Computers are often used to book or reserve air flights, seats in the cinema, rooms in a hotel, tables in a restaurant etc.The system prevents double-booking, when an item is booked twice.
The booking process
Step 1- Search
Step 2 – Select
Step 3 – Review, Finalise and Pay
Step 4 -Â Booking confirmation
In an online ticket booking system, customers can select their desired to attend.
Step 1- The search screen
On this screen the user enters information in to text boxes on a form(or selects options from drop down lists) and presses the ‘search’ or continue button.
This screen usually has options for:
Date & Times
Destination (or venue for music concerts)
Number or adults / children
Product type (standard or first class)
Online ticket booking systems often provide a view to help users select travel dates.
Step 2 -The select screen
The purpose of this screen is to display the number of available options to the user and to give them the opportunity to select the option they require.
When the user selects the required option and clicks ‘next’ or ‘book’, data is sent to the system to put a temporary block on that inventory(usually about 20 minutes), so that no other person can book that inventory(e.g. the same seat on a plane!)
Servers only ever process 1 request at a time, so it is impossible to double book the same piece of inventory as at this point if two people clicked on the same inventory, whoever’s request got processed first would get the booking.
Many online ticket booking systems offer the option to prices across different airlines.
Step 3 – Review, Finalise and Pay Screen
This screen ( some websites break down this part in to 3 or more screens) has a 3 aims.
To enter the user’s personal details (address, names, email etc)
To review the booking before clicking confirm, in order to ensure that no mistakes are made.
To take payment by Visa, Mastercard, etc.
Once the users has entered their details and checked their booking they click the ‘Confirm’ button and their reserve will be confirmed on the next screen.
Payment Gateway
Step 4 – The booking confirmation screen
The purpose of this screen is to:
Display the finalised booking  & reference number on the screen
Give the user an option to print out their booking confirmation
Try and sell the user extras or offer other services (links to insurance, car-hire, travel guides,etc)
A key feature of online ticket booking systems is the ability to receive e-tickets via .
Advantages of online booking systems
Convenience
Users can book tickets anytime and from anywhere, avoiding the need to visit physical counters or offices.
Time-Saving
The process is quick, with instant booking and confirmation, reducing the need for long queues.
Wide Selection
Offers access to a variety of options, from travel tickets to event bookings, all in one platform.
Price Comparisons
Allows users to compare prices and select the best deals or discounts available.
Why are online ticket booking systems popular?
Disadvantages of Online Booking Systems
Installation Cost
The booking system will most likely be very expensive to install
Technical Issues
Website crashes or slow loading times can cause frustration, especially during peak booking periods.
Booking Fees
Additional service or convenience fees are often charged, increasing the total cost of the ticket.
Security Risks
Online payments may expose users to data breaches or fraud if the platform lacks adequate security measures.
No Personal Assistance
Lack of immediate, personalized customer support can make it difficult to address specific queries or issues.e usually still needed (Example large group bookings on flights, un-accompanied minors on flights)
Online ticket booking can lead to a lack of interaction with customer service representatives.
Online ticket booking systems often result in fees that are not disclosed upfront.
