At the beginning of this introductory module, we noted that by completing this module, you would be able to:
Define what is BSP
List the benefits to being an IATA Accredited Agent
Describe the roles and responsibilities of the BSP participants
Describe how the BSP works
Identify the steps in reporting sales through the BSP
Name, locate and use resources with information on BSP
Understand commonly used BSP language
Think of this module as a foundation that has familiarized you with the objectives and basic set up of the Billing and Settlement Plan, known as BSP.
The module has provided an explanation of the BSP, the roles and responsibilities of the different industry participants, and a description of how the BSP works.
You have also been shown where to find more information and how to raise a customer query.
This Module ends with a summary of key learning points and a set of review questions and answers to reinforce the content.
Lesson 1 ~ Summary of Key Learning Points:
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The BSP is a system used Accredited Agents to sell, report and remit passenger air transportation services, on behalf of BSP Participating Airlines.
Travel Agents benefit from the BSP by saving time and simplifying the sale and reporting of airline services.
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Lesson 2 ~ Summary of Key Learning Points:
Lesson 3 ~ Summary of Key Learning Points:
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In order to be able to issue tickets, an Agent must first be assigned a range of electronic ticket numbers as well as the authority to issue tickets on behalf of BSP Participating Airlines.
While the ticket sales are reported automatically daily through the Agent's GDS, the Agent has to input any refunds to the GDS system during the reporting period.
All the data is transmitted to the BSP Data Processing Centre (DPC) by the Agent's GDS.
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Lesson 3 ~ Summary of Key Learning Points ~ cont.:
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The DPC validates the ticket and refund data received through GDSs and produces an Agent Billing Analysis containing all tickets issued by the Agent during the reporting period.
The DPC also produces an Airline Billing Analysis for each BSP Airline containing all tickets issued by Agents on its behalf.
BSP sets a Reporting Calendar, with deadlines by which reporting, billing and payment (remittance) must take place.
There are 3 main deadlines in the BSP Reporting Calendar for Agents: Reporting Date; Billing Date; and the Remittance Date.
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Lesson 4 ~ Summary of Key Learning Points:
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There are 2 main publications that describe the operations of BSP: The BSP Manual for Agents and the Travel Agent's Handbook.
The standard rules governing BSP are published in the BSP Manual for Agents. Chapter 14 of the BSP Manual for Agents informs Agents of local procedures that are exceptions that applicable locally in each BSP country or region.
IATA's Agenthome website provides a wealth of information for IATA Accredited Agents on the Passenger Agency Programme and access to important publications.
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Lesson 4 ~ Summary of Key Learning Points ~ cont.:
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The easiest way to contact IATA, including when you have BSP related queries, is to access the Customer Portal, located on the IATA global website, at www.iata.org; you can do this from anywhere in the world, to reach any BSP office.
Depending on the specifics of your query, a customer service representative or a representative of the local IATA/ BSP Office will respond to you as soon as possible.
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You may now access the review questions to test your knowledge you have gained in this module. At the end of the set of questions, you will be provided with the correct answers for review.
