The Duffel Travel API is a next-generation flight booking and management solution designed to simplify how travel agencies, OTAs (Online Travel Agencies), and travel tech startups connect with global airlines. Through Duffel’s modern API, agencies can search real-time flight data, access seat maps, issue tickets, and manage bookings — all within their own platforms. It provides a developer-friendly environment and supports powerful integrations that streamline the travel booking process from start to finish.
In today’s competitive travel market, API integration has become essential for agencies aiming to operate efficiently and scale fast. Rather than relying on manual bookings or third-party systems, API connectivity allows businesses to automate flight searches, payments, and ticketing — creating a seamless experience for both customers and agents. This not only saves time but also enhances profit margins and business performance.
The cost of integrating Duffel Travel API depends on several factors, including the chosen subscription plan, daily search limits, number of sub-agents, branding or customization requirements, and additional modules like B2C sites or mobile apps. Understanding these factors helps travel businesses select the most suitable plan that balances functionality and affordability.
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The Duffel API provides an all-in-one solution for travel agencies and online travel platforms to connect directly with global airlines. Built with modern technology and an easy-to-use interface, Duffel enables seamless access to airline content and services without the complexities of traditional GDS systems.
Duffel covers the entire flight booking journey — from searching flights to managing post-booking services.
Key features include:
Integrating the Duffel Travel API provides a range of advantages that help both new and established travel businesses operate smarter, faster, and more profitably. Duffel’s modern infrastructure and user-friendly design make it one of the most accessible and scalable travel APIs available today. Below are the key benefits agencies can expect:
Duffel’s developer-friendly environment and detailed documentation allow travel startups to launch online platforms quickly, even without large in-house technical teams.
This speed-to-market advantage helps new OTAs compete with established brands by offering professional booking services within a short timeframe.
Unlike traditional GDS platforms that require expensive certification and licensing fees, Duffel operates on transparent monthly subscription models.
This flexibility allows agencies to scale operations based on their business growth, avoiding heavy upfront investments in infrastructure or system maintenance.
Duffel simplifies the booking process with real-time automation across ticketing, rebooking, and refunds.
By minimizing manual tasks and human errors, agencies can handle more transactions efficiently, save staff time, and enhance operational productivity.
Through API-driven customization, agencies can build branded interfaces that perfectly align with their visual identity and service standards.
This results in a smoother booking flow, faster load times, and a more intuitive user journey — boosting customer trust and satisfaction.
Duffel connects travel agencies with both legacy carriers (such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Lufthansa) and low-cost airlines (like Air Arabia, flydubai, and Wizz Air).
This extensive coverage allows OTAs to provide more flight options, competitive pricing, and better route combinations for travelers worldwide.
By integrating Duffel’s ancillary sales options — such as baggage, seat upgrades, and meal preferences — agencies can increase average revenue per booking.
The flexible pricing model also lets agents set their own markups or service fees, helping them improve profit margins while staying competitive.
Duffel’s RESTful API design makes it easy to integrate with websites, mobile apps, CRMs, and accounting tools.
Its clean structure and detailed documentation help developers connect flight booking capabilities with existing systems without major redevelopment.
Duffel provides instant access to live fares, seat availability, and flight schedules, ensuring agencies display accurate information to customers.
This reduces booking errors, overpricing, or cancellations caused by outdated data — a common issue in legacy GDS systems.
Agencies can issue, void, refund, or rebook tickets directly through Duffel’s dashboard or API endpoints.
This centralization eliminates the need for multiple platforms, saving time and simplifying after-sales processes.
Duffel provides a sandbox environment for developers to test integration safely before going live.
This ensures smooth deployment and reduces the risk of technical errors during production, making the setup ideal for small teams and startups.
The platform offers real-time analytics and reporting tools, allowing agencies to monitor search volume, bookings, revenue, and agent performance.
Data-driven insights help businesses make smarter marketing and operational decisions.
Duffel’s cloud-based infrastructure guarantees high uptime and performance, even during peak seasons.
As traffic grows, the system automatically scales to handle increased booking volumes without downtime.
Duffel allows agencies to connect directly with airlines without lengthy commercial negotiations or complex certification.
This direct distribution model ensures better content, fewer intermediaries, and faster fare updates.
Agencies can fully white-label their Duffel integration, showcasing it under their own brand name and domain.
This builds credibility, boosts brand visibility, and provides customers with a unified booking experience.
Duffel supports multiple payment gateways and currencies, making it ideal for international OTAs and cross-border transactions.
This flexibility ensures customers can pay easily, whether in AED, USD, BDT, or other currencies.
Duffel regularly updates its system with new features, bug fixes, and airline integrations at no extra charge.
This minimizes the burden on travel agencies to maintain or upgrade their software manually.
