Airline Moves Jeopardize Consumer Interests

In a statement issued following the US Department of Justice’s (DOJ) confirmation that it was opening an investigation into alleged anti-competitive actions by airlines, the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) said that it applauds DOJ’s announcement and its “interest in protecting air travel consumers.”

The association said that “consumers – whether they are leisure or business travellers – benefit greatly from the ability to search, compare and book travel via the advanced technology solutions created and deployed by Travel Tech’s diverse membership. Global distribution systems (GDSs), online travel agents (OTAs) and meta and travel research websites have been integral in creating a vibrant 21st century travel marketplace for consumers.”

It’s statement points out that today, “There is less competition in air travel due to carrier consolidation. As a result, it is more important than ever that consumers continue to have the ability to effectively shop for transparent travel options across suppliers.”

However, it points out that “these benefits are currently being threatened on several fronts,” noting that several airlines have adopted policies that restrict the availability of fare and schedule information in the marketplace. Limiting access to airline content through the independent channel — which provides travellers with the transparency and choice they demand — negatively impacts consumer welfare.”

(A recent study on this topic is available at http://www.TravelTech.org ).

Another concern is discriminatory surcharges and fees imposed only on those who choose to book travel via channels other than with the airlines directly.

Travel Tech said that these actions run counter to the travel marketplace goals of efficiency, transparency, competition and consumer choice that have made travel such an important economic engine in the United States and other countries around the world.

“It is particularly important that consumers not be financially penalized for using travel tools that allow them to comparison shop for airline travel or manage business travel. Even if the number of airlines from which to choose has diminished over time through consolidation, consumers should still be able to shop in an open, transparent marketplace,” the association said in its statement.

For more, go to http://www.TravelTech.org .