The following article reviews how to set up another type of Dynamic package, referred to as a "Package-on-the-Fly". This type of package allows different components to be selected at the time of booking, depending on what the guest is requesting. Think of it as making a reservation with a group of hand picked Guest Services that can then be billed as a "bespoke" package.
Method 2: Packages-on-the-Fly
When building a Dynamic Package, it is done by making a "test" reservation for 1 night only. This reservation is only to be used for the initial setup of the package, and can be cancelled after the package has been completed, and the rates have been confirmed as correct on the confirmation form.
Dynamic Packages are created by making a new Reservation. Click on New Res.
Make a New Reservation
Make the reservation for 1 night only, on the Client Type that the package is to be booked on. Client Types with Independent functions work best for this, so Leisure is the one being used in this example.
Choose the desired Rate Plan for the base of the package. It is possible to use one rate plan for all packages, or a specific Rate Plan can be created for each package.
Use a Test Profile
Proceed to the Guest Info tab and use a Test profile for this reservation.
Adding Guest Services
In Method 1, we chose the Style first, added the TCode and Description, then added the Guest Services. With Packages-on-the-Fly, the Guest Services are added first, then the Style of package is selected. As in Method 1, select the Guest Services from the list on the right, and move them on to the reservation using the black arrow.
Select Package Posting Style
Once the Guest Services are attached to the Reservation, select the Style from the drop down menu, and assign the package a TCode and Description. In this example, we are building the Activity Package. In the future, when making reservations, the contents of this package can vary to include all, or only some of the Services listed. Alternately, other Guest Services not listed below can also be added, creating an entirely unique package for a specific guest.
- Once the desired Guest Services have been added, place a check in the box to the left.
- Click OK to complete the booking
NOTE: Once this package is created it cannot be altered or deleted. Ensure proper spelling & components before hitting OK.
Restart the PMS
Before doing anything else, close out of the PMS completely, and log in again. This will upload the package to the server so that it can be booked in the future.
Check the Confirmation
Locate the reservation and print the confirmation page. Check to ensure the reservation is booked on the package, and that the rate is correct.
Booking a Package-on-the-Fly
To book a Package-on-the-Fly reservation, follow normal booking procedures, however, this time on the Services tab:
- Add the requested Guest Services FIRST
- Select the Style from the drop down menu
- Select the TCode from the list
In the below example, some of the original Guest Services have been swapped out for others. Instead of renting Scooters, the guest decided to Golf. They chose to Golf on the first day, take Horseback Rides on the second day, and rent Kayaks on the third day. This package has been completely customized to suit what activities the guest wanted to take advantage of during their stay, and each one has been adjusted to bill only on the days they want to take part in that activity. Additionally, there is a Resort Fee attached to the reservation, set to bill once per day.
- Remember to place the check marks in the box next to each Guest Service to ensure it attaches to the reservation properly
- Click OK to complete the reservation
A few things to note about Dynamic Packages
- When setting up guest services make sure to pay attention to how the guest services charge. Will the charge be per person or per room, will the charge be daily or per stay. All these factors will have an effect on how the Guest Services charge in the package.
- The difference between the “Style” of a package. A package style will show the cost of the package as one lump sum charge on the first night of the Guest Folio while an inclusion style will show the cost of the package broken down night by night on the guest folio.
Inclusion Style Package
In the below example, the "Inclusion" style of package was chosen. Note that the charges are the same for each of the 3 nights the guest booked. (This can change if the rate fluctuates, or if the number of guests taking advantage of various services goes up or down on different days.)
Package Style Package
In the below example, the "Package" style of package was chosen. Note that all charges for the whole stay fell on the first night, even though the guest was booked for 3 nights.
