Abstract: The present invention relates in general to on-line transportation reservation processing and, in particular, to a system and method for identifying and purchasing travel packages on-line.

Abstract: The present invention enables inventory managers to participate in an on-line booking environment while not having to maintain full-time connections with an inventory server. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a consumer selecting a unit of travel inventory. Once the selected a server formats this selection into a limited availability request that is forwarded onto an inventory manager's device. The inventory manager may then respond to the limited availability by returning an availability response as to whether that particular piece of travel inventory is available at the specified dates and/or times. Note, however, that until booking is completed, the complete consumer information will not be available to an inventory manager. This ensures that the inventory server maintains the initial relationship between the consumer, as well as the relationship with the inventory manager, such that the inventory server is able to manage the interactions.