Who can apply to be an ARC Participating Airline?

Any certified airline, railroad or U.S. based Public Charter may apply to join ARC.

Do airlines need to be located in the U.S. to join ARC?

Airlines do not need to be located in the U.S. to join ARC. ARC supports airlines worldwide.

Do airlines need to have an office in the U.S. to join ARC?

No. However, airlines are required to have a U.S. address for the purpose of legal jurisdiction. This requirement can be satisfied by a registered agent or an appointed representative located in the U.S.

Do ARC airlines need to have a U.S. bank account?

No. Airlines may designate an international bank to receive the weekly cash disbursement. (A minimal fee applies to international wires.)

What steps does the airline need to take if they want to accept credit cards as a form of payment?

Airlines need to establish U.S. merchant numbers, separate from any merchant numbers used in other countries. A listing of ARC certified credit card providers can be provided upon request.

What are ARC costs?

We realize that airlines come in different shapes and sizes, and have different needs. Therefore, we offer three ARC participation models. The models are based on the airline's expected transaction volume. For many airlines, these models become "stepping stones" to increased transactions and higher revenues with ARC. ARC will discuss costs with each individual airline to help determine the best model and pricing.

What is the Carrier Accounting File (CAT File)?

The CAT file is an output of all transactions processed by ARC (including sales, refunds, exchanges and much more). Airlines typically receive the CAT (known as the HOT in BSP) to support revenue accounting requirements. The file can be sent on a daily or weekly basis, and ARC offers several methods of delivery.

After a airline joins ARC, can they change their participation level thereafter?

As a airline's transaction volume either increases or decreases over time, changes to the participation program can be made every six months.

Do different participation levels have different benefits?

No. Each model offers the exact same benefits. The only difference is pricing.

Does ARC offer training to support new airlines?

ARC offers various training opportunities for airlines, including webinars, videos, conference calls and other training sessions.