Travelport Locomote - Detailed Review
Travel Tools
Travelport Locomote - Product Overview
Overview of Travelport Locomote
Travelport Locomote is a sophisticated corporate travel management platform that streamlines and simplifies the entire travel lifecycle for businesses. Here’s a brief overview of its primary function, target audience, and key features:
Primary Function
Travelport Locomote serves as a comprehensive corporate travel platform that manages all aspects of travel activity, whether online, offline, or a combination of both. It consolidates booking, approval, and expense management processes, making it easier for travel managers and travelers to handle their travel programs efficiently.
Target Audience
The platform is targeted at corporations and their travel managers. It is particularly useful for companies with managed travel programs, helping them to save time and money by streamlining their travel workflows.
Key Features
Integrated Content
Travelport Locomote integrates content from airlines, hotels, car rental companies, and rail providers through Travelport’s Universal API, providing a wide range of travel options.
Mobile and Desktop Interface
The platform was initially built for mobile devices but has since been extended to include a desktop interface, catering to both travel managers and employees.
Policy Engine and Traveler Profiles
It includes a policy engine and traveler profile platform, ensuring that travel bookings align with company policies and individual preferences.
Expense Management
The platform includes an expense management system, helping companies to manage their travel expenses more effectively.
App-Powered Workflows
Locomote features app-powered workflows that consolidate the entire travel lifecycle, enabling travel managers to drive behavioral change and achieve program efficiencies.
Seamless Booking and Approval
The platform simplifies booking and approval processes, making it easier for travelers and managers to manage their travel activities.
Additional Capabilities
Automation and Self-Service
Travelport Locomote offers automated exchange and refund capabilities, as well as self-service options, allowing customers to make changes to their bookings easily.
Integration with Corporate Booking Tools
The platform integrates with all major Corporate Booking Tools, ensuring a modern and efficient business travel experience.
Conclusion
Overall, Travelport Locomote is a highly intuitive platform that empowers businesses to manage their travel programs more efficiently, saving time and money while providing a seamless travel experience.
Travelport Locomote - User Interface and Experience
User Interface
The interface is built to be user-friendly, incorporating a modern and streamlined design. With the launch of Smartpoint Cloud on Travelport , the platform offers a graphical user interface (GUI) that speeds up agent workflows and provides a more intuitive experience.
Ease of Use
Travelport Locomote ensures that the platform is highly usable, even for those accustomed to traditional, cryptic interfaces. The Smartpoint Cloud allows agents the flexibility to work in either the new, more intuitive interface or the traditional one, depending on their preference. This dual approach helps in transitioning agents to the new system smoothly.
Integration and Consistency
The platform integrates a wide variety of travel content, including airline products, hotel prices, car rental options, and more. This integration is facilitated through Travelport’s e-Commerce Platform, which aggregates content from leading travel providers. The Atlas Design System used by Travelport ensures consistency across the entire product suite, using guidelines and components like buttons, icons, and colors to create a coherent user experience.
Mobile and Device Compatibility
Travelport Locomote allows users to make bookings quickly and easily on devices of their choice, ensuring that the platform is accessible and functional across different devices. This flexibility is crucial for corporate travel management, enabling travelers and agents to work anywhere, anytime.
User Experience
The overall user experience is centered around simplicity and efficiency. The platform is developed in collaboration with users, designers, and developers to solve real business problems and deliver exceptional customer service. For instance, Credit Union Australia reported a reduction in costs by more than 30%, and World Vision saw a significant decrease in approval times for international travel, from 30 days to just 5 days, highlighting the positive impact on user experience and operational efficiency.
Additional Features
The platform includes features such as integrated search results that include New Distribution Capability (NDC) and other multi-source content, providing agents with all the necessary information for comparison shopping at their fingertips. The Trip Quote capabilities and automated exchange cost calculations further enhance the user experience by reducing errors and improving the accuracy of bookings.
In summary, Travelport Locomote’s user interface is designed to be intuitive, easy to use, and highly functional, making it an efficient tool for managing corporate travel.
