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Re-activateAs we've noted recently, the battle over how air carriers distribute their tickets has led to an all-out war between American Airlines and several leading travel technology firms, including Expedia and Orbitz.
Now a broad coalition of travel organizations, travel companies, and travel purchasers are organizing to address its claim that "transparent [airline] pricing is under attack." The American Society of Travel Agents and the Business Travel Coalition are among those who have formed the Open Allies for Airfare Transparency, and the organization has recruited travel agencies, online travel sites, global travel distribution systems, foreign trade associations, and the travel departments of dozens of large corporations, including Oracle and Dell. (See the organization's video above.) The group is urging the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide greater transparency in airline pricing, which Consumers Union has proposed as well.
Like many airlines, American has attempted to drive more consumers to its own branded website, and in so doing has developed Direct Connect, a customized booking program. Subsequently Sabre, a travel technology firm that provides travel agencies with flights and fares, downgraded American; in addition, the airline's inventory currently is not available in Expedia, Hotwire, or Orbitz.
American is providing information on its site for customers with questions about how to book the carrier's flights. And earlier this week American touted a new agreement with travel site Priceline to utilize the Direct Connect technology that has so angered other travel sites.
Meanwhile, the National Business Travel Association has announced it will host a discussion next month in Washington, D.C. to address what it terms "The Transformation of Travel Distribution Economics."
—William J. McGee
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