»»Major Airlines Require Travel Sites To Sell Their Optional Services
Last December two major airlines have stripped their fares from some travel sites. American Airlines stopped to list its flights on Orbitz, Delta did the same with CheapOAir.com, OneTravel.com, and BookIt.com.
With this move arlines are aiming to cut costs, to build brand loyalty and increase their ability to sell the ever-growing array of optional services they offer for a fee.

USA Today quoted Cory Garner, American’s director of distribution strategy, as saying: “It used to be we only sold fares, but now we’re selling much more. We’re interested in exposing not just our fares but optional services through these channels.”
American wants Orbitz to switch to a technology system that informs fliers about their optional services.
Orbitz says: “We will continue to seek an arrangement with American Airlines to distribute American’s tickets on Orbitz.com and Orbitz for Business.”
However, by stopping to list its flights on travel sites, airlines will not allow fliers to quickly compare fares making it harder for them to find the best deal.



