Release Notes: September 11, 2024 Pt. 1 Follow
New String Replacement Tag (SRT) for Record Locator
We have added the ability to display the record locator in an email's subject line. The new String Replacement Tag is [RECORDLOCATOR].
This new SRT will work in Custom Text IDs (CTID) that are used for automated emails such as;
- 105717: Email Itin Subject - Trip Label - Created By
- 105718: Email Itin Subject - Trip Label - Modified By
- 105719: Email Itin Subject - Trip Label - Cancelled By
Example of the new SRT in CTID 105717:
Example of output to email subject line:
New String Duplicate Functionality for Custom Fields
We have added duplicate functionality to Custom Profile Fields. This makes a copy of the custom field information, not user data. The duplicate will be appended with -Copy for easy identification.
In the Custom Profile field, a message appears at the top of the screen when making a copy of the selected item. It also clearly labels the field name with the appendage -Copy, as well as the String replacement tag.
You can make additional modifications, or click to Save the data.
Rail Updates: VIA & Amtrak
VIA Rail
Migrated VIA Rail content to a new vendor platform to improve long-term maintainability and performance. There are no changes to the existing VIA Rail functionality. Users can continue to access and use VIA Rail content as before. For detailed steps on activating the SuperSwitch for VIA Rail access, please refer to the guide "Activating the SuperSwitch for Rail."
For bookings on VIA Rail, individual payment options are not accepted. A company credit card must be provided for payment.
Amtrak
Implemented changes to support the latest updates from Amtrak, ensuring continued compatibility and access to Amtrak content. There are no new user-facing features or functionality changes in this release. The updates are backend enhancements to align with Amtrak's system modifications.
Payment Settings Added for Rail
Admins can now configure payment settings specific to rail carriers. In the "Permitted Rail Carrier" dropdown, select the rail vendor for which you want to specify a credit card. Create separate payment settings for each vendor to use different cards for Amtrak and VIA Rail bookings. No vendor selection is required if using a single card for all rail bookings. This allows you to designate separate credit cards for different rail vendors, enabling better expense tracking and control.
A new dropdown menu has been added to the Payment Settings section, allowing you to select the rail carrier when creating or editing a payment setting.
Key Features:
- Specify a dedicated credit card for each supported rail carrier (VIA Rail, Amtrak).
- Keep rail payments segregated from air vendor payments.
- Improved expense tracking by vendor for rail bookings.
Refer to the Adding a Credit Card using Payment Settings guide for more details.
Usage:
- Navigate to Admin > Policy Settings > Payment Settings section.
2. Click "Add New" or “Edit” (to update a current payment setting).
3. Fill out the Payment Setting fields as needed.
4. Check the Rail box.
5. In the "Permitted Rail Carrier" dropdown, select the rail vendor for which you want to specify a credit card. Create separate payment settings for each vendor to use different cards for Amtrak and VIA Rail bookings. No vendor selection is required if using a single card for all rail bookings.
6. Once you have finished filling out the page, click Save.
Mobile - Add Ability for Trip Authorizers to View Trips Pending Approval List
With this release, Trip Authorizers can now view a consolidated list of trips pending their approval directly within the mobile app.
This new feature streamlines the approval process by providing Authorizers with a convenient way to review and act upon trip approval requests while on the go.
The "Trips Pending Approval" list displays key trip details, allowing Authorizers to quickly assess and approve or deny trips from their mobile devices. This enhancement improves visibility into the approval queue and facilitates more efficient decision-making, ultimately expediting the overall trip approval lifecycle.
NDC - Add Support for CLID Numbers
You can now add your CLID Number to the Air Contracts in Admin. Access Air Contracts by going to Admin > Contracts > Air Contracts.
NDC - Added Traveler Air Membership Numbers to Shopping Request
When a low-fare shopping request is made for NDC (New Distribution Capability), the system will now include all available Air Membership Numbers for the traveler in the shopping request.
There is no direct end-user impact. Including Air Membership Numbers in the shopping request is an internal system enhancement.
NDC - Fares to be Prioritized over Edifact Fares
NDC Fare Prioritization
- Added admin control to enable prioritizing NDC fares over Edifact fares.
- New setting in Agency Settings to prefer NDC over Edifact.
- Enhanced filter duplicates logic for tie-breaking based on source.
To enable, access Admin > Agency Settings > GDS Settings and check the box for ‘Prefer NDC Content over Edifact.’
Hover Text Information below:
NDC - Customization of TAW Line
This release allows you to create and customize queues specifically for Purchased NDC Bookings.
To set up a customized NDC Booking queue, follow these steps:
- Navigate to Admin > Policy Setup > Queues > Add New Queue.
- Enter your desired queue information.
- Under "Queue Type," select "Purchased NDC Booking."
- Once selected, you can access the "Ticketing Line Customization" option to personalize the ticketing line for your NDC bookings.
After configuring your customized NDC Booking queue, remember to:
- Save your changes.
- Attach the new queue to the appropriate policy tree.
- Include the new queue in your workflows.
NDC - Reporting Condition for when NDC Booked
We have added a new Reporting Condition and Trip Authorization Condition for ‘Has NDC.’
To enable Reporting Conditions, access Admin > Policy Setup > Reporting Conditions.
To utilize the new control for Trip Authorization, access Admin > Trip Authorization > Trip Authorization Policy.
New Policy Controls for Nonrefundable, Refundable & Basic Fares
With this release, you can now set specific rules and restrictions based on the following fare categories:
- Nonrefundable Fares
- Refundable Fares
- Basic Fares
To enable Reporting Conditions, access Admin > Policy Setup > Reporting Conditions.
To utilize the new controls for Trip Authorization, access Admin > Trip Authorization > Trip Authorization Policy.