Reservation System Rule Changes Would Benefit Airlines

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Reservation System Rule Changes Would Benefit Airlines

NEW YORK -- In a move that could promote competition among computerized travel reservation systems and benefit airlines and, ultimately, consumers, the Department of Transportation on Tuesday proposed changes to rules governing the reservation systems.

The proposed revisions would allow airlines to negotiate the booking fee with the reservation systems and pull out of them if they don't get the reduction they desire, noted David Stempler, president of the Air Travelers Association in Washington.

Passengers may have to "do more shopping to find the lowest fares" because not all airlines will put all their fares on every reservation system, Mr. Stempler said. However, "the fact that airlines will be paying lower fees may prevent fares from continuing to rise" and benefit consumers, he said.