Earlier today, a collation of companies backed by Sabre and other Global Distribution System (GDS) companies joined together in protest of the move by American Airlines to implement its proprietary Direct Connect system for distributing its flight information.
Comprised of 117 travel-related members, the Open Alliance for Airfare Transparency charter states that it will “oppose ‘strong-arm’ efforts by airlines to create proprietary ‘direct connect’ systems that circumvent existing distribution channels.”
A quick glance at the list of founding members reveals that it is mostly populated by travel agencies, and includes the American Society of Travel Agents, the largest association representing travel agents and travel providers.
Brick-and-mortar travel agents in the United States receive zero commission on booking airfare, with the exception of tickets from certain foreign carriers. However, most agencies still book airline tickets as a courtesy to their customers, either selling near cost or charging a fee for providing the service.
Though American Airlines currently does not have plans to charge for their Direct Connect service, uncertainly over future costs or restrictions placed on travel agencies by American has them taking a firm approach.
The Open Alliance for Airfare Transparency is also taking its appeal to consumers.
On its Web site, the group states, “Some airlines want to make it harder for consumers and businesses to compare the full cost of air travel—including new fees for checked baggage, priority boarding, and other services.”
Though this claim is largely speculative, this hasn’t stopped the group from taking a page out of the Fairsearch.org playbook, creating an animated video outlining the argument over hidden fees (watch it below).
American has not issued a statement in response to the announcement.
By Fernando Padilla for PeterGreenberg.com.
Related Links: TravelAgentCentral.com, BusinessWeek, FareTransparency.org
Related links on PeterGreenberg.com:
- American Airlines Allies With Priceline In Dispute With Sabre, Travelport
- AA Gets New Ally: Google’s ITA Acquisition Imminent As DOJ Considers Lawsuit
- News Analysis: What The Battle Between American Airlines & OTAs Means
- American Wins Injunction Against Sabre As Booking Wars Continue
- Sabre Dumps American Airlines As Online Booking Wars Heat Up
- FairSearch Adds Members In Opposition To Google’s Acquisition of ITA Software
- Expedia Protests American Airlines Decision By Hiding Its Fares
- US Airlines Bullish For 2011: More Fees For Travelers
- Delta, American Airlines Pull Fares From Some Third-Party Web Sites
