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American Airlines May Pull Tickets From Orbitz

by Hugh Collins Nov 5th 2010 7:22AM
Updated Nov 5th 2010 7:51AM
American Airlines (AMR) may yank its tickets from travel website Orbitz (OWW) in a dispute over how the website gets information on American ticket prices.

American wants travel agencies to access ticket prices direct from American, rather than going through middlemen called global distribution systems, or GDS, The Associated Press reported.

This would lower costs for the airlines, as every time a ticket is sold via a GDS, the GDS takes a portion of the price.

Orbitz CEO Barney Harford said the American strategy would make it harder for customers to compare prices.

Orbitz is controlled by Travelport Limited, which also owns two GDS.

American said in a statement that its tickets will still be available on Orbitz today and they will "continue to negotiate in good faith to reach a viable, mutually beneficial agreement with Orbitz."

Airlines have been working to trim costs as the economic slowdown and high fuel costs eat into profits.

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17 Comments

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pbihomes

it would also be a little uncomfortable boaring in minnesota.

November 15 2010 at 10:00 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
pbihomes

lets make security quick. Disrobe before security, put your clothes in the checked baggage. Fly naked and pick up your clothes in baggage claim when you arrive. However the airlines would have to provide blankets again to keep warm since the planes are cold and shrinkage would be embarrasing. They also would not be able to serve hot coffee.

November 15 2010 at 9:59 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
pbihomes

many people do not know that if you book thru hotwire orbitz or sites like that they are not customers of the airline or hotel. If something goes wrong the airline or hotel or car rental can just say go call hotline. I was on a cancelled flight and the airline rebooked everyone on other airlines except they sent all of the hotline customers to the end of the line and then just told them they had to wait for their next flight hours later while all of those who booked directly with the airline went merrily on their way. If you show up at a hotel and they have no reservation for you they just tell you to go call hotwire. As some said just use orbitz to compare prices then go book directly with the airline or car rental agency or hotel. Also check the hotel on line price and then call the hotel directly. I did this yesterday and by calling the hotel direct it was $11.00 cheaper than the on line price.

November 15 2010 at 9:54 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
gsmackfan2

I think all airlines should pull out. they lose alot of money . There should be a site like progressive where prices are compared and if u want a ticket go directly to the airline site so travelocity and .... dont get a cut

November 07 2010 at 3:08 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
sg67

Bull*&^$...AMR(AA Parent) owns their own GDS(SABRE) and have for many years lost money in this venture. Especially since they(AMR) cut mom & pop (whom leased GDS system from AMR & paid hefty per segment fees based on productivity in addition) income dried up in the late 90's. BOO HOO HOO for AMR. Cut your nose off despite your face once again. So you can't make money on both ends. Sorry.(NOT)

November 06 2010 at 10:55 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
contestkid

I always use the travel sites first to compare prices between airlines and then go the airlines' website itself to book the flight.

November 06 2010 at 10:20 PM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to contestkid's comment
Star Merchandise

Me to thats the best way

November 15 2010 at 11:08 AM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply
contestkid

I always use the travel sites first to compare prices between airlines and then go the airlines' website itself to book the flight.

November 06 2010 at 10:20 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
amerabritt

What on earth are you people babbling about? I fly AA to London all the time, have never had a problem, check my first bag free, take my carry on, always had very nice flight attendants, overall good experience, and I am sorry but I cannot imagine ANY airline charging $10.00 for the "head" how ridiculas.

November 06 2010 at 8:05 PM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply
JLS

AA is also MY FIRST CHOICE! The crew is also terrific. The prices are competitive. And, most of all, I feel safe. There is no comparison and those of us who fly all the time on business know this. Orbitz sucks. They're always working a game. No thanks!

November 06 2010 at 12:03 AM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
JLS

I stand with American Airlines! US airlines have been struggling since 9/11. Why try so hard to finish them off? Screw you, Orbitz. I'll never use you again.

November 06 2010 at 12:01 AM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply