Today’s travelers don’t just book trips — they expect a fully connected journey. From digital boarding passes to rideshare apps and remote work access, mobile connectivity is now a non-negotiable part of the travel experience.
Smart travel brands are turning this expectation into opportunity. By integrating travel eSIMs into their booking flow, online travel agencies (OTAs) and digital travel platforms are unlocking new ancillary revenue streams while improving customer satisfaction.
One CELITECH partner recently demonstrated the potential of this approach, achieving a 4.97% increase in bookings after embedding eSIMs seamlessly into their platform through CELITECH’s API integration.
Before the integration, the OTA faced a challenge common across the travel industry — engagement dropped sharply after booking. Travelers completed their reservations and rarely returned until their next trip.
This limited interaction meant fewer upsell opportunities and almost no participation in post-booking services. Travelers, meanwhile, faced connectivity frustrations upon arrival — struggling to find local SIM cards or affordable data options.
The OTA wanted to solve both problems: enhance traveler experience and generate incremental revenue, all without adding operational complexity or customer support load.
To bridge this gap, the OTA integrated CELITECH’s API-based eSIM solution directly into its booking flow. The process was quick, fully digital, and required no inventory, setup, or logistics.
During checkout, travelers were presented with a simple add-on: “Stay connected abroad with a global eSIM.” Once selected, they received an instant QR code and step-by-step activation instructions upon booking confirmation. No app downloads, no waiting — just instant connectivity.
For the OTA team, implementation was effortless. CELITECH’s API integration required minimal technical resources, and the platform handled all carrier connectivity, data plan management, and customer activation seamlessly.
In essence, the OTA gained a new digital product category without adding operational weight — turning a traditional booking flow into a connected travel experience.
Through A/B testing on thousands of transactions, the OTA found that bookings offering the travel eSIM had a 4.97% higher conversion rate than bookings that did not include the eSIM option, clearly showing how connectivity offerings drive travelers to complete their bookings.
The uplift wasn’t just about conversions. The presence of a travel eSIM option made the platform more appealing to travelers seeking a smoother, more connected trip. It enhanced perceived value, reduced cart abandonment, and encouraged travelers to finalize their bookings through the OTA instead of price-shopping elsewhere.
Post-booking engagement also improved. More users returned to manage their eSIMs, track usage, and explore related services — extending customer touchpoints well beyond checkout.
This performance reflects a broader trend across the travel technology sector. According to Skift, ancillary revenue now represents up to 15% of total airline income, and digital connectivity is rapidly becoming one of the fastest-growing ancillary categories for OTAs and travel platforms.
For travelers, the integration removed a major travel stressor — staying connected abroad. Instead of hunting for local SIM cards or relying on expensive roaming plans, they could activate a data plan in seconds right after booking.
This meant smoother check-ins, access to real-time travel updates, and instant communication with family or business contacts. Whether they were flying for leisure or work, travelers started their journey connected and confident.
This convenience directly boosted customer satisfaction and loyalty. Feedback showed that travelers valued the simplicity of purchasing a connectivity plan during booking — a small step that made a big difference in how they perceived the brand.
It created a seamless “door-to-door” experience, reinforcing the OTA’s role as a trusted travel companion rather than just a booking platform.
This case highlights three clear lessons for travel brands:
Connectivity is now part of how travelers plan, book, and experience their trips. The OTA in this case turned that expectation into measurable business growth — and so can you.
Explore how CELITECH’s API-driven eSIM platform can help your brand add connectivity to your booking journey, improve traveler satisfaction, and create new revenue streams — all with zero operational effort.
Your VIP backstage pass to the latest eSIM news, trends, and insider info.
