What is Duffel?
Duffel is a travel technology platform launched in 2018 that aims to modernize the travel industry. Its API provides partners direct access to bookable travel content, real-time pricing and availability, easy integration of modern payment methods, and streamlined access to value-added products like insurance and airport transfers.
The company focuses specifically on air travel and provides travel sellers like online travel agencies, metasearch sites, and tour operators with an alternative to traditional global distribution systems (GDSs) like Sabre and Amadeus. Using the Duffel API, developers can quickly build custom travel products and integrate live availability, pricing, and shopping from hundreds of airlines.
Key features of Duffel include:
- Access to live pricing and availability from over 200 low-cost and flagship airlines like British Airways, American Airlines, TAP Portugal, and Vueling.
- Modern booking flow and payment methods like PayPal.
- Automated queues to handle booking failures and prevent drop-offs.
- Customizable offerings using Duffel's Branded Fares technology.
- Travel insurance, airport transfers, and other ancillary services through partnerships.
With its technology, Duffel aims to reduce the high costs and technical complexity commonly associated with processing air travel bookings. Its platform could appeal to travel startups and developers looking to launch customized travel products as well as legacy travel companies seeking a more flexible alternative to traditional GDSs.