The travel industry is adopting a new view and different approach to API development, moving testing and security earlier in the lifecycle to prevent costly delays.
As travel companies increasingly rely on complex ecosystems of APIs to connect airlines, hotels, and agencies, the traditional “build then test” model is becoming a bottleneck. Industry experts are now advocating for a Shift Left methodology, which integrates testing, quality assurance (QA), and security checks right from the start of the design phase.
Key Benefits:
- Faster Speed to Market: By catching bugs and compatibility issues early, developers avoid last-minute “firefighting” before launch.
- Cost Efficiency: Fixing a defect during the design phase is significantly cheaper than resolving it after deployment.
- Enhanced Security: Integrating security protocols early protects sensitive passenger data, a critical requirement in the travel sector.
- Better Developer Experience: Clearer documentation and reliable mock-ups allow partners to integrate faster and with less frustration.
For travel tech leaders, adopting this mindset means moving away from viewing APIs as just “pipes” for data and treating them as products that require rigorous upfront quality control. This proactive shift promises more stable connections and a smoother booking experience for end travelers.
