The U.S. Department of Transportation wrote a “display bias” letter to major global distribution systems and online travel agencies, warning them “not to engage in undisclosed display bias.”
US government delivers transparent warning to GDSs and online travel agencies
February 14, 2011 By 4 Comments
Do online travel agency mouseovers about regional airlines constitute disclosure?
December 17, 2010 By 13 Comments
When consumers need to mouse-over an icon in online travel agency flight search result to see if a regional airline actually is operating a flight marketed by a major carrier, are the OTAs in full compliance with new disclosure requirements?
Industry coalition launches MadAsHellAboutHiddenFees.com
September 7, 2010 By 5 Comments
A travel industry coalition is seeking to harness consumer outrage over airline bag fees.
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Sabre calls on US Transportation Department to mandate ancillaries in all channels
August 10, 2010 By 2 Comments
Sabre’s chief executive called on the U.S. Transporation Dept. “to advocate and even mandate” that airline ancillary services be available in all distribution channels, including GDSs.
Watchdog: Airlines should disclose all fees, inform passengers of eligible refunds
July 14, 2010 By 2 Comments
U.S. airlines are getting governmental pressure to disclose all fees and to pay taxes on them, as well.
LaHood puts new focus on bag fees while settlement docs near testing stage
June 2, 2010 By 4 Comments
U.S. Dept. of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood proposed new consumer protections related to overbooked flights, fare displays in advertising, checked bags and cancellation fees.
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Spirit Airlines carry-on fees, Ryanair pay toilets get bundle of criticism
April 12, 2010 By 1 Comment
Dept. of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says the DOT is looking into ways to “mitigate” Spirit Airlines’ plan to charge passengers up to $45 to place bags in overhead bins.
Virgin America still a citizen and CEO Cush gets a board seat
January 11, 2010 By Leave a Comment
The U.S. Dept. of Transportation completed a review and found that Virgin America remains in compliance as a U.S. citizen, and the two agreed that the airline would make some changes to ensure that it remains in good standing.
From a marketing perspective, you have to love Virgin America’s press release headline trumpeting the DOT finding:
Virgin America Cleared for Take-Off in 2010: U.S. Airline [my italics] Applauds DOT Decision Reaffirming Fitness and Citizenship
