Can I search for flights using the API and then book them later without losing the price, or does the fare expire straight away?

The price will not hold indefinitely, so you need to book quickly once you search. Most fares remain available for only a few minutes before they expire and the price changes or the seat disappears. This timing comes from the airlines and suppliers themselves, not from us, so we cannot extend it for you. Some fares have longer hold times than others depending on the airline, but you should always assume you need to complete the booking while you are still looking at the search results.

The best approach is to search for flights, show your customer the options, get their confirmation right away, and then book immediately. If your customer wants to think about it or check with someone else, the fare you showed them may no longer be available when you come back to book. You can explain this to your customer upfront so they understand why they need to decide quickly.

If a fare does expire while you are working on the booking, the system will let you know and you can search again to see what prices are available now. The new search may show a higher price, the same price, or sometimes even a lower price, depending on how many seats are left and what other agents are booking at that moment. Check with your account team about any tools or settings that might help you hold fares for longer in your particular setup, as this can depend on your agreement with the suppliers.