Hopper Technology Solutions (HTS), a leading name in global travel technology, has introduced a new ancillary offering—‘HTS Seat Upgrades’—aimed at enhancing the onboard experience for airline travelers. This innovative solution provides airlines with tools to effectively monetize unsold inventory through three unique products: Cabin Upgrades, Seat Upgrades, and Empty Seats. Each of these offerings is designed to elevate customer satisfaction while also providing lucrative revenue streams for airlines.
Key Features of HTS Seat Upgrades
Cabin Upgrades: This feature enables travelers to upgrade to higher classes, such as Business, Premium Economy, or First Class. This is particularly attractive for airlines looking to enhance customer experience while optimizing their available inventory.
Seat Upgrades: Travelers can opt for preferred seating within their current cabin class, such as seats with extra legroom or those located towards the front. This flexibility allows passengers to select seats that improve their traveling comfort.
- Empty Seats: This initiative provides the option for travelers to secure additional seats next to them, creating a more comfortable flying experience. This product is particularly appealing for those flying alone, as it allows them to avoid cramped seating.
Integration and Customization
The HTS Seat Upgrades platform not only integrates seamlessly with an airline’s Passenger Service System (PSS) but can also connect with inventory management, reservation, and departure control systems. This end-to-end solution enhances operational efficiency by allowing airlines to offer a streamlined experience to their customers.
A notable feature of the HTS offering is its customizable white-label upgrade flow. This allows airlines to maintain their brand consistency while providing a smooth user experience. Additionally, for those who prefer a fully native experience, HTS offers API integration.
Advanced Pricing Features
At the heart of the HTS Seat Upgrades platform is the embedded Price-Builder tool, which allows airlines to dynamically configure upgrade offers based on real-time Passenger Name Record (PNR) data and inventory signals. This feature ensures that pricing reflects the latest availability and is tailored to the traveler’s specific context.
Moreover, with a unique multi-cabin optimization capability, airlines can extend upgrade offers even when certain cabins appear fully booked. This capability enhances the utilization of available seats across the entire aircraft, not just within isolated cabins.
AI-Driven Optimization
An additional layer of innovation within the HTS Seat Upgrades is the AI-driven autopilot pricing optimization feature. This technology allows airlines to dynamically adjust their offers and pricing, thus accessing previously untapped revenue streams while simultaneously improving the customer experience.
According to HTS, airline partners can expect to see a revenue increase of approximately 20% from seat upgrades upon implementing this platform. This statistic underscores the platform’s potential not just for enhancing customer satisfaction but also for supporting airlines’ profitability.
Real-World Application: Corsair
One of the first airline partners to adopt HTS Seat Upgrades is Corsair, a French airline that specializes in long-haul flights. Corsair is already leveraging HTS’ Cabin Upgrades to revamp its customer service offerings. The integration of the Price-Builder tool allows Corsair to set dynamic prices for upgrades based on cabin availability and customer demand.
Corsair has embedded the modern white-label upgrade flow across crucial customer touchpoints, including online check-in, post-booking communications, and the Manage My Booking interface. This ensures a consistent experience for the traveler from booking through to boarding.
Comments from HTS Leadership
Ella Alkalay Schreiber, the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Fintech at Hopper and HTS, expresses the company’s vision succinctly: “Our holistic upgrade solution captures high-intent users across multiple touchpoints in the customer journey, allowing our airline partners to generate a new revenue stream while delighting travelers with an upgraded onboard experience.”
Moreover, the optional bidding approach prevents revenue cannibalization, letting airlines manage offers right before departure. This creates a beneficial dynamic between customer satisfaction and revenue generation, further reinforcing the platform’s value.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
In an era where customer satisfaction is paramount, HTS Seat Upgrades offers a compelling suite of tools that empower airlines to enhance their service offerings while also tapping into new revenue opportunities. The integration of advanced technology, including AI-driven pricing and multi-cabin optimization, positions HTS as a crucial player in the travel technology landscape.
Airlines looking to elevate their service while maximizing profits should consider the deployment of HTS Seat Upgrades as a strategic initiative. With existing partnerships like Corsair already seeing tangible results, the platform could well redefine how airlines approach their ancillary services.
To learn more about HTS and its latest offerings, visit the official website. The travel industry is evolving, and HTS is at the forefront of this change, bringing innovative solutions that cater to modern travelers’ needs.
