Survey shows eight out of 10 agents switch-selling BA

EIGHT out of 10 travel agents claim they are now switch-selling from British Airways following the introduction of its payment scheme, the Fresh Approach.

A Travel Weekly poll of 130 retailers up and down the country showed most are not having any problem persuading their clients to travel with rival airlines.

Most agents say they are acting in protest at BA’s new scheme, launched on April 1, which replaces 7% commission with flat-level sector payments.

BA head of UK and Ireland sales Tiffany Hall agreed some agents would switch-sell, but said the majority of “key trade partners have been supportive”.

She said: “There are a minority of agents who have threatened to boycott BA, but we anticipated that. So far the launch of Fresh Approach has been very successful.”