Travelport Locomote - Key Features and Functionality
Travelport and Locomote Overview
Travelport, in conjunction with Locomote, offers a suite of features and functionalities that leverage AI to enhance travel management and booking processes. Here are the key features and how they work:Integration with Travelport Content
Travelport content is seamlessly integrated into the Locomote booking module. This integration allows users to access a wide range of travel options, including airlines, hotels, cars, and rail services from around the globe. This ensures that users have a comprehensive selection of travel choices, all accessible through a single platform.AI-Driven Travel Management
The IBM Travel Manager, developed in partnership with Travelport, uses advanced AI to track, manage, predict, and analyze travel costs. This platform, delivered via the IBM Cloud, employs cognitive computing and predictive data analytics to help companies optimize their travel programs. It integrates travel and expense data, enabling better supplier negotiations, spending pattern analysis, and travel policy compliance monitoring.Automated Expense Reporting and Management
Locomote, integrated with Travelport, offers automated expense reporting features. This includes receipt scanning, policy compliance checks, and multi-currency support. The system streamlines expense management by automating tasks such as expense categorization, duplicate detection, and corporate card reconciliation. This reduces the administrative burden and ensures accuracy in financial reporting.Real-Time Analytics and Data Integration
Travelport’s APIs and Locomote’s platform provide real-time analytics and data integration. The APIs standardize and consolidate merchandising data from multiple sources (such as ATPCO, NDC, Direct Connect, and Low Cost Carriers), ensuring that users have up-to-date and accurate information. This real-time data helps in making informed decisions and enhances the overall travel experience.Personalization and Agent Automation
Travelport’s use of generative AI focuses on personalizing offers and automating routine tasks. The AI-based search systems are built on a rich data set, enabling predictive and data-driven searches. This AI integration helps in proactively recommending travel options to users and automating tasks like exchanges and refunds, which improves the efficiency and user experience.Speed and Stability
Travelport’s APIs are designed to provide lightning-fast response times, typically under two seconds for search queries. This ensures that users remain engaged and do not experience delays, which can lead to abandoned bookings. The APIs are also industry-standard based, making integration into existing digital platforms smooth and efficient.Mobile and Multi-Platform Support
Locomote supports various platforms, including Android and iOS, ensuring that users can manage their travel itineraries and expenses on the go. The mobile app and web platform offer consistent service, whether users are booking themselves or through connected travel consultants.Customizable Approval Workflows and Notifications
The platform allows for customizable approval workflows, which can be tailored to the specific needs of different businesses. It also includes notifications and alerts, keeping users informed about their travel arrangements and any changes or updates. This ensures that all stakeholders are kept in the loop and that travel policies are adhered to.Conclusion
In summary, the integration of Travelport with Locomote and the use of AI-driven tools enhance the travel management experience by providing comprehensive content, automated expense management, real-time analytics, personalized recommendations, and efficient automation of routine tasks. These features collectively streamline the travel booking and management process, making it more efficient and user-friendly. Travelport Locomote - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
Travelport’s integration with Locomote enhances the booking process by providing a comprehensive and streamlined experience. Here are a few aspects of its performance:Content Integration
Content Integration: Travelport’s content is directly integrated into the Locomote booking module, ensuring users have access to a wide range of travel options from airlines, hotels, and car rental companies. This integration simplifies the booking process and ensures that all necessary content is available through a single platform.AI-Powered Search
AI-Powered Search: Travelport has introduced AI-powered search tools, such as the Content Curation Layer, which simplifies the search process by removing duplicate content, filtering out irrelevant offers, and presenting only the most relevant options. This results in faster search times, with an average response time of 1.07 seconds, and helps agents focus on increasing conversions and sales.Efficiency
Efficiency: The AI-driven tools reduce the time spent searching for travel options, allowing agents to focus more on customer needs and increasing the chances of selling more profitable offers like premium seating, upgrades, and ancillaries.Accuracy
