What is OSI in Airline Ticketing?

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Key Takeaways:

OSI stands for “Other Service Information” and is used to communicate key passenger details without requiring airline action.
OSI messages offer flexibility, can target specific airlines, have character limits, and accommodate multiple entries in bookings.
Common uses include VIP notifications, unaccompanied minor info, language preferences, meal requests, and non-critical medical details.

What Does OSI Stand For in Airline Ticketing?

OSI stands for “Other Service Information” in airline ticketing. This term is essential within the airline reservation system as it helps communicate critical details about passengers and their travel plans. Unlike Special Service Requests (SSRs), which require specific actions from the airline, OSI messages provide informative notes that do not usually demand a response or confirmation.

Why Are OSI Messages Important in Airline Ticketing?

OSI messages play a crucial role in maintaining seamless communication between travel agencies, airlines, and other stakeholders involved in the travel process. Here’s a closer look at their importance:

Flexibility: OSI messages allow free-form text, making it easier to communicate unique or non-standard information.
Airline-specific Communication: Messages can be directed to specific airlines using their two-letter codes (e.g., “OS AA” for American Airlines). The general code “YY” is used when the information applies to multiple airlines.
Character Limits: Depending on the Global Distribution System (GDS) or the airline’s system, OSI messages typically allow 64-68 characters, though some systems can accommodate up to 99 characters.
Multiple Entries: A single Passenger Name Record (PNR) can include multiple OSI entries, with some systems allowing up to 127 elements per booking.
Passenger-specific: These messages can be tailored to specific passengers using a passenger reference (e.g., “/P2” for passenger 2).

Common Uses of OSI Messages in Airline Ticketing

Here are common scenarios where OSI messages prove invaluable:

VIP Passenger Notification: Informing the airline of a passenger’s VIP status and the need for special handling.
- Example: “OS AA VIP PASSENGER”
Elderly Passenger Details: Notifying the airline about elderly passengers who might require additional assistance.
- Example: “OS BA ELDERLY PASSENGER”
Unaccompanied Minor Information: Providing contact details of the adult responsible for an unaccompanied minor at the destination.
- Example: “OS AA ARR CTCM JOE SMITH SFO 212 555 5555”
Language Preferences: Indicating if a passenger needs communication in a particular language.
- Example: “OS DL PAX REQUIRES SPANISH SPEAKING AGENT”
Frequent Flyer Information: Sharing frequent flyer numbers or status info.
- Example: “OS UA FF123456789”
Corporate Booking Identifiers: Including corporate account numbers for business travel.
- Example: “OS BA CORP ID 12345”
Ticket Numbers: Some airlines require ticket numbers via OSI messages.
- Example: “OS EK TKNO 176-1234567890”
Travel Document Information: Providing details when standard fields are insufficient.
- Example: “OS AF PAX HAS VALID VISA”
Special Meal Requests: Adding details or clarifications for meal requests.
- Example: “OS SQ ALLERGIC TO PEANUTS AND DAIRY PRODUCTS”
Medical Information: Sharing non-critical medical details that don’t need specific airline action.
- Example: “OS LH PAX DIABETIC”

Distinguishing OSI from SSR in Airline Ticketing

While both OSI and SSR (Special Service Requests) are tools for conveying information, they serve different purposes. OSI messages are primarily informational and do not require action from the airline. In contrast, SSRs are used for requesting specific services, like a wheelchair or special meal, that necessitate a response from the airline.

The Evolution of OSI Messages in Airline Reservation Systems

Over the years, the use and integration of OSI messages have evolved significantly:

Integration into Passenger Profiles: Modern reservation systems integrate OSI information more seamlessly, making it accessible for airline staff throughout the travel process.
Push for Standardization: There’s an ongoing effort to standardize OSI message usage across different airlines and GDSs to improve consistency in communication.

Processing OSI Elements Not Associated with Specific Passengers

When OSI elements are not linked to a specific passenger, here’s how they are typically handled:

Automatic Application: Systems automatically assume the OSI message applies to all passengers within the booking.
General Information: These messages convey details that do not require action, unlike SSRs.
Copying Across PNRs: When a new PNR is created, existing unassociated OSI elements are copied into the new booking.
System Assumptions: Reservation systems like Amadeus and Travelport automatically apply unassociated OSI elements to all passengers in the booking.

Why Should Travel Agents and Airline Staff Understand OSI Messages?

Understanding OSI messages is essential for travel agents and airline staff for the following reasons:

Accurate Information Sharing: Ensures all relevant details about passengers are communicated effectively.
Operational Efficiency: Streamlines the handling of non-actionable information, enhancing the operational processes.
Improved Passenger Experience: By sharing vital details, OSI messages help in tailoring services to meet specific passenger needs.

As the airline industry continues to embrace digitalization and personalization, OSI messages’ role remains crucial. They offer a flexible mechanism to communicate and understand passenger needs beyond the standard data fields.

Improving the Use of OSI Messages

For optimal use of OSI messages, the airline industry can consider the following steps:

Training: Ensure travel agents and airline staff are well-trained to distinguish between OSI and SSR messages.
Standardization: Continued efforts to standardize OSI message formats for consistency.
Enhanced Integration: Leveraging technology to better integrate OSI messages into passenger profiles.

For more detailed guidelines on how to use OSI messages in airline ticketing, you can refer to IATA’s official documentation.

According to VisaVerge.com, the role of OSI messages as part of the airline ticketing and reservation system cannot be understated. They bridge communication gaps that structured data fields might miss, ensuring that all relevant parties are on the same page regarding passenger needs and preferences.

Understanding and effectively using OSI messages can significantly improve the experience for passengers and streamline operations for airlines, making travel smoother and more efficient for everyone involved. Whether it’s notifying airlines about a VIP on board or ensuring that an elderly traveler receives the assistance they need, OSI messages are an indispensable tool in the modern airline industry.

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Glossary of Terms in Airline Ticketing

Other Service Information (OSI): A term used in airline reservation systems to convey important information about passengers and their travel plans that do not require specific actions from the airline. Examples include informing the airline about a passenger’s VIP status or language preferences.
Special Service Request (SSR): Requests for specific services that require action from the airline, such as a wheelchair service or special meal. SSRs differ from OSI messages as they prompt a required response or action.
Passenger Name Record (PNR): A record in the airline reservation system that contains the itinerary details for a passenger or group of passengers traveling together. A PNR can include both OSI and SSR entries.
Global Distribution System (GDS): A centralized network utilized by travel agents and airlines to access and manage travel bookings. GDS platforms such as Amadeus and Travelport facilitate the communication of OSI messages and other booking details.
Character Limits: Refers to the maximum number of characters allowed in an OSI message. This limit varies depending on the Global Distribution System or the specific airline’s system, typically ranging from 64 to 99 characters.

This Article In A Nutshell:

OSI stands for “Other Service Information” in airline ticketing. It refers to messages conveying important details about passengers that don’t require specific actions from the airline. Examples include VIP status, special assistance needs, or additional contact information, helping ensure smooth travel arrangements.
— By VisaVerge.com

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