Travel Agent's Most-Read Content: July 9

Agents React to United's Credit Card Policy

United Airlines' controversial plan to selectively prohibit U.S. travel agencies from continuing to report and remit credit card sales via the Airlines Reporting Corporation may go into effect July 20, but Travel Agent's readers have already been talking about it for quite some time.

Needless to say, many are none-too-happy. Some or affected and some are not (yet). Several are already boycotting the carrier as others encourage solidarity to save the industry. Here are just a few comments shared by readers:

"As the co-owner of a small travel agency, we are already at a competitive disadvantage because we have to charge service fees to issue airline tickets whereas people can often book online for free. Now we are expected to either absorb or pass on credit card charges to our clients. This is absurd."- David S.

"Clearly if UA gets away with this it is death to travel agents across the board.  Unfortunately our track record in dealing with collective threats is not good. Just about every bad thing that's happened to us could have been met head on defeated, if only we would stand together."- Rick Garett

"Keep applying the pressure. Let's hope this gains momentum or this will be one more way the airlines harm agents. UA seems to encourage despise unilaterally among agents, wholesalers and passengers. They can do no right...so it would seem. Deny UA business whenever possible. Find another carrier and explain to clients that UA actions will harm everyone if they get their way now."- Rosie

"United does not fly anywhere that another airline does not fly. If they go thru with this I can move my clients to another airline. RIP United."-Nina

"Dear United: Thinking of going bankrupt? This is a sure and fast way of doing so...better rethink your position. Travel Agents do not get a worthwhile commission from booking flights anyway, so see ya"- Kathryn.

"Make up some of your losses by booking back to back UA F and full fare tickets on 2 different sites not your own GDS. Customer saves a fortune if willing to fly coach and service fees could be raised much higher. Try to use 2 different airlines."- M

"Our agency has our own credit card processing agreement with our bank because we also sell retail items. However, our merchant agreement specifically prohibits us from processing airline ticket charges in-house. Fortunately we weren't one of the agencies targeted by United, but I wonder how long that will last."- carolena

What's your opinion on the policy? Post your comments online or join the discussion at AgentNation, the only online community for all types of travel agents. Join in now...

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