Amadeus Car Type Codes Explained

Understanding Amadeus Car Type Codes

Navigating the world of car rentals through Amadeus can seem complex, especially when it comes to identifying the specific vehicle types available. Amadeus utilises a standardised system for classifying vehicles, primarily relying on the ACRISS (Association of Car Rental Industry Systems and Standards) codes. These four-character codes are crucial for accurately searching and booking rental cars within the Amadeus system. Beyond the standard ACRISS codes, Amadeus also employs pseudocodes for pre-defined vehicle groups, offering further flexibility in searches.

For travel agents and booking professionals, understanding these codes is paramount to efficiently serving clients and ensuring they get the exact vehicle they need. Whether you're looking for a compact city car or a spacious SUV, knowing how to interpret and use these codes will streamline your booking process.

The ACRISS Standard: A Universal Language

The ACRISS codes are designed to be a consistent way for car rental companies worldwide to describe their vehicles. Each character in the four-character code provides specific information about the car's class, type, transmission, and fuel/air conditioning features. This standardised approach helps to eliminate ambiguity and ensures that booking systems can accurately communicate vehicle availability.

Amadeus's Implementation and Customisation

Amadeus integrates these ACRISS codes seamlessly into its platform, allowing users to specify vehicle types directly in their searches. The use of the `/VT-` parameter in car availability searches is a prime example of this. By appending `/VT-` followed by a specific ACRISS code, users can tailor their search results to display only the car types that match their criteria. This level of customisation is invaluable for finding specific vehicles or for making informed recommendations to clients.

Decoding the Amadeus Car Type Codes

Amadeus leverages ACRISS codes for vehicle classes and provides a comprehensive list of these codes, categorised for clarity. Here's a breakdown of the commonly used codes:

Transmission and Fuel/Air Conditioning Codes

In addition to the vehicle class, Amadeus also uses codes to specify transmission type, fuel type, and whether air conditioning is included. These are often appended to the main ACRISS code or specified separately in the search query.

Putting it into Practice: A Search Example

Let's illustrate how these codes are used in a practical search. Suppose you want to find an intermediate, 4-door car with automatic transmission and air conditioning. The ACRISS code for an intermediate car is 'I'. For a 4-door vehicle, it's 'D', and for automatic with air conditioning, it's 'A'. Combining these, you might look for a code like 'IDA'.

Consider the following search entry:

CAAMS24APR-27APR/ARR-9A-5P/VT-IDA*

• CA: Transaction Code for Car Availability.
• AMS: City Code for Amsterdam.
• 24APR-27APR: Pickup and Return Dates.
• /ARR-9A-5P: Arrival and Departure Times.
• /VT-IDA*: Vehicle Type option, specifying 'IDA' (Intermediate, 4-door, Automatic with Air Conditioning) with a wildcard (*) for flexibility.

The system's response will then list available vehicles matching these criteria, along with potential upsell options or alternative vehicle types.

Using Wildcards for Broader Searches

Amadeus allows the use of up to three asterisks (*) as wildcards within a vehicle type code. This is incredibly useful when you want to broaden your search. For instance, if you're looking for an intermediate, automatic car but are flexible on the number of doors or air conditioning, you could use a code like `IA**`. This flexibility can help uncover more options, especially during peak seasons or when specific vehicle types are in high demand.

For example, to request availability for an intermediate class car with automatic transmission, you might enter: /VT-IA*. This would return results for intermediate cars that are automatic, regardless of the number of doors or air conditioning status.

How to Book a Car Using Amadeus Cars Plus

Booking a car through Amadeus Cars Plus is a straightforward process:

1. Search for Cars: Access the Amadeus Cars Plus module within the Selling Platform Connect.
2. Select Your Vehicle: On the 'Select' page, click 'Book' for your desired car.
3. Review Details: The 'Book' page will open. Carefully check all the car rental details, including dates, times, and location.
4. Enter Traveler Information: In the 'Traveler Identification' section, provide the name and contact details of the primary driver. You can also optionally add the driver's title, phone number, and flight number for added convenience.
5. Confirm Booking: Once all information is accurate, confirm the booking.

Accessing the Cars Plus Module

You can access the Cars Plus module in several ways from Amadeus Selling Platform Connect:

• From the menu bar, select File > New booking file > Car.
• Alternatively, in the 'New booking file' section, select Car search.
• From the 'New command page' drop-down button, select Car.
• In the search and navigation bar, type 'car' and then select New car.

Viewing All Vehicle Codes

If you ever need a comprehensive list of all available vehicle codes, Amadeus provides a simple command. By entering CG, the system will display a detailed list of vehicle codes, categorised by class and type, with notes on any new or special coding.

Important Considerations

• Brand and Model Variations: Remember that specific car makes and models can vary significantly between different car rental companies, even if they fall under the same ACRISS code. Always verify the exact vehicle details provided by the rental company.
• Rate Conventions: Pay attention to rate indicators like '@*' which may signify extra hours or days, or '@-' indicating a converted rate. Understanding these nuances is key to providing accurate quotes.
• Upselling Opportunities: The system may present 'upsell' options, which are alternative vehicles that the rental company considers a better fit or an upgrade. Be aware of these when presenting choices to your clients.

By mastering the Amadeus car type codes and understanding the booking process, you can significantly enhance your efficiency and accuracy when arranging car rentals for your clients, ensuring a smooth and satisfactory experience for everyone involved.

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