How can I identify an EMD in my IAR sales report?
You may use the IAR transaction type list qualifiers of EM-All EMDs, EA-EMDA or ES-EMDS to display only those types of EMDs. An EMD appears in IAR lists with a transaction type code of ES (EMDS - Standalone EMD) or EA (EMDA – Associated EMD). Also, EMDs reported through ARC have their own ticket form code range - the first three digits of the EMD currently begin with 457 or 458. For a list of all EMD form code ranges as well as the ticket form code ranges for all other ARC traffic documents, please see section 10 of the Industry Agents' Handbook (IAH).
Can I manually enter an EMD into IAR if it does not interface from the GDS?
Agents cannot manually enter an EMD into IAR; however, this functionality is planned for a future development phase. In the rare event a GDS-issued EMD does not appear in IAR the day after it is issued, you may void and reissue the EMD in your GDS or report the EMD directly to the airline.
How do I report an EMD to an airline if I cannot manually enter it?
Transactions that cannot be processed electronically via IAR are called exception transactions and must be settled directly with the validating airline. See Exception Transactions for steps on direct settlement with an airline.
Can I view which services have been issued on an EMD in IAR?
EMD details are not displayed on current IAR screens, including reason for issuance code or the reason for issuance subcodes. For now, IAR handles EMDs using the same screens and date elements as an E-ticket. EMDs may or may not include itinerary/routing data. IAR will be updated in a future development phase to include all information related to an EMD including data elements unique to that document type.
Will the IAR Back Office System (BOS) files include unique EMD detail information?
Basic EMD information is already included on IAR BOS files. New data elements unique to the EMD will not appear in BOS files until a future development phase.
Will I be able to refund and void an EMD in IAR?
Yes. While you can refund or void an EMD in IAR, it is recommended that any refund or void action takes place in your GDS to ensure the airline's EMD database is properly updated. Since an EMD is an electronic document, it requires an ESAC code when it is refunded, voided or exchanged. Not all ARC participating airlines are yet able to support IAR’s EMD EDIFACT messaging. For a complete list of airlines that support IAR's ET and EMD EDIFACT messaging, please see the Airline Ticket Matrix.
Will I be able to exchange an EMDS?
Yes. However, the exchange of any document, including the EMDS (Standalone EMD), should be initiated in your GDS. For exchange instructions and formats, please refer to your GDS help pages or contact your GDS. Adding an EMDS as support for a new exchange transaction in IAR will require an ESAC code.
Will I be able to exchange EMDA?
Technically, an EMDA is associated to another E-ticket and is not exchangeable, however, IAR does not control or enforce that rule. IAR allows any document previously reported through ARC by that agency location or a branch within the same agency’s family to be manually added to an exchange as long as that document has not been used in another refund or exchange that was processed in IAR.
An EMDA coupon is considered used as soon as its associated E-ticket coupon is lifted/used. When the associated E-ticket is exchanged, any EMD-A document associated with it is automatically 'disassociated' from the exchange. If that EMD is supposed to be re-associated to a new or different E-ticket exchange, the agent is required to contact the airline. Only airlines may perform the association/disassociation of an EMDA to/from an E-ticket. Also, when an E-ticket is voided or refunded in IAR, any EMDA associated with it must be separately voided or refunded.
Will IAR automatically link an EMD issued for residual value to its associated exchange?
Yes. The automated linking of a GDS-issued residual value EMD to its associated exchange transaction will occur in your IAR sales report when:
As a reminder, a residual value EMD or MCO results when a non-refundable old document has a higher value than that of the new exchange document. When the airline allows this non-refundable residual difference to be transferred to either an MCO or an EMD, IAR will now systematically link that GDS-issued residual value document to its associated exchange transaction in the sales report.