Online Booking Systems
Online booking systems are web-based platforms and applications that allow users to reserve and purchase tickets or services for various events and industries.
- Travel industry: Booking flights, hotels, and holiday packages
- Provides a convenient platform for travellers to plan and book their trips
- Concerts: Reserving tickets for live music events
- Allows music fans to secure their spot at popular concerts
- Cinemas: Booking movie tickets in advance
- Enables cinema-goers to reserve seats and avoid queues
- Sporting events: Purchasing tickets for sports matches and competitions
- Offers sports enthusiasts an easy way to attend their favourite events
Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Booking Systems
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Convenience and accessibility (24/7 booking) |
Potential for technical issues and downtime |
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Instant confirmation and ticketing |
Possible security and privacy concerns |
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Ability to compare prices and options |
Transaction and booking fees |
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Promotions and personalised offers |
Impersonal and less tailored customer service |
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Faster to change/cancel |
Internet connected devices required |
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Automated reminders via email/text |
Staff may lose their job |
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Repeated bookings can easily be made |
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Staff are freed up to do other things |
Worked example
RockIT Airlines representatives use a computer booking system to book flights for customers. A representative from the airline types in the customer reference number, the number of passengers, departure time, departure date, departure airport and the destination airport. Describe the processing and outputs involved in making the booking.
[6]
6 of:
Display flights available [1]
The booking database is searched for the customer reference number [1]
A matching record is retrieved [1]
Details of the customer are displayed on the screen [1]
The booking database is searched for matching departure airports [1]
The booking database is searched for matching destination airports [1]
If the flight correct, the date/time found [1]
Search if seats/tickets/flights available [1]
If unavailable error message output [1]
Outputs the price [1]
If seats are available, flags seat as booked [1]
If not booked then the flag removed [1]
Reduces the number of seats/tickets available by the number booked [1]
E-ticket/ticket details are output [1]
E-ticket/ticket details sent to customer [1]
A receipt is printed//Verification email sent [1]