The accuracy of Travelport’s tools is enhanced through several features:Data Accuracy
Data Accuracy: Travelport Insights provides accurate and timely data, enabling users to make informed strategic decisions. It offers comprehensive performance data on airline products, helping users understand traveler intent and behavior.Content Curation
Content Curation: The Content Curation Layer ensures that only the most relevant and accurate data is presented, removing robotic searches and duplicate content. This layer helps in comparing options from different content sources accurately and efficiently.User Feedback
User Feedback: Customers have praised the platform for its ability to provide tangible value and help in making strategic decisions, particularly in understanding the impact of Rich Content and Branding on revenue.Limitations or Areas for Improvement
While Travelport’s tools offer significant benefits, there are some areas that could be improved:NDC Implementation
NDC Implementation: The implementation of New Distribution Capability (NDC) can be inconsistent across different airlines, leading to confusion and frustration for both travelers and travel agents. Travelport is working to address this through its AI and machine learning tools, but the inconsistency remains a challenge.Technical Work
Technical Work: Despite the advancements, travel agents may still need to perform extra technical work or open multiple tabs to compare products like-for-like, especially if the right retailing technology is not in place.User Experience
User Experience: While the AI-powered search tools are a significant improvement, the overall user experience can still be affected by the sheer volume of choices available. Travelport is addressing this by simplifying the search process, but there is still room for further optimization to reduce on-screen clutter and confusion. In summary, Travelport’s tools, including those integrated with Locomote, demonstrate strong performance and accuracy, particularly with the introduction of AI-powered search tools. However, there are ongoing challenges related to NDC implementation and the need for continued optimization to enhance the user experience. Travelport Locomote - Pricing and Plans
Pricing Structure and Plans for Travelport
When it comes to the pricing structure and plans for Travelport, particularly in the context of its integration with Locomote, there are several key points to consider, although specific tiered pricing details are not explicitly outlined in the available resources.General Pricing and Features
Travelport is a comprehensive travel retailing platform that integrates content from airlines, hotels, cars, and other travel services. Here are some general features and considerations:- Content Access: Travelport provides access to a wide range of travel content, including airlines, hotels, and car rentals, which is integrated into platforms like Locomote.
Travelport Platform
Travelport is the modern retailing platform offered by Travelport, which includes several features that can be beneficial for travel agencies and corporate travel management:- Easier Operations: It simplifies workflows and provides tools for managing trips efficiently.
- Smoother Trip Management: Allows for easy cancellations, additions, and changes to itineraries with automated exchange and refund capabilities.
- Corporate Booking Tools: Integrates with major corporate booking tools and includes features like self-service exchanges and an intelligent storefront.
Pricing Itineraries
For pricing itineraries within Travelport, here are some key points:- Direct Payment Carriers: Pricing is required after fare shopping to ensure the most recent fares are quoted.
- Network (GDS) Carriers: Pricing is strongly recommended after fare shopping to validate the selected pricing option.
- Pricing Commands: Various commands like `FQ`, `$B`, `4P`, and others are used to price itineraries based on different criteria such as the lowest available fare or the fare as booked.
Specific Plans and Tiers
Unfortunately, the specific tiered pricing plans or different levels of service (e.g., free options, premium tiers) for Travelport, especially in the context of Locomote, are not detailed in the available resources. Travelport’s pricing typically involves customized agreements based on the needs of the travel agency or corporate client, rather than a publicly listed tiered structure. If you need detailed pricing information, it is recommended to contact Travelport directly or consult with a Travelport representative who can provide a customized quote based on your specific requirements. Travelport Locomote - Integration and Compatibility
Integration with Travelport Content
Travelport Locomote is integrated directly with Travelport’s content, which includes airlines, hotels, car rentals, and other travel services. This integration allows users to access a wide range of travel options through a single platform. Travelport’s Universal Profile, Universal Record, and travel policy engine are all utilized by Locomote to provide real-time access to travel content, including low-cost and network carriers, airline ancillary products, and a broad range of hotel properties and rates.
