Travel management company (TMC), HoggRobinson Group (HRG), has decided not to pass on global distribution system (GDS) opt-in costs to clients, in contrast to competitors Carlson Wagonlit (CWT) and American Express.
The company was waiting for clarification of British Airways” (BA) latest deals with GDS providers Worldspan, Sabre and Galileo.
”In recent years HRG has played a crucial role in working with the airlines and GDS suppliers to anticipate change and ensure that we have the most efficient and widest access to fares and ticketing alternatives for the benefit of our clients,” said global industry affairs director, Mike Platt.
”We are also committed to maximising the value of our clients” expenditure and while doing all we can to avoid passing on added cost as a result of industry developments.”
American Express made the following statement to ABTN about its decision to pass the charge onto its clients: ”We have worked with Sabre to minimise the potential cost impact associated with its new programmes and, most importantly, continue access to BA fares, schedules and inventory for our clients.
”To allow for the new GDS programmes and continue uninterrupted BA content access, from 1 May 2007 all BA bookings will incur an additional charge of ”0.50 / ”1 ($1/2) per segment (dependent on fare class).”
Carlson Wagonlit also explained its decision on GDS charges: "The new GDS opt in fees are charges directly associated with the cost of accessing a BA ticket. In effect, therefore, they are simply an increase in the BA ticket price for tickets booked via a GDS, impacting both corporations and travellers. As such, CWT is passing on to clients all GDS opt in fees as incurred, in a transparent process."