EXPEDIA UK claims that on-line travel agencies will adjust to British Airways’ move to axe commission much more quickly than high-street outlets.
UK manager James Vaile said:”We are confident in our relationship with BA. We can work within whatever model is created.”
He claimed that on-line agencies would be able to absorb the loss of commission more easily because they don’t have overheads like property costs. And he added that Internet companies found it easier than traditional businesses to introduce new, value-added services to customers, such as selling travel-related items like books and luggage.
Meanwhile, on-line travel management company travelstore.com welcomed BA’s move, claiming the move towards fees would make agents more professional in their dealings with customers.
Managing director Bill McFarlane predicted that in the future agents would offer a more unbiased choice of travel options, instead of pushing a supplier with whom they have a preferential commission deal.
However, Midlands Co-op Travel’s general manager of Internet Travel Auctions, Gill Peachy, said: “If BA proceeds with its plan to scrap commission, then we would look to other companies to meet our customers’ requirements.
“With the worldwide airline alliances that are in place, this should be relatively easy to achieve.”