Web check

Web check

www.flightlinecharters.com

Home page: quick to download and simple to follow. Agents are given just three options – find a flight, check a booking, or get a list of all their previous bookings. First they must log in giving their password and account number. Those logging in for the first time must send an e-mail to request a log-in code.

Information available: you can search for a flight by departure date, departure airport and/or by duration. The site gives the option of checking departures that are earlier or later than the one requested so there is no need to keep repeating the search if the preferred date is not available. Also, you can search by all UK departure airports and for any duration.

On-line booking facility: as Flightline has a direct link to the operators’ systems, real-time information is available and bookings can be made on-line. Flightline issues the tickets and, in the case of last-minute bookings, passengers can collect them from the airport on departure.

Overall impression: as this site has been built specifically for travel agents, it is very trade friendly. There are no gimmicks – just simple, clear information. The search facility is fast and efficient. It only takes a few seconds for the site to list all available flights, including thedeparture time, the date of departure, the duration of the trip and the price. All agents have to do is click to book. The only problem with the site is that members of the public who may stumble across it are re-directed to Flightline’s consumer site, www.flightlineinternational.com, which also has a booking facility.