systems — airline booking engines, agency platforms, third-party services — streamlining operations and reducing manual work.
Security
Modern APIs use protocols like OAuth and HTTPS to protect data. That means safer transactions and better compliance.
Efficiency
Tasks like booking, pricing, and customer support can be automated, reducing human error and saving time.
Enhanced user experience
APIs support dynamic pricing, real-time availability, and custom offers — creating a more engaging experience for travelers.
Cost-effectiveness
By automating data exchange and reducing reliance on intermediaries, APIs help lower operational costs.
In short, APIs offer more control, flexibility, efficiency, and security — making them ideal for modern travel businesses.
Why JSON APIs are better for NDC
Now that we understand APIs, let’s talk about JSON — the preferred data format for NDC APIs.
JSON stands for JavaScript Object Notation, and it’s quickly become the industry standard. Here’s why:
Lightweight and fast
JSON is more concise than XML, which means faster data transfer and lower bandwidth usage — crucial for real-time performance.
Easy to read and write
JSON is developer-friendly, making it quicker to build and maintain integrations.
Native support in JavaScript
Since JSON is natively supported in JavaScript (the most common web development language), it speeds up development and reduces complexity.
Compatibility with modern tech
JSON works seamlessly with REST APIs, mobile apps, and web services — making it ideal for travel platforms.
Structured data
JSON’s simple structure makes it easy to represent complex data hierarchies — like flight availability, booking details, and personalized offers.
Human-readable
Its clean syntax makes debugging and troubleshooting easier.
Widely supported
JSON is compatible with nearly all programming languages — Python, Ruby, Java, and more.
Schema-less
Unlike XML, JSON doesn’t require predefined schemas, allowing for more flexibility and faster development.
Ideal for mobile and real-time apps
JSON’s small size and fast parsing make it perfect for mobile devices and real-time applications.
Easy integration
JSON simplifies integration with third-party services and APIs, reducing the need for complex transformations.
Bottom line: JSON is faster, easier, and more efficient — making it the best choice for scalable, modern travel applications.
Why agencies need one platform for multi-source content
Understanding how NDC works is one thing. Making it work for your agency is another.
Agencies need a single platform that can handle all types of content — NDC, EDIFACT, low-cost carriers, hotel, car, rail — and deliver a seamless experience across the board.
Here’s why that matters:
- Consistency
A unified platform ensures smooth shopping, selling, and servicing — no matter the content source.
- Efficiency
Separate systems slow things down and create confusion. A single platform streamlines operations and reduces costs.
- Better customer experience
When everything is connected, agents can deliver faster, more accurate service — and travelers get a smoother booking experience.
How Travelport+ makes It work
Travelport+ is designed to make multi-source content retail-ready. Here’s how:
Aggregation
Every airline as its own API. Travelport+ aggregates these connections, so agencies don’t have to manage them individually.
Normalization
Content is packaged in a consistent, retail-ready format — making it instantly comparable, understandable, and usable across channels.
Enrichment
Travelport+ adds rich content — images, logos, descriptions — helping agents visualize what they’re selling and allowing supplier brands to shine.
Merchandizing
Offers are displayed in a way that helps agents and travelers find the right trip. Irrelevant options are filtered out, expectations are managed, and satisfaction goes up. .
Final thoughts
NDC is built on modern technology — APIs, JSON, and real-time data exchange. But for agencies, the real value comes from having the right platform to make it all work.
With Travelport+, agencies can integrate NDC seamlessly, compare it with other content sources, and deliver a consistent, efficient, and personalized experience to every traveler.
Because modern retailing isn’t just about having the content — it’s about making it work.