British Airways is fining the trade for failing to provide Advance Passenger Information and customer contact deals.
Since April, a clause has been written into all new contracts, making signatories liable for a £3 charge each time they fail to supply a passenger’s API details. They will also be fined £1.50 each time they omit a mobile phone number or an e-mail address.
It is believed the fines will be levied on any signatory who fails to provide the relevant details of more than a quarter of their customers.
The move has now become contentious as operators ask agents for assistance in collecting information during the busy summer season.
A BA spokeswoman said the move was introduced in preparation for the airline’s move to Heathrow Terminal 5 next year and aims to avoid queues at check-in desks. She added the information would not be used for direct marketing.
The trade’s reaction to the move has been mixed. One operator, who asked not to be named, said: “It allows BA to control our clients.”
However, Travel 2/4 airline account manager Garry Barone said: “The extra security step is an important stage in confirming a booking which in turn speeds up airport check-in.”