Passive segment

A passive segment is a reservation entered into a global distribution system (GDS) that does not result in the issuance of a ticket. 

Travel agents and online booking tools use passive segments to manage itineraries that include bookings made outside the GDS. They input flight numbers, dates, times, and other details of such bookings into the GDS, creating a comprehensive itinerary. 

Passive segments allow adding notes or special instructions related to the flight or hotel and ensure that all bookings are properly documented and tracked for accounting, reporting, and record-keeping purposes.

Passive segments can also serve as retention segments that temporarily hold seats. The hold duration varies among booking systems but is often limited from a few hours to a day. If the booking is not confirmed within the hold period, it is automatically canceled and released back for other users to book, ensuring that the held inventory is not tied up indefinitely.