US airlines criticized over lack of transparency
US airlines have come under fire for failing to give advance notice to business travel agents, buyers and corporate customers about important changes to fares.
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) issued a statement in light of recent changes to fare structures on multi-city trips by United, Delta and American Airlines.
GBTA members say they are frustrated changes were made without any advance communication.
"This represents a major faring change requiring transparency throughout the buyer community," it said.
"In today’s travel ecosystem, active communication is necessary and vital."
The GBTA called for ‘full transparency’ about any changes before and during the travel experience, including new supplier policies or travel process time and delays.
"Both business travelers and travel buyers should have access to clear information across the spectrum as to how prices are determined, how to deal with delays, cancellation policies and how to lodge complaints," it said.
"Going forward, GBTA will continue to work with the airlines, our members and other organizations to ensure buyer voices are heard on key issues related to transparency and competition."
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Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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