Creating Distribution Channel References

Building a Rate Plan Process: Step 6

The Channels screen is a cross reference created for you for all public rates. Cross reference is required for each distribution system to see availability for a Rate Plan and to book a Rate Plan.

Cross reference codes are derived from a number of sources. They are created by using a combination of various pieces of information including the room types, rate plans, and contracts. By changing these factors, you will change the codes used. After creating and saving your rate, you should see most of these fields completed.

To see the cross reference codes, click here.

In this topic

Using Distributions Channels

Overriding Rate Plan Codes

Using Distribution Channels

In the Channels screen, do the following:

If you want the rate to be sold only via specific distribution channels, clear the distribution channel checkboxes at the top of the screen where you do not want the rate to be sold, otherwise, go to step 2.

Note: If you clear the GDS checkbox, the wizard will not create conversion records for EAP or GDS channels. You should not have the Voice (Call Center) and Booking Engine checkboxes selected unless you have those options available to you.

Do one of the following:

If you have...

Then...

non-contracted rates

follow these steps:

Note: You can attach multiple rate categories to extend a rate’s visibility in a variety of rate searches.

To add alternate rate categories:
1. 1. Click the Alternate Rate Categories button.
  2. Select the checkboxes from the Select Alternate Rate Categories pop-up.
  3. Click the Set button.
If using billing codes to track this rate, select an available code from the Billing Codes drop-down.
Go to step 3.

contracted rates (Negotiated, Consortia, Merchant or Internet specific)

Before you begin: You must have a contract that can be tied to the rate before proceeding. See Contracts.

follow these steps:

If using billing codes to track this rate, select an available code from the Billing Codes drop-down.

Note: This drop-down will only appear if billing codes are set at the chain level.

If this rate can be used for Rate Yielding, select the Is Rate Yieldable? checkbox.

Note: You will only use this checkbox if your property uses Yield Rates and you want this rate to be available for rate yielding.

To apply direct bill as a guarantee option in the IBE, select the Allow Direct Bill checkbox.

To add alternate rate categories:
1. 1. Click the Alternate Rate Categories button.
  2. Select the checkboxes from the Select Alternate Rate Categories pop-up.
  3. Click the Set button.

If you want the rate to be sold only via specific GDS channels, clear the GDS channel checkboxes where you do not want the rate to be sold, otherwise, skip this step.

Note: When you exclude a GDS channel by clearing the checkbox, the entire row is removed and only the checkbox remains.

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Overriding Rate Plan Codes

The Override RPC feature allows you to control the order in which your rate plans are displayed in each distribution channel and override system-generated rate plan codes.

Considerations

When setting your display order, keep the following in mind.

The rate plan display order supersedes any room type display order settings.
If rate plans have the same ranking order, the room type ranking order will determine what order the rate plan is displayed.
If multiple rate plans share the same display order number, those rate plans will be returned in order of the priority of their room types.
If multiple rate plans share both the same rate plan and room display order value (including blank fields), those rate plans will be returned alphabetically using the system generated room code.
If you do not enter a value in the Display Order field, that rate plan will appear below those with a display order value.

Setting Your Display Order

To set your display order for each GDS:

Click Override RPC. The Override RPC pop-up window appears.
Enter a numeric value (1 to 999) in the Display Order field for each distribution channel you use. A ’1’ will cause that rate plan to be the first one displayed.
In the Rate Code Override field, enter your new rate plan code.
After entering the values, click Save to return to the Channels screen.

Click the Next button. The Rate Summary/Completion screen appears.

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