Agencies starting with Duffel can easily expand their platform later by integrating hotel, car rental, or insurance APIs, creating a complete travel ecosystem with minimal redevelopment.
In short, Duffel’s API doesn’t just simplify bookings — it transforms how travel agencies operate, offering speed, flexibility, and future-ready tools to thrive in a digital-first travel market.
Developer-Friendly: Duffel provides comprehensive documentation, sandbox environments, and code samples, enabling faster and smoother integration compared to traditional GDS platforms.
No Certification Hassles: Unlike legacy systems that require lengthy certifications and approvals, Duffel allows travel agencies and startups to start connecting and selling flights quickly.
Transparent Pricing: Duffel uses a clear subscription and pay-as-you-go model, avoiding hidden commission structures or segment-based fees typical of traditional GDSs.
Focus on Modern Airlines: It includes direct connections to new-generation and low-cost carriers often missing in traditional GDS databases, allowing agencies to offer more competitive fares.
Real-Time Inventory & Updates: Duffel delivers real-time availability, pricing, and booking confirmation, reducing delays and discrepancies common in legacy GDS systems.
Simplified Refunds and Changes: Automated handling of cancellations, refunds, and itinerary changes is built into the API, saving manual effort for agencies.
Scalable for Startups and Enterprises: Whether you are a small online travel agency or a growing OTA, Duffel scales seamlessly without requiring heavy IT infrastructure.
Modern Tech Stack: RESTful API design and JSON-based responses make it easier for developers to build customized booking flows, dashboards, or apps without legacy system constraints.
Global Coverage with Low Complexity: Duffel bridges multiple airlines and regions while keeping integration straightforward, unlike GDSs that often require separate contracts with each airline or complex mappings.
Analytics & Reporting Ready: Many agencies can leverage built-in tracking of bookings, revenue, and customer behavior through Duffel’s API, facilitating better decision-making.
Faster Market Entry: Startups and digital-first agencies can launch quickly without investing in complex legacy infrastructure.
Customizable Booking Flows: Duffel’s API allows agencies to fully control the user experience, unlike GDSs that often impose fixed booking interfaces.
Direct Payment Integration: Built-in payment handling streamlines transactions, reducing the need for separate payment gateways or complex reconciliation.
Lower Operational Costs: By reducing manual processes and eliminating hidden fees, agencies save on operational and administrative expenses.
Multi-Currency Support: Duffel handles multiple currencies and localized pricing, making it easier to serve international customers.
Frequent Updates and Improvements: Being a modern platform, Duffel continuously updates its API with new features, airline partnerships, and bug fixes, whereas traditional GDSs often have slower release cycles.
Simplified Airline Contracts: Agencies do not need to negotiate individual contracts with multiple airlines; Duffel aggregates connections into a single API.
Optimized for Mobile & Web: The API supports responsive and mobile-first booking experiences, essential for today’s travelers.
Reduced Technical Debt: Modern RESTful design and well-documented endpoints minimize long-term maintenance challenges for agencies.
Community & Developer Support: Active developer forums, Slack support, and resources make troubleshooting and onboarding faster compared to legacy GDS support channels.
In short, Duffel brings simplicity, flexibility, and modern technology to the travel API landscape — making it a perfect solution for agencies aiming to build their own booking systems or expand their digital operations efficiently.

Duffel offers flexible API subscription options designed to fit the needs of different types of travel businesses — from small startups to large, professional OTAs. These plans follow a scalable model similar to other industry-standard travel API pricing structures, allowing agencies to choose a package based on their booking volume, technical requirements, and growth goals.
The Basic Plan is designed for small travel agencies or entrepreneurs who are just starting their online booking journey. It provides essential features to begin automating flight searches and managing bookings efficiently without a heavy upfront cost.
This plan gives a solid foundation for agencies that want to operate digitally with minimal investment while maintaining essential booking functionality.
The Standard Plan is ideal for growing agencies that have an increasing number of customers and booking demands. It unlocks all Duffel modules and introduces higher limits for searches and sub-agent access, enabling smoother scaling.
This balanced plan ensures agencies can handle higher traffic, offer more airline options, and provide a smoother experience to clients without paying for enterprise-level services.
The Premium Plan is a comprehensive solution tailored for established travel companies or professional OTAs that require maximum control, scalability, and branding flexibility. It offers unlimited access, extensive automation, and advanced customization options.
This top-tier plan empowers agencies to scale globally, integrate advanced features, and automate operations entirely under their own brand identity.
