Airlines are missing an opportunity to extend 11-month booking window, says The Travel Village managing director Phil Nuttall
Having had the privilege of working in what I consider to be the best industry in the world, one that has afforded me opportunities that many could only dream of, I now find myself looking at an industry that is going to miss two golden opportunities post Covid-19.
There is no doubt this virus has had a catastrophic impact on global travel and those working in the leisure sector. With my travel agent hat on, I fear we not only have the airlines (aside from a handful) contributing to a breakdown in consumer trust but they have the potential to commit an even bigger sin by not making an open statement to commit to changes to the current antiquated GDS which restricts the loading and sale of flights outside 11 months from the current date.
Forward bookings
At a time where operators such as Jet2holidays, and cruise lines, are in a position to sell holidays and travel into 2022, thus guaranteeing rebookings and new sales which travel agents desperately need, the airlines have to all intents and purposes been caught with their trousers down at a time when travel agents and customers are looking to rebook cancelled flights and holidays for summer 2021 and beyond.
Now excuse me if I am missing something but if they can build new hospitals in a matter of days to try and tackle this pandemic, then why are we not seeing collaboration across the airlines and lobbying from government to end this ridiculous practice within the GDS?
Surely cash being generated for flights in 2021 and early 2022 will at best take pressure off the current refunds fiasco and more people will be inclined to accept postponement to next year. All that is happening at present is people are not able to secure accommodation or cruises because they cannot make flight reservations, which in turn will potentially put those suppliers out of business because, having already lost 2020 business, they are now failing to secure bookings for 2021.
Potential job losses
The second point is furlough and the potential for huge job losses in our sector when this is finally phased-out. We have seen many good people in travel furloughed in recent weeks, and my worry is that we are going to lose some very bright, forward-thinking and engaging people.
We are, without a shadow of a doubt, going to see a much leaner industry post Covid-19, but not necessarily the best-equipped in terms of the personnel. I know that is a strong statement, but at a time when good, strong, well-run travel businesses will need bright, astute and committed people from the tour operators to support us in new ways – in the new world – I’m fearful some of these people will be lost.
Having been brought up in a travel family and having spent all of my life in and around a travel agency, I never thought I would be putting pen to paper on these two specific thoughts.
‘Look yourself in the mirror’
Throughout this crisis there have been surprises. Some in the travel industry have stood up to be counted, made measured decisions without shooting from the hip and shown qualities of support, insight, determination and positivity – while others have either carried on as before with little or no inspiration, or have shrunk into hibernation hoping to avoid confrontation and re appear when it’s all blown over.
Whichever camp you are in, just be aware that people are watching. There’s never been a better time to look yourself in the mirror and decide that you are going to go out there and make a positive difference – especially if your job is saved post Covid-19.
If it is and you don’t step up, remember there is always someone waiting to step in. Let’s not waste opportunities, or people, when travel starts rebuilding.
