AGENTS have welcomed Ryanair’s decision to move away from
global distribution system-based bookings, but warn against relying on the
Internet.
Ryanair tickets sold through Worldspan and Sabre can now
only be made for travel up to 30 days in advance. Agents booking for a later
period will have to use the Internet.
Sales and marketing director Tim Jeans said the high costs
of the GDSs and the fact that 70% of sales come through the Internet had
prompted the move.
Steve Lees, manager at 1st Western Air travel in Totnes,
Devon said: “This is going to encourage more agents to book on-line and charge
a fee. If clients are happy to pay then no-one will lose out.”