American Airlines this week decided to go with the Direct Connect option from their website to sell to consumers. This does not leave consumers a lot of choices because both Orbitz and Expedia have pulled them from their websites. American's website does not show all the auxiliary fees that come along with buying tickets. Along with the big online travel agencies this week Sabre, one of the largest GDS (global distribution systems) has also taken a stand against American and dropped their fares way down in the search process. Courts have agreed with American's appeal and have stopped Sabre from doing that. Not only will consumers now spend more time searching, so will Travel Agents. It will force them to spend more time searching to find the best fare for their clients.
Today American has agreed to use a company, ITA to distribute its technology. With this new announcement it is yet unknown if this will help the consumer or if it will just become another Mega Online Travel Agency. Let's hope this will indeed be a good move for consumers and their travel agents.
Please see this great article by a fellow travel agent.
American Airlines Direct Connect Proposal will cost the consumer :By The Travelersadvocate
Till next time...Bon Voyage!
Joyce
I think AA is making a big mistake and I do hope other airlines don't follow suit!
ReplyDeleteMary McGrath
www.travelbugonline.blogspot.com