The price for some code-share flights varies by more than double, depending on which airline it is booked.
ALEXANDRIA, VA – ASTA responded to reports that the new codeshare deal between American Airlines and USAirways has struck a pot-hole. The price for some code-share 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 Zane Kerby, ASTA President & Chief Operating Officer. 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 January 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.”
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
