How a BSP works

A BSP is the central point through which data and funds flow between travel agents and airlines. Instead of every agent having an individual relationship with each airline, all of the information is consolidated through the BSP.

Agents make one single payment to the BSP (remittance), covering sales on all BSP Airlines. The BSP makes one consolidated payment to each airline, covering sales made by all agents in the country/region.

Agents are provided with a range of electronic ticket numbers to be used for sales on any airline.

Working processes for Agents

1. Preparation to sell on behalf of airlines

Before an agent can begin selling on behalf of airlines, the following must take place:

• A range of electronic ticket numbers are assigned to the Agent.
• The Airline assigns ticketing authority to the Agent to allow issue of ETs.
• Agents need to have access to an IATA-approved ticketing system such as a Global Distribution System (GDS).

2. Reporting by Agents

The agent reports all sales and refunds at the end of the reporting period. This is done electronically, through BSPlink. All transactions are forwarded to a central BSP Data Processing Centre (DPC).

3. Processing by BSP

The Data Processing Centre:

• Captures the tickets and refunds information from data files that have been transmitted by the GDS/ticketing system or other automated system such as BSPlink.
• Processes all relevant data and produce an “Agents Billing Analysis” for each agent. This analysis is compiled from the information of one or more reporting periods.
• Forwards a statement of sales made by Agents to each BSP Airline. This statement is compiled from the information of one or more reporting periods.
• Monitors ET ranges and provide replenishment as necessary.

4. Payment

The Agent makes just one net remittance covering all its BSP transactions for that period for all BSP Airlines. The BSP preferred method of payment is by direct debit.

5. Follow up by Airlines

The accounting department of each airline audits incoming data and addresses debit/credit accounting memoranda (ADM/ACM) to agents as necessary.