Techtalks: Traveltech

There are almost no absolutely free APIs in the travel industry. One way or another, you have to pay for product use. That said, you may enroll in affiliate programs to share commission fees with a provider or just try sandbox versions for your MVP. Here are some popular APIs that you can get kinda free or with shared fees.

Travel Innovation Sandbox by Amadeus
Sandbox APIs include: flights, hotels, cars, trains, and points of interest.
How? Just register, get your API key, and you’re good to go.
Limitations: No commercial use. No more than 5 concurrent transactions and no more than 5,000 calls per user per month.
Use cases: PoC, testing, student works.

API Explorer by Sabre
Flights, hotels, ground transportation, and cruises. Additionally, fare ranges, low fare forecasts and history, top flight destinations, and air travel seasonality.
How? After you fill out the test API form, the Sabre account manager will contact you and provide you with a token.
Limitations. No commercial use. You get access to REST APIs only, while Sabre also suggests a set of SOAP APIs. Depending on your profile, some APIs may not be available at all.
Use cases: PoC, testing.

Skyscanner API
The API includes info on flights. As soon as you generate over about $1300 worth of revenue per month, you can start earning.
How? You directly request API access from Skyscanner.
Limitations. Only info sourcing with no booking. They’ll vet you. Live flights calls are limited to 100 per minute, flights cache up to 500 per minute, car hire up to 100 per minute.
Use cases: Metasearch startups.

OpenSky API
You get real-time flight and aircraft info.
How? It’s open and can be used right away.
Limitations. Noncommercial use.
Use cases. PoC, student works, nonprofit projects.

Booking.com API
The API is mostly aimed at accommodations. You become their affiliate partner and receive part of the booking fee.
How? Apply for an affiliate program and receive your API access.
Limitations. Booking will vet you. Some APIs may not be available and no more than 20 simultaneous API connections are allowed.
Use cases. Accommodation booking.
Very similar terms are available at Agoda Affiliate Program as they belong to Booking Holdings.

Expedia Rapid APIs
The APIs are also aimed at accommodations. As with Booking.com, you get an affiliate fee.
How? Apply for the affiliate program and receive your API access.
Limitations. Each API has its limits of updates per message. Consult the FAQ at each API documentation for specifics.
Use cases. Accommodation booking.

Ticketmaster APIs
Ticketmaster provides info about and ticket reservations for concerts and sport events. They have two open APIs that are free to use.
How? You have to create an account on the developer portal.
Limitations. Up to 5000 API calls per day.
Use cases. Tour and attraction services.
Other suggestions to try?

MakCorps - Hotel Price Comparison API
1) Provides data from more than 200 OTAs like Booking, Expedia, Agoda, etc.
2) Compare prices and provide JSON response with top  cheapest vendors
3) Search any city, any hotel of any country.
4) FREE pack available with 420 requests per month.
 

In the digital age, travel APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) have revolutionized the way we plan, book, and experience travel. APIs allow developers to access and integrate various travel-related data and services into their applications, websites, and platforms. The availability of free travel APIs has opened up new opportunities for businesses and individuals looking to create innovative travel solutions without breaking the bank. In this guide, we'll explore how to access free travel APIs and leverage them for your travel-related projects.

1. Understand Travel APIs and Their Benefits:
Before diving into the world of free travel APIs, it's essential to understand what APIs are and the benefits they offer. Travel APIs provide access to a wide range of data, including flight information, hotel availability, car rentals, weather forecasts, and more. These APIs empower developers to create seamless travel experiences for users, making it easier for travelers to find information, compare options, and make bookings.

2. Identify Your Travel API Needs:
Determine what kind of travel-related data or services you need for your project. Are you looking for flight information, hotel availability, travel itineraries, or something else? ClearHolidays, a platform known for its travel insights, can be a great starting point to identify the types of APIs you may require.

3. Research Available Free Travel APIs:
Numerous online resources offer access to free travel APIs. Websites like RapidAPI, GitHub, and public API directories provide a wide range of options to choose from. Using search terms like "free travel APIs," "flight APIs," or "hotel APIs" can help you find the APIs that match your requirements.

4. Review API Documentation:
Once you've identified potential free travel APIs, carefully review their documentation. API documentation outlines the endpoints, request parameters, response formats, and authentication methods required to access the data. It's crucial to understand how to make API requests correctly to retrieve the desired information.

5. Register and Obtain API Keys:
Most free travel APIs require registration to obtain an API key. The API key serves as a unique identifier for your application and is often used for authentication purposes. Register on the API provider's website, create an account, and generate an API key to start using the API.

6. Test the API:
Before integrating the API into your application, it's recommended to test it using API testing tools or platforms. This step ensures that you're able to retrieve the data you need and that the API responses meet your expectations.

7. Integrate the API:
Once you're satisfied with the API's functionality, it's time to integrate it into your application. Whether you're building a travel booking website, a mobile app, or a travel assistant chatbot, incorporating the API's data will enhance the user experience.

8. Handle Errors and Updates:
Travel APIs may undergo updates or experience occasional errors. Stay informed about changes by subscribing to API provider notifications or monitoring their documentation. This proactive approach will help you manage any potential disruptions in your application's functionality.

Conclusion:
Free travel APIs have democratized access to valuable travel-related data and services, enabling developers to create innovative and user-friendly travel applications. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully identify, obtain, and integrate free travel APIs into your projects. Whether you're a travel startup, a developer, or an individual with a passion for travel, leveraging APIs can elevate your travel experiences to new heights.

Remember, ClearHolidays can provide you with insights and ideas about which travel APIs might be the most suitable for your specific needs. Happy API exploration and travel innovation!