Codeshare pricing disparities identified
ASTA has responded to reports that the new codeshare deal between American Airlines and USAirways has struck a pot-hole. According to officials, the price for some codeshare flights varies by more than double, depending on which airline it is booked.
“Since a consumer using the Internet on her own may not discover the discrepancy, it is especially important that travel agents remain vigilant about these price discrepancies and act to protect their clients from overpaying,” said ASTA president Zane Kerby (pictured).
These concerns are in addition to the mandatory disclosures of codeshares required by department of transportation regulations, which was addressed by ASTA in a Member Alert on Jan. 14.
In the reports, an unnamed American spokesperson was quoted saying the price discrepancies will stop when the carriers adopt “common technology platforms.” There is no current information on when that may happen. The technology integrations of other large merging airlines have often been plagued with problems, so this issue may last a while.
“The evidence continues to grow,” added Kerby, “that in our ever-more complex marketplace, having a guide and mentor, someone to watch your back, is essential. This incident makes it even clearer that ‘Without a Travel Agent, You’re on Your Own.’”
