American Express Global Business Travel has enabled U.S. midmarket customers to use Apple Business Chat to communicate with live GBT support agents using the Messages app for iOS. Apple Business Chat now is available for 1,500 midsized GBT corporate clients, with more companies and segments to follow in 2020, Amex GBT said.
The service enables travelers to book travel and receive updates for air, ground and hotel bookings. To connect to a GBT travel counselor, travelers who tap to call the GBT service phone number anywhere within the iOS interface will see a suggestion to send a message instead. If they select that option, a conversation with a GBT travel counselor will open instantly in the Messages app.
Amex GBT already offers chat-based service within the TMC's mobile app, as well as via its Connect Portal online travel booking and management tool. Adding another chat-based support option lets travelers select the channel they most prefer and with which they're most familiar, according to Amex GBT.
Earlier this year, Delta announced it would add Apple Business Chat to its Fly Delta app. Marriot piloted an integration with Business Chat for its loyalty program members in 2018.