Multi-GDS Connectivity
Travelport Locomote benefits from Travelport’s multi-GDS connectivity, enabling it to connect to several Global Distribution Systems (GDSs) such as Travelport, Sabre, and Amadeus via a single API. This multi-GDS integration extends the inventory available to users, providing a wider range of travel possibilities.
Third-Party Applications
The Locomote platform is developed to allow easy integration of third-party, complementary applications. This includes multiple expense management systems, corporate booking tools, and other add-on services, all within the same corporate user experience and workflow.
Mobile Compatibility
Locomote supports a variety of platforms, including Android and iOS, ensuring that users can manage their travel on mobile devices. This mobile compatibility is crucial for corporate travelers who need to manage their travel on the go.
Accounting and Expense Management
Locomote integrates with accounting software and offers features like automated expense reporting, receipt scanning, and corporate card reconciliation. These integrations streamline the financial aspects of corporate travel, making it easier to manage expenses and comply with company policies.
Real-Time Analytics and Notifications
The platform provides real-time analytics and notifications, which help in monitoring and managing travel activities efficiently. This includes features like mileage tracking, per diem management, and custom reporting, all of which can be accessed through the platform.
Offline Access
Locomote offers offline access, allowing users to manage their travel even without an internet connection. This feature is particularly useful for travelers in areas with poor internet connectivity.
Conclusion
In summary, Travelport Locomote integrates seamlessly with various travel content providers, accounting systems, and other complementary applications, ensuring a comprehensive and user-friendly travel management experience across different platforms and devices.
Travelport Locomote - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support Options for Travelport Products
When using Travelport’s products, including the corporate travel platform Travelport Locomote, you have several customer support options and additional resources at your disposal.MyTravelport
The primary hub for support is MyTravelport, a single sign-on customer portal. Here, you can:- Raise a support request and monitor its progress.
- Update, close, or reopen support cases as needed.
- To access support, log in to MyTravelport, select the Help and resources menu, and then choose Travelport support. For specific issues related to APIs, select Developer Product Services and then RESTful JSON API Microservices from the product list.
Knowledge Base
MyTravelport also features a searchable Knowledge Base that includes information on various Travelport products and services. You can search for terms like “united,” “klm,” “branded fares,” or “NDC” to find relevant information. To access the Knowledge Base, log in to MyTravelport and click the View knowledge base button below the menu bar.Critical API Issues
For critical API issues, you can contact the dedicated support number: 1 (646) 568-9789. This number is available for all regions and replaces any previous numbers you may have used.General Inquiries and Contact
If you have general inquiries or need to contact Travelport for other reasons, you can use the contact forms available on the Travelport website. This includes options for sales inquiries, general inquiries, and service and support queries.AI-Powered Support
While the specific AI-driven features of Travelport Locomote are not detailed in the provided sources, Travelport’s broader use of AI in customer support includes:- AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants that handle routine inquiries, provide real-time assistance, and manage bookings and cancellations.
- Predictive analytics to forecast and manage travel disruptions.
- Personalization engines that offer personalized travel recommendations based on customer preferences and past behavior.
