Chaos looms for agents over American Airlines� new GDS charges in the US-2--J.

Chaos looms for agents over American Airlines� new GDS charges in the US-2--J.: "Chaos looms for agents over American Airlines� new GDS charges in the US
American Airlines has sent the US travel industry into a panic after announcing it will charge agents $3.50 per segment for GDS bookings that are not made with its preferred GDS partners.

It is feared airlines and GDS companies are planning the same move in the UK.

Alan Coles, managing director of P&O Travel and chairman of the GTMC Air Working Party, said discussions about similar moves were currently taking place between the airlines and the GDS companies in the UK.

'Our hope is that they come up with a better solution,' he said.

'What we need is access to all content and deals simply and efficiently. It is not a welcome move at all. It's a case of shifting costs around again, and by passing the cost on to agents ultimately it is the customer that will pay.'

Kathryn Sudeikis, president and CEO of the American Society of Travel Agents, said: 'American's announcement tells every travel agency in America: if you want to sell us, run your business the way we tell you or you'll be forced to pay us for the privilege of booking our services. "