ARC
How ARC Works for US Travel Agencies
Understand ARC reporting, settlement schedules, refunds and agency controls
By Project OTA | 10 Aug, 2026 | 7 min read
A clear guide to the ARC reporting and settlement lifecycle for US agencies and OTA operators.
Step 1: Create the air transaction
The agency sells an eligible airline product and creates the required ticket or document record. The booking system links the PNR, passenger, fare, taxes, payment and ticket number.
Step 2: Submit and settle
The agency follows its ARC reporting process and settles amounts according to the assigned schedule. Reports must match issued documents, refunds, exchanges, voids and other adjustments.
Step 3: Manage exceptions
Finance and support teams investigate debit memos, chargebacks, duplicate records and refund mismatches. A complete audit history helps the agency respond with evidence and correct the underlying workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ARC the same as BSP?
No. ARC is primarily used for US agency airline reporting and settlement, while BSP is IATA's settlement framework used across many international markets.
Can an OTA use ARC without operational controls?
No. ARC operations require accurate reporting, financial controls, document reconciliation and compliance with applicable rules.
Key Takeaways
- ARC connects eligible US agency reporting with airline settlement operations.
- Accurate document-level records support refunds, exchanges and disputes.
- Payment and fraud controls are part of operational readiness.
Project OTA builds ARC-ready US booking platforms with document tracking, payment controls and reconciliation.
Talk to Project OTA