USCARRIERS have put more pressure on UKagents by rolling out three new options for direct sales over the Internet.
American Airlines and Delta Air Lines have made on-line bookings available to UK passengers for the first time and four US airlines are developing a joint Internet site for direct sales.
American has also set up a personalised page for UK visitors to the site – www.aa.com – so it can target customers with fare deals and messages. The airline takes 1% of booked revenue over the Internet, but the amount is rising rapidly. Some $500m will be taken this year in on-line sales. It claimed agents will also use the service to make bookings.
American also said customers often use the Internet site to look up information and then book through an agent.
First-time visitors to Delta’s site – www.delta-air.com – are currently being offered bonus frequent flyer points for booking on the Internet.
The third new product comes on-line in the first half of next year when Delta, United Airlines, Continental Airlines and Northwest Airlines launch a joint travel Internet site.