The Institute of Travel Management has warned buyers that changes made by British Airways to its credit card charges could cause issues for some travel policies.
BBT reported that the current flat £5 fee for booking a flight using a credit card will be changed to 1 per cent of the total ticket price, up to a maximum of £20.
In a letter to its members seen by BBT, ITM told buyers: “That the 1 per cent will not appear at the point of sale “therefore comparison between the total cost of an air fare from one carrier to the next will not be clear on self booking tool.
“This may cause problems for you if your policy is travel on the lowest fare available and may also cause confusion with regards to reporting savings and missed savings.”
The organisation, which is the professional body for travel buyers, managers and suppliers, advised to check the contracts in place with British Airways and to see if “contractually you are able to avoid this applying to you and your programme”. It also said contact your BA account manager and TMC and share with ITM any issues and questions you may have.
It also stated that if payment for airline tickets is on an invoice account with your TMC these fees do not apply.
“Our position still remains that the cost associated with doing business should be included in the price (as with any industry). We believe that any charges and fees should be visible at the point of shopping and not at the point of check out,” said ITM.
Discuss this issue further on ITM’s online forum