ASTA has fired another shot in its war against American Airlines, launching an ad campaign in Politico and a consumer-facing website where travel advisors’ clients can send messages to legislators asking for a congressional investigation into American.
In an email to members, ASTA president and CEO Zane Kerby cited American’s recent announcement that many agency-booked tickets will no longer earn AAdvantage points.
“This latest development 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,” Kerby wrote. “We are fighting back.”
ASTA has been at loggerheads with American since initiating a new distribution strategy last April. American removed a number of fares from the legacy GDSs in an effort to shift travel agency bookings to NDC connections. ASTA has taken its case to the Department of Transportation, asking the department to force American to reinstate fares in the GDSs, citing servicing problems with NDC bookings.
In its latest salvo, ASTA has launched a campaign with Politico in hopes of catching the eyes of lawmakers and their staff.
“Congress, don’t let American Airlines eliminate consumer choice,” the ad states.
It links to ASTA’s new website, Save My Miles, which has a section for travelers and another for advisors. Each helps users submit comments to legislators.
In addition to asking advisors and consumers to share personal stories about how American’s actions have affected them, ASTA also includes a pre-composed message.
The consumer-focused message talks about the advantages of working with a travel advisor.
“Now, American Airlines is using the reward points I earned to force me to book directly on their website, or through an agent they prefer,” the message continues. “This is an outrageous attempt to eliminate competition, and it will reduce the level of service and protection for travelers.”
Both the agent- and consumer-focused messages encourage a congressional investigation into American.
ASTA is encouraging advisors to send a message to legislators as well as share its website with clients.
“Tell them to stop AA from disenfranchising customers who book through travel agencies by telling Congress don’t let American Airlines eliminate consumer choice,” Kerby wrote.