Linking to a page using sessions?

Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2010 2:53 pm

I want to create a permanent link from my website to another webpage which is using sessions.

This is the link at the moment: http://www.ipgflorida.com/reservation/DetailsAndAvailability.aspx?sessionId=029b9bd8da694de99f1c2f3e3a960e75

The problem is this link will eventually expire.

Is there a way to maintain a permanent link to this page, apart from upating it manually?

Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2010 3:55 pm

No, thats what sessions are designed to do - expire!
Some sites use regenerate_session() to keep the session open if the existing session expires whilst you are on the site but even though the session will regenerate, the session ID itself will change.
If the site uses cookies, it's possible you might be able to read the cookie data in and append it to your own sites cookie (assuming no naming convention conflicts) but it really depends on how important it is for you to have a valid link i.e. is it worth the hassle?

Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2010 4:15 pm

OK I thought that might be the case.

I am creating a website for a friend to advertise their villa, but all the booking is being done through their management companies websites. If the link keeps expiring it is going to be a real pain in the a#$e!

I think it is actually quite short sighted of them to use sessions. What happens if someone wanted to do a review on the property, they will not be able to post a valid link to the property and they could potentially lose out on bookings. JMO

Posted: Sun Feb 28, 2010 5:07 pm

I think that site is getting it's data from elsewhere as well, you can see it in the browser status bar sometimes.
Any way, you could possible ask them if there is a way to pass the vacation item id code into their search box, that way you can link to it via siteurl/Search.asp&something=C2232 (or whatver the vacation id was).

Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2010 1:27 pm

i did a little investigation for you , and all i can say is...crap.

The property list is under control of:
http://secure.instantsoftwareonline.com/StayUSA/demo/isid.htm

The company what entered your friends home have a membership theire.
If you visit the above site you will see in the left menu a link called "owner link".

How this site exactly works i dont now , however , your friends need to contact the company where they put theire property for listing , and ask them for this "owner link".

They could charge them for it , or they might not have the correct membership to provide them with this direct link.

Grtzz wHiTeHaT