70 Years of Travel

Travel has evolved dramatically over the past seven decades. While today's travellers can search, compare and book trips in minutes, the journey to modern travel technology has been a fascinating one. As ASATA celebrates 70 years of supporting the travel industry, it's worth looking back at some of the milestones that transformed the way we travel.

The Era Before Digital Travel

Long before websites and mobile apps, travel professionals relied on printed resources to plan journeys for their clients. One of the most important tools was the Official Airline Guide (OAG), a collection of extensive printed volumes used to find flight schedules, fares, and routing information. These extensive volumes were the primary source of information for travel professionals around the world. Planning a trip required significant expertise, attention to detail and hours of research. Travel advisors were not simply booking flights; they were navigating complex information systems entirely by hand.

The Technology That Changed Everything

A major turning point came with the introduction of the SABRE reservation system. Developed by American Airlines and IBM, SABRE became the world's first operational computer reservation system and fundamentally changed how travel bookings were made. Previously, a reservation could take up to 90 minutes to process. With computerized reservations, bookings that once required extensive manual work could be completed in seconds. This breakthrough paved the way for the sophisticated booking technology used across the travel industry today.

When Travel Agencies Went Digital

The real transformation occurred when reservation system terminals were introduced directly into travel agencies. For the first time, consultants could access airline inventory electronically rather than relying on phone calls and manual confirmations. This innovation improved efficiency, accuracy and customer service, enabling travel advisors to focus more on creating seamless travel experiences and less on administrative processes.

What Hasn't Changed

While technology has transformed almost every aspect of travel, one thing remains unchanged: travellers still value trusted advice and expert guidance.

From printed airline guides to real-time booking platforms, the tools may be different, but the role of the travel professional continues to be helping people explore the world with confidence. As ASATA celebrates 70 years, the industry's history reminds us that innovation and expertise have always travelled hand in hand.

Source: 'ASATA's "70 Years of Travel, Money & Access" historical timeline