BRITISH Airways is set to drop a further bombshell on
agents by scrapping current payments.
The industry’s ‘favourite’ airline is considering
replacing the £6, £11 and £20 Fresh Approach booking rewards with a flat £5
payment.
The controversial change is expected to hit retailers
in April.
Agents have contacted Travel Weekly to say they have
been warned by the airline’s sales force that the £5 payment could come in
imminently.
Head of UK and Ireland sales Tiffany Hall admitted BA
was looking at payments again and was reviewing Fresh Approach earlier than
anticipated due to economic conditions.
Current levels were only set last April and have been
continually attacked by agents for being too low.
The shock review by BA comes as it launches a £5.3
million business travel campaign with prime-time television adverts.
Agents will be offered
incentives to sell full-fare tickets by being entered into a draw to win a pair
of tickets to worldwide destinations.