Travelport Locomote - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Locomote
Locomote, a corporate travel management platform, offers several significant advantages that make it a valuable tool for businesses of all sizes.Automated Expense Reporting and Management
Locomote streamlines expense reporting with features like receipt scanning, automated expense categorization, and corporate card reconciliation. This saves time and reduces the administrative burden.Policy Compliance and Approval Workflows
The platform ensures that company travel policies are adhered to through customizable approval workflows and real-time analytics, backed by actual data.Multi-Currency Support and Financial Tools
It supports multiple currencies, per diem management, tax calculations, and integration with accounting software, making financial management more efficient.User-Friendly Interface and Mobile App
Locomote is easy to use and learn, with a mobile app that provides real-time communication and access to travel plans, even offline.Comprehensive Tracking and Reporting
Features like mileage tracking, duplicate detection, and audit trails ensure that all travel-related activities are well-documented and transparent.Integration and Compatibility
The platform integrates well with various systems, including accounting software, and supports both Android and iOS platforms.Real-Time Analytics and Notifications
Locomote provides real-time analytics and notifications, helping businesses make informed decisions and stay updated on travel activities.Disadvantages of Locomote
While Locomote offers many benefits, there are some areas where it could improve:User Interface
Some users have mentioned that the user interface could use an update, although the functionality is generally praised.Historical Challenges
In the past, Locomote faced challenges when it was part of Travelport, such as losing its entrepreneurial flair and being given away to travel agencies rather than being sold as a standalone product. However, since the founders reacquired the company, these issues are being addressed.Market Competition
Locomote operates in a crowded marketplace with competitors like Foreceipt, SumTotal Expense, and Inlogik, which can make it challenging to stand out. Overall, Locomote is a powerful tool for managing corporate travel, offering a wide range of features that enhance efficiency, compliance, and user experience. However, it is important to consider the potential for interface improvements and the competitive landscape in which it operates. Travelport Locomote - Comparison with Competitors
Unique Features of Travelport
- Content Curation Layer (CCL): Travelport has recently launched the CCL, which uses AI and machine learning to sift through billions of trip options, providing travel agencies with the most relevant and accurate search results quickly. This feature is part of the Travelport platform and includes the Content Optimizer, allowing agencies to apply their own rules and customize search results.
- Integrated Booking Module: Travelport’s content is integrated directly into the Locomote booking module, offering users access to a wide range of travel content from airlines, hotels, and car rental companies globally. This integration ensures a seamless booking experience whether users book themselves or through travel consultants.
- Global Reach: Travelport operates in over 165 countries, connecting hundreds of thousands of travel suppliers worldwide. This extensive network provides users with a vast array of travel options.
Potential Alternatives
Mondee
- Mondee is a travel technology company that offers an AI-powered platform for travel solutions. It competes with Travelport by providing similar travel booking and management services, but with a focus on AI-driven personalization and optimization.
Travelsoft Group
- Travelsoft Group is a travel SaaS company that enables travel companies to produce, manage, and distribute various travel products. While it does not have the same AI-driven content curation as Travelport, it offers a comprehensive platform for travel management.
Kyte
- Kyte is another competitor in the travel technology space, though specific details on its AI capabilities are less clear. It generally offers travel booking and management solutions, but may not match the advanced AI features of Travelport’s CCL.
AI-Powered Travel Planners
For users looking for more personalized and AI-driven travel planning, there are several alternatives:
Layla
- Layla uses AI to assist users in discovering new destinations, planning itineraries, and booking flights and hotels. It is particularly focused on the travel and technology sectors and serves the travel industry with personalized travel guides.
Roam Around
- Roam Around operates in the travel and technology sectors, using AI to create hyper-customized travel plans based on specific needs and preferences. It eliminates the hassle of planning and offers detailed itineraries.
Copilot2trip
- Copilot2trip is an AI-powered travel assistant that creates tailored travel plans with interactive maps. It is designed for both single-day business trips and complex multi-day family vacations.
Summary
Travelport stands out with its advanced AI-driven Content Curation Layer and its extensive global network of travel suppliers. However, alternatives like Mondee, Travelsoft Group, and Kyte offer different approaches to travel technology, while Layla, Roam Around, and Copilot2trip provide highly personalized AI-powered travel planning services. Each option has its unique features and may cater to different user needs and preferences.
Travelport Locomote - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Travelport Locomote
What is Travelport Locomote?
Travelport Locomote is a corporate travel management platform that simplifies the process of planning, approving, and booking travel. It integrates a wide variety of travel content and data to help companies reduce costs and time spent on travel management.What are the key features of Travelport Locomote?
Travelport Locomote offers several key features, including automated expense reporting, receipt scanning, policy compliance, multi-currency support, a mobile app, integration with accounting software, customizable approval workflows, real-time analytics, mileage tracking, corporate card reconciliation, per diem management, expense categorization, duplicate detection, audit trails, user permissions, custom reporting, tax calculations, offline access, and notifications and alerts.How does Travelport Locomote integrate with Travelport content?
