Retailers ‘in the dark’ over payment schemes

Retailers ‘in the dark’ over payment schemes

THE future payment schemes of established airlines have led to concerns from business travel agents who claim they are in the dark over the carriers’ plans.

During a debate at the 2000 Independent Business Travel Agents’ Conference, retailers said they know where they stand with low-cost airlines, despite their reluctance to pay commission.

Aberdeen-based The Travel Company managing director Phil Schaeffer said: “Low-cost airlines have a defined strategy. The others don’t.

“Are they offering 9%, 7% or nothing at all? There seems to be no forward planning.”

His comments were echoed by Seaforths Travel supplier development manager Allan Schoenherr. “There are a lot of airlines that can use any incentive to grab market share. Some will go with net fares, some will go to 15% and some will offer fees.

“The 9% commission is easy to forecast and to put through the system. We are spending more time on working out what we are going to earn, instead of actually earning. We need one system across the board.”