The American Society of Travel Advisors has launched a weeklong advertising campaign in Politico magazine seeking to influence Washington lawmakers to undertake an investigation into American Airlines’ policies. The association has been pushing back against the approach American has taken to its NDC rollout.
In an email to members, ASTA CEO Zane Kerby cited American’s recent announcement that many agency-booked tickets will no longer earn AAdvantage points. “This latest development,” he wrote, “doubles down on American Airlines’ clear agenda since last year to force the travel agency industry to adopt immature technology, monopolize distribution channels, and squeeze channel partners and customers for cost-cutting and profit. We are fighting back.”
Beginning May 1, American will stop awarding AAdvantage miles and loyalty accrual points through agencies unless they are deemed “preferred,” a status achieved by having a 2024 incentive agreement with the airline or by booking through American’s NDC channels and reaching progressive sales thresholds of 30% by April 21, 2024; 50% by Oct. 31, 2024; and 70% by April 30, 2025.
ASTA has been protesting American’s policies since last April, when the carrier removed a number of fares from the legacy GDSs in an effort to shift travel agency bookings to NDC connections. ASTA has asked the Department of Transportation to force American to reinstate fares in the GDSs, citing servicing problems with NDC bookings.
Additionally, ASTA is offering a toolkit for travel advisors to reach out to their congressional representatives. The organization is also encouraging members to send their clients to SaveMyMiles.com to take action.
