United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Huge increase in US agents quitting airline sales
An increasing number of US travel agents are quitting airline sales because they are unable to make enough money out of them, according to new statistics.
Some 663 agents stopped selling seats last month – up a massive 174% on June 2001, before the advent of zero commission.
For the year so far, the number of agents voluntarily giving up airline sales has jumped to 2,583 from 2,029 in the same period as last year.
According to official statistics, there are now 26,120 retail locations selling airline seats, down 11% from the 29,368 in the same period of 2001.
However, there has been a small rise in the average number of weekly transactions in June for those agents who are still prepared to do business with the airlines. Agents are also keeping costs down by submitting their returns electronically.
Airline Reporting Companies vice president of travel agency services Kathi Argiropoulos said: “Ninety percent of travel agency transactions sold and reported to ARC are now submitted via electronic reporting. This compares to 80% a year ago.
“It is important for ARC to aggressively push for the adoption of every available tool that will help the travel agency industry remain competitive in an increasingly demanding marketplace.”
Some 65% of all tickets issued in June were E-tickets, a new monthly record.
See our previous story:
22 Mar 2002: Zero commission hits agents in US
Exploring Brooklands Museum with Alex Patterson
Global Tourism Challenges and Upcoming Events: A Conversation with Don Welsh
Peebles Barbeque: A Legacy of Flavor and Tradition
Exploring Bok Tower Gardens with Erica Smith
Rue’s Living Water Boat Cruises: Exploring Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes
Durango and Silverton Railroad: A Timeless Journey Through History and Scenic Beauty
Walt Leger on New Orleans’ Resilience and Major Events Ahead
Cindy Mackin Shares Estes Park’s Winter Thrills
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
Dozens of bodies recovered from DC river after midair collision
Quake warning in Santorini after hundreds of tremors
Cockpit tarantula causes flight delays
Trump Admin vows to end cruise tax loophole
EasyJet forced into flight emergency landing after pilot collapses