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IATA, BSP, NDC, GDS and LCC in plain language

These terms describe different parts of airline distribution and settlement. None of them automatically means that every airline and every fare is available.

7 min readUpdated 3 August 2026
01

IATA accreditation

IATA accreditation creates a professional framework between an accredited agency and the airline industry. It identifies the agency, standardises procedures and can facilitate access to ticketing and settlement.

Specific ticketing authority still depends on the airline and market. DADEXtravel therefore separates its direct authority list from wider availability.

02

BSP and financial settlement

The Billing and Settlement Plan standardises reporting, payment and settlement between participating airlines and accredited agents. It is a financial and operational layer, not a public flight search engine.

03

GDS and NDC

A GDS is a traditional distribution channel used by professional sellers to work with flight content, fares and reservations. NDC is an industry-supported data standard for modern communication of offers and orders between airlines and sellers.

Content and conditions may differ between channels. Professional checking therefore means understanding the rules and after-sales process, not merely finding a flight.

04

LCC and external distribution

Low-cost content may be available through direct or external distribution solutions. That availability is not the same as a direct IATA/BSP ticketing authority.

DADEXtravel uses separate statuses and checks the route, product, payment and change options for every request.

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