Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Flight & Stay Search MCP Server

Q: What is an MCP Server? A: An MCP (Model Context Protocol) Server acts as a bridge, standardizing how applications provide context to Large Language Models (LLMs). It enables AI models to access and interact with external data sources, APIs, and tools.

Q: What is the Duffel API? A: The Duffel API is a platform that provides access to flight data from a wide range of airlines. The Flight & Stay Search MCP Server uses the Duffel API to search for flights.

Q: What types of flights can I search for? A: You can search for one-way, round-trip, and multi-city flights.

Q: Can I specify cabin class and the number of passengers? A: Yes, you can specify the cabin class (e.g., economy, business, first class) and the number of passengers traveling.

Q: Can I filter flight searches based on connection preferences? A: Yes, you can filter flight searches based on connection preferences, such as the maximum number of layovers or preferred connection airports.

Q: How do I search for hotels/accommodations? A: Use the search_stays tool, specifying the destination, check-in and check-out dates, and number of guests.

Q: How do I get guest reviews for a specific hotel? A: Use the get_stay_reviews tool, providing the unique Duffel stay/hotel ID.

Q: What is the DUFFEL_API_KEY and where do I get it? A: The DUFFEL_API_KEY is an API key required to access the Duffel API. You can obtain a test API key from the Duffel website to try out the functionality.

Q: How do I install the MCP server? A: Use npm install to install the dependencies, then npm run build to build the project.

Q: How do I start the MCP server? A: After building the project, use npm start to launch the server.

Q: How do I run the published MCP on Smithery? A: Use the command: npx @smithery/cli run @your-username/flights-mcp-ts --config "{"duffelApiKey":"your_duffel_api_key"}"

Q: What are some example queries I can use? A: Some examples include: “Find flights from SFO to NYC on May 15, 2025”, “Search for a round-trip flight from LAX to LHR departing June 10 and returning June 20”, and “Find hotels in London for 2 guests from 2025-06-10 to 2025-06-12”.

Q: Is this MCP server suitable for corporate travel management? A: Yes, companies can use this MCP server to build AI-powered travel management systems.

Q: Can I integrate this MCP server with a chatbot? A: Yes, you can enhance customer service by integrating the Flight & Stay Search MCP Server with chatbots.