Beyond the core Duffel API subscription plans, travel agencies can enhance their platforms through a range of add-ons and custom integrations. These add-ons help tailor the system to unique business requirements—whether it’s branding, adding new suppliers, or expanding to mobile platforms. Each service is optional, giving agencies the flexibility to scale features as their operations grow.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common Duffel API add-ons and their approximate costs (inspired by standard UAE pricing structures):
|
Add-on Type |
Approximate Cost (AED) |
Details |
|
Custom Design (One-Time) |
600–800 AED |
White-label customization to match your agency’s branding, including logo, color palette, and layout adjustments. |
|
New Supplier API Integration |
1,100–1,500 AED |
Connect additional supplier APIs beyond Duffel (e.g., Amadeus, Travelport, or hotel/car rental suppliers). |
|
Payment Gateway Integration |
1,000–1,200 AED |
Integration of third-party payment gateways for secure, multi-currency online transactions. |
|
Ready B2C Site (One-Time) |
800–1,000 AED |
A fully functional customer-facing travel booking website integrated with Duffel API modules. |
|
Custom B2C Portal |
3,000–5,000 AED |
A premium, tailor-made booking portal with custom features, UI/UX design, and additional automation. |
|
Mobile Apps (Android & iOS) |
300–600 AED/month |
Optional mobile apps for B2B or B2C use, allowing users and agents to book and manage travel via smartphones. |
|
Additional Search Quota |
100–150 AED per 1,000 searches |
Extend daily or monthly search capacity for high-traffic OTAs that require extra volume beyond standard limits. |
These add-ons enable travel agencies to personalize and expand their Duffel API integration according to operational demands.
For instance:
By combining Duffel’s subscription model with these scalable add-ons, agencies can build a fully branded, automated, and high-performing travel booking ecosystem.
The total cost of integrating the Duffel Travel API varies from one agency to another depending on several operational and technical factors. Understanding these cost drivers helps travel businesses choose the right plan and avoid unnecessary expenses during implementation. Below are the main factors that influence Duffel API integration pricing:
Duffel’s pricing often depends on how many search and booking requests an agency processes daily or monthly.
Every travel business has unique technical and branding needs. Agencies that want tailor-made dashboards, branded user interfaces, or specific automation workflows require custom development.
Although Duffel provides access to numerous airlines, some agencies prefer connecting additional supplier APIs (like Amadeus, Travelport, or hotel and car APIs) for a wider inventory.
Each new supplier requires separate API integration work, configuration, and testing, typically costing 1,100–1,500 AED per supplier.
Therefore, the more supplier APIs you connect, the higher your total integration expense.
Integrating a secure online payment gateway adds convenience but also involves one-time setup fees (usually 1,000–1,200 AED).
Additionally, agencies wanting custom branding, such as white-label portals, personalized domains, or theme-based UI, must budget for design and setup fees.
These enhancements improve brand identity and customer experience but increase initial investment.
Expanding your Duffel API to mobile platforms or custom B2C/B2B portals significantly enhances business visibility and user engagement.
However, each mobile app or web portal comes with its own subscription or development cost:
In summary, the Duffel API integration cost depends largely on how extensive, customized, and scalable your solution needs to be. Agencies can start small with a Basic Plan and gradually add more features and integrations as their booking volume and customer base grow.
Ongoing technical support, software updates, and bug fixes can affect long-term costs.
Agencies dealing with global customers must comply with PCI DSS, GDPR, or local data protection laws.
Implementing these standards may involve additional costs for secure data storage, encryption, and compliance audits.
Investing in strong data security protects both customers and the agency’s reputation but can slightly increase setup or hosting costs.
If the API integration is hosted on a private or dedicated server instead of Duffel’s default infrastructure, hosting costs will vary based on:
For agencies new to API-based systems, staff training and onboarding can incur extra costs.
This includes learning how to manage PNRs, monitor bookings, and use the backend efficiently.
Some integration partners offer training packages or workshops, ensuring teams fully utilize the API’s potential.
Since Duffel and other travel APIs often operate internationally, agencies may face currency conversion costs, bank transaction fees, or gateway commissions.
These small charges accumulate over time, particularly for agencies handling a high volume of bookings in multiple currencies.
Choosing a payment processor with favorable rates can help reduce long-term financial impact.
Integrating the Duffel Travel API into your travel business is a straightforward process when approached step by step. Whether you’re a startup launching a new OTA or an established agency aiming to automate flight bookings, here’s how you can get started efficiently:
Start by reaching out to Duffel directly through their official website or connect with an authorized integration partner such as Sky Flicker Travel Agency L.L.C.
Integration partners can help simplify the onboarding process, provide technical support, and even assist with white-label setup or API customization according to your business model.
Before investing, request a live demo or quotation to understand the API’s features, user interface, and available modules.
This step allows you to:
Once you’ve reviewed the available packages, select a subscription plan that aligns with your agency’s size, customer base, and growth goals.
Selecting the right plan ensures optimal balance between cost, functionality, and expansion potential.
After subscribing, you’ll receive API credentials and documentation from Duffel or your integration partner.
