Is Direct Connect Best for the Consumer?
Well as you have probably read, American Airlines is pushing Direct Connect as their desired new model in which to distribute their services. American has asserted the current distribution model is obosolete and cannot adequately provide travelers both fares and ancillary products and services. In addition, American indicates the direct connect model will reduce American's overall distribution costs which weigh in as part of their top 5 expenditures.
We believe that a change to the current model of distribution channels would result in less transparency, an inability for travelers and corporate customers to easily and productively gauge the actual costs of a proposed trip and only serve to add costs to an efficient system.
This new model would require investments in technology, operational processes, and most certainly reduce the productivity of both travel management staff and travelers as a whole. Should content no longer be available, the means are in place to continue distribution; however, those additional costs will need to be passed on most probably in the form of higher transaction fees to the consumer.
So how is Travizon responding to this issue? We have been acting on our client partners behalf by lobbying American Airlines to work within the current model and make all fares and any ancillary products and services available through the GDS system. This will provide the capability to assess actual costs of a trip easily and effectively. We will continue to advocate for the availability of all content so that we can provide transparency in travel procurement.
