The neutral and complete fare display provided to travel agents via the computerised reservation system is in danger of disappearing, the Federated Association of Travel & Tourism Agents – Malta said yesterday.

The association said that finding the best flight at the best available fare is becoming more expensive and time consuming for the consumer as airlines increasingly post different fare types/levels and