The integration process typically includes:
With the help of your technical team or integration partner, the process can be completed in a matter of days.
Once setup is complete, you can start offering real-time flight bookings through your own branded website or platform — with full control over pricing, commissions, and customer experience.
For agencies in the UAE or beyond, working with Sky Flicker as a Duffel API integration partner ensures fast onboarding, expert assistance, and a ready-to-launch travel booking solution.
Integrating Duffel API offers modern travel agencies and OTAs a streamlined, developer-friendly solution that reduces the complexity of traditional GDS systems. With real-time inventory, automated ticketing, and access to both traditional and low-cost carriers, agencies can enhance their customer experience while saving time and resources.
Duffel’s transparent pricing and scalable architecture make it a cost-effective choice for startups, growing agencies, and established OTAs alike. By eliminating lengthy certification processes and minimizing technical overhead, agencies can focus on growth and revenue rather than backend logistics.
To maximize these advantages, agencies should start with a plan that aligns with their current business needs and booking volume, ensuring a smooth integration and a strong foundation for future expansion.
Is Duffel API free to integrate?
Duffel provides sandbox environments and developer resources for free so you can test and build your integration. Production access, however, requires a subscription plan.
What’s the minimum monthly cost for Duffel API access?
Duffel’s pricing starts at a base subscription fee depending on your agency size and booking volume. You can contact Duffel or your provider for exact rates.
Does Duffel charge per booking or per API request?
Duffel typically follows a transparent subscription and usage model, which may include per-booking fees rather than charging for every API request. Exact details depend on your plan.
Can I connect other APIs (Amadeus, Sabre) alongside Duffel?
Yes, agencies can integrate Duffel alongside other GDSs or APIs to access a broader range of airlines and travel services.
Is there a mobile app option for Duffel-powered OTAs?
Duffel provides APIs that enable mobile app development, but it does not offer a pre-built app. Your development team can create a customized mobile booking experience using Duffel’s API.
Which airlines are available through Duffel?
Duffel focuses on modern airlines and low-cost carriers, while also including many traditional carriers, giving access to a wide variety of flight options.
Does Duffel handle refunds and cancellations?
Yes, Duffel automates cancellations, refunds, and itinerary changes via its API, simplifying post-booking management for agencies.
How long does integration take?
Integration timelines depend on your development resources, but with Duffel’s RESTful API and documentation, many agencies can integrate within a few days to a couple of weeks.
Is Duffel suitable for startups and small agencies?
Absolutely. Duffel is designed to support startups and digital-first agencies with minimal setup and low technical overhead.
Can I access real-time pricing and availability?
Yes, Duffel provides real-time flight availability, pricing, and booking confirmation, reducing discrepancies common with traditional GDSs.
Does Duffel provide reporting and analytics?
Yes, agencies can track bookings, revenue, and other key metrics through Duffel’s API or connected dashboards.
Is technical support available during integration?
Yes, Duffel offers developer support, forums, and documentation to assist agencies during integration and troubleshooting.
Can I scale my OTA with Duffel as my business grows?
Yes, Duffel’s API is scalable, allowing small startups to grow into full-scale OTAs without switching systems.
Does Duffel support multi-currency pricing?
Yes, Duffel can handle multiple currencies, enabling agencies to serve international customers easily.
Are there hidden fees or long-term contracts?
No, Duffel follows a transparent subscription and usage model with no hidden commission structures or long-term obligations.
Can Duffel API handle multi-leg or connecting flights?
Yes, Duffel supports complex itineraries, including multi-leg and connecting flights.
Does Duffel integrate with hotel or car rental APIs?
Duffel primarily focuses on flights, but agencies can combine it with other APIs for hotels, car rentals, and ancillary services.
What programming languages are supported for integration?
Duffel’s RESTful API works with any language that can make HTTP requests, including Python, JavaScript, PHP, and Java.
Is there a sandbox environment for testing?
Yes, Duffel provides a fully functional sandbox for developers to test bookings and API responses before going live.
Can I customize the booking experience for my brand?
Yes, Duffel allows full customization of the front-end booking interface, so your OTA can maintain a consistent brand experience.
How does Duffel handle ticket issuance?
Duffel automates ticketing and sends electronic tickets directly after booking, reducing manual work for agencies.
Are low-cost carriers included in the API?
Yes, Duffel connects to many low-cost carriers that are often missing from traditional GDSs.
Does Duffel provide documentation for refunds and cancellations?
Yes, detailed documentation guides agencies on how to process refunds, cancellations, and itinerary changes through the API.
Can Duffel be used for white-label travel platforms?
Yes, Duffel’s API is ideal for white-label OTAs, allowing agencies to build a fully branded travel booking experience.
How often is airline data updated?
Airline schedules, availability, and pricing are updated in real-time, ensuring accurate information for bookings.