What is a non-ARC or “instant sell” booking?
A non-ARC carrier refers to an airline that is not accredited by the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC). ARC accreditation signifies that a travel agency or carrier meets certain financial and business standards, allowing them to issue tickets directly through the ARC's settlement system. In addition to other protections, all bookings made on ARC accredited carriers are covered under ARC's standard void window.
Non-ARC carriers, on the other hand, do not participate in this system. They might be smaller or regional airlines, charter operators, or international airlines that do not meet ARC's accreditation requirements or choose not to participate in the ARC system for various reasons. Sabre supports the booking of various airlines, including those not participating in ARC. These airlines are often managed through different payment and validation processes that ensure bookings are confirmed and paid for directly with the carrier, bypassing the traditional ARC settlement plans.
For travelers, this distinction might impact how they purchase tickets, what kind of customer support they can expect, and the financial protections available to them when dealing with different carriers.
It is important to note, when booking a non-ARC carrier such as Frontier, Spirit or Sun Country, these bookings are subject to different rules and regulations than standard ARC bookings such as Delta, United or Southwest. Non-ARC bookings are “instant sell” meaning that the transaction is processed immediately and may often be ineligible for change, cancel or refund.
Airlines listed as non-ARC:
- Pacific Airlines
- Frontier Airlines
- Jetstar
- Spirit Airlines
- Sun Country Airlines
Booking non-ARC “Instant Sell” Carriers in FlightBridge
For more information on how to book commercial airline, please see our article on Booking Commercial Airline- Operator Users.
Non-ARC carriers are listed among the results on any search and can be selected as desired.
When you click Confirm Booking, a pop-up will display advising that this carrier is Instant Sell. If you are sure you would like to proceed, acknowledge this message to complete the booking.
Non-ARC “Instant Sell” bookings do not go through the standard ticketing process. Once the booking is complete, the payment has processed and the booking is considered “ticketed.” As opposed to other airlines, there is not a processing period where an eTicket is issued. In fact, some non-ARC carriers do not even use ticket number.
The order will initially display as “Confirmed/Not ticketed” while it waits for the accounting information to finish processing but unless you receive a notice regarding failed form of payment, the booking is already confirmed and processed and can be accessed on the carrier website at any time.
On the order page, you will see the order update to Ticketed status, but no ticket number will display. You will only need the Airline Locator to access your flight information.
Are there options for including Checked luggage?
All non-ARC instant sell options on FlightBridge are basic economy that do not include any additional bundles. Perks such as checked luggage must be purchased afterward from the carrier website. To check the rules and prices, you can check the carrier's website by following the link included on the Trip Summary and Fares page:
Can I opt for a refundable fare?
Non-ARC carriers are typically “Low Cost Carriers”. These carriers sell their seats at basic economy through booking systems to ensure lowest possible fares. Any added perks like checked luggage, meals or refundable fares are offered as bundles or add-ons that can be purchased separately via the carrier website. Once booked in FlightBridge, you can select a refundable bundle upgrade on the carrier website to help protect your trip if you feel it is needed.
Cancelling non-ARC “Instant Sell” bookings in FlightBridge
Cancelling a non-ARC or “instant sell” booking in FlightBridge is very similar to cancelling a standard booking. All cancellations must be made prior to the flight's departure time.
To cancel, click “Cancel this reservation” from the order page and confirm your choice on the pop-up window.
All fares that are bookable in FlightBridge for non-ARC bookings are for the basic, non-refundable fare.
If you have reason to believe that you are entitled to a refund or a travel credit, some action may be required on the carrier's website to initiate a refund or retain a credit. See links below for more information.
Unused ticket credits for non-ARC “Instant Sell” tickets
FlightBridge is unable to track and apply unused travel credits for non-ARC bookings the same way that we are able to for ARC bookings. All credits for non-ARC bookings are owned by the carrier and can only be applied on the airline website. Travel credits are not honored unless the booking is cancelled prior to its scheduled departure time.
If you have reason to believe that you are entitled to a travel credit, they can be tracked and applied via the airline's website.