Travelport Locomote integrates directly with Travelport’s content, providing access to airlines, hotels, car rentals, and other travel services. This integration allows users to book travel hassle-free and ensures consistent service whether booking directly or through travel consultants.What are the benefits of using Travelport Locomote?
Using Travelport Locomote can lead to significant cost savings and efficiency improvements. For example, Credit Union Australia reported a cost reduction of over 30%, and World Vision saw average approval times for international travel decrease from 30 days to just 5 days.Does Travelport Locomote support AI-powered search tools?
While Travelport itself has introduced AI-powered search tools, specifically the Content Curation Layer within Travelport , this feature is not explicitly mentioned as part of the Locomote platform. However, the integration with Travelport’s services means users can benefit from these advanced search capabilities through the broader Travelport ecosystem.What types of businesses does Travelport Locomote serve?
Travelport Locomote serves a wide range of businesses, including startups, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), mid-market companies, and enterprises.Is Travelport Locomote available on multiple platforms?
Yes, Travelport Locomote supports various platforms, including Android and iOS for its mobile app, ensuring users can manage their travel needs across different devices.What kind of customer support does Travelport Locomote offer?
While specific details on the types of customer support offered by Locomote are not provided in the sources, it is generally expected that such platforms offer comprehensive support, including access to knowledge bases, support requests, and possibly dedicated customer service teams.Can Travelport Locomote be customized to fit specific company policies?
Yes, Travelport Locomote allows for customizable approval workflows and ensures compliance with company travel policies. This feature helps businesses enforce their specific travel rules and regulations seamlessly.Does Travelport Locomote provide real-time analytics and reporting?
Yes, Travelport Locomote offers real-time analytics and custom reporting features. These tools help businesses track and manage their travel expenses and policies more effectively.Is Travelport Locomote compatible with accounting software?
Yes, Travelport Locomote integrates with accounting software, making it easier for businesses to manage their travel expenses and reconcile corporate cards within their existing financial systems. Travelport Locomote - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Travelport Locomote
Travelport Locomote is a highly intuitive and comprehensive corporate travel management platform that offers a wide range of benefits for businesses managing employee travel. Here’s a detailed assessment of who would benefit most from using it and an overall recommendation.Key Benefits
- Efficiency and Cost Savings: Travelport Locomote helps companies reduce the cost and time associated with managing travel. For instance, Credit Union Australia reported a cost reduction of over 30%, and World Vision saw a significant decrease in approval times for international travel from 30 days to just 5 days.
- Compliance and Safety: The platform ensures compliance with company travel policies and enhances duty of care and traveller safety by integrating risk data, visa and health advisories, and other critical information.
- User Experience: The platform is highly usable and intuitive, making it easy for customers to manage all aspects of travel, from planning to booking, on their preferred devices.
- Advanced Features: Locomote includes automated expense reporting, receipt scanning, policy compliance, multi-currency support, and customizable approval workflows, among other features. It also integrates with accounting software and provides real-time analytics and mobile app access.
Target Users
Travelport Locomote is particularly beneficial for several types of users:- Business Travelers: Individuals who frequently travel for work will appreciate the efficiency, convenience, and reliability of the platform.
- Travel Agencies: These businesses can streamline their operations using Travelport’s transaction processing solutions and data, helping them stay competitive.
- Corporate Clients: Companies managing employee travel will find the platform’s customized solutions, reporting tools, and cost-saving options invaluable.
- Small to Large Enterprises: Locomote serves a wide range of businesses, from startups to enterprises, by providing scalable and adaptable travel management solutions.
Recommendation
Travelport Locomote is an excellent choice for any organization seeking to optimize their corporate travel management. Here are some key reasons why:- Global Reach and Industry Expertise: With operations in over 180 countries and years of experience in the travel technology sector, Travelport Locomote offers a comprehensive and reliable solution.
- Innovative Technology: The platform’s use of AI-powered search tools and advanced workflows ensures that users can find and compare trip options efficiently, similar to the experience offered by leading tech companies.
- User-Centric Approach: The focus on simplicity and user experience makes the platform highly usable, even for those who are not tech-savvy.