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The OTA_GroundAvailRS (Ground Availability Response) returns available ground transfer services in response to an OTA_GroundAvailRQ. Use it to read priced service options, conditions, and any applicable fees or penalties.

Structure – Root Element

Key children: Success | Errors | GroundServices | Warnings (if products are OnRequest).

Success & Errors

  • On success, the message may include an empty <Success/> and populated <GroundServices>.
  • If no suitable services are found, the response returns <Errors> with Code="14" and ShortText="calculation error". Error Scenarios.

Structure - Core Elements

GroundServices is a container of one or more GroundService items, each representing a priced transfer option and its rules.

GroundService

ServiceInfo

High‑level details for the service.
  • Attributes: DisabilityVehicleInd (boolean), ServiceType (e.g., AirportTransfer), MaximumPassengers (integer), ShortDescription (string).
  • Children: ServiceLevel (vehicle/contract code), VehicleType (OTA vehicle descriptor).

RateQualifier

Shows the transfer stock code and the promotion (IN, OT or both).

Restrictions

Operational/financial flags at search time.
  • CalculationPenaltyInd="true" indicates cancellations may incur a penalty, specified under PaymentRules.

TotalCharge

Total price (currency and amount) for the service option in the search response.

Extras

Optional or mandatory extras available. Use RequiredInd to distinguish if they are mandatory or not:

PaymentRules

Cancellation rules (RuleType="1" = Cancel). When multiple rules apply, the one nearest to the service start date is used.

Shuttle (GeoCode Searches)

When the request used GeoCodes, services may include Shuttle/ServiceLocation entries. PickupInd marks direction membership; hotel candidates are sorted by distance from the provided GeoCode. If the distributor is Giata‑licensed, ResourceName can carry the Giata code.

Per‑Resort Searches

If the search is per‑resort, the response may list available hotels under TPA_Extensions/Properties.

Warnings

When the request asks to include OnRequest products, the response includes warnings noting the service status.

Complete Examples

Best Practices

  1. Always echo the request token in EchoToken.
  2. Validate totals before booking—TotalCharge is authoritative at search time.
  3. Cancellations: apply the rule with the deadline closest to the service start date.
  4. Extras: treat RequiredInd="true" as mandatory and auto‑include in pricing.