Google is shutting down the QPX Express API for airfare data

#1

Post by imartin2k » Tue, Oct 31, 2017, 5:36 PM UTC

Google has been offering an API for airfare data at https://developers.google.com/qpx-express.

I just received this email:

"Dear QPX Express API Customer, After careful consideration, we've decided to shut down the QPX Express API as of April 10, 2018.

How this affects you

After April 10th, you will not be able to access the API and will no longer be charged for this service. Until then, you will be charged a reduced rate of $0.02 per query for any queries beyond the 50 free daily quota.

Next steps

You don't need to take any action. However, if you are actively using this product you may want to find an alternate solution before April 10, 2018. If you have any questions about these changes, please don't hesitate to contact us at any time. Sincerely,

The QPX Express API team"

More info on the shutdown: https://developers.google.com/qpx-express/faq#EndOfServiceFAQs

Re: Google is shutting down the QPX Express API for airfare data

#2

Post by camus2 » Tue, Oct 31, 2017, 5:59 PM UTC

Any alternative API?

Re: Google is shutting down the QPX Express API for airfare data

#3

Post by timdorr » Tue, Oct 31, 2017, 6:00 PM UTC

"You don't need to take any action. However, if you are actively using this product you may want to find an alternate solution before April 10, 2018."

So, you do need to take action? That's a pretty terrible set of FAQs. They should at least provide a list of alternatives.

Re: Google is shutting down the QPX Express API for airfare data

#4

Post by imartin2k » Tue, Oct 31, 2017, 6:12 PM UTC

camus2 wrote: post #2

Any alternative API?

I am not aware, at least not of one which is offered for free (one a base level). I have been using this one for Python practice. Sad to see it go.

Re: Google is shutting down the QPX Express API for airfare data

#5

Post by JoblessWonder » Tue, Oct 31, 2017, 6:15 PM UTC

timdorr wrote: post #3

"You don't need to take any action. However, if you are actively using this product you may want to find an alternate solution before April 10, 2018." So, you do need to take action? That's a pretty terrible set of FAQs. They should at least provide a list of alternatives.

I mean, you don't NEED to take any action... if you don't care that your data feed no longer exists.

Re: Google is shutting down the QPX Express API for airfare data

#6

Post by quartz » Tue, Oct 31, 2017, 6:21 PM UTC

Skyscanner also recently made it tougher to get at live airfare data through their API[1].

Sad to see providers disappear for this. Not sure what the alternatives are now.

[1] https://support.business.skyscanner.net/hc/en-us/articles/21...

Re: Google is shutting down the QPX Express API for airfare data

#7

Post by 4ad » Tue, Oct 31, 2017, 6:27 PM UTC

I think they want to shutdown the matrix[1]. They already discontinued the matrix smartphone app a year back.

I will be truly lost (quite literally) once matrix is unavailable. I plan out very complex trips and only the matrix can do it.

[1] https://matrix.itasoftware.com

Re: Google is shutting down the QPX Express API for airfare data

#8

Post by nathancahill » Tue, Oct 31, 2017, 6:27 PM UTC

Well, that's terrible. This was the last(?) API that you could sign up for without negotiating with a clearinghouse (which includes contracted numbers of tickets to sell).

Re: Google is shutting down the QPX Express API for airfare data

#9

Post by nathancahill » Tue, Oct 31, 2017, 6:28 PM UTC

4ad wrote: post #7

I think they want to shutdown the matrix[1]. They already discontinued the matrix smartphone app a year back. I will be truly lost (quite literally) once matrix is unavailable. I plan out very complex trips and only the matrix can do it. [1] https://matrix.itasoftware.com

I really hope not. I'm in the same boat (plane?) as you.

Re: Google is shutting down the QPX Express API for airfare data

#10

Post by OzzyB » Tue, Oct 31, 2017, 6:34 PM UTC

So is this a new opportunity for someone to fill this need, or this is a really hard service to offer?

As per other comments: doesn't seem to be much choice in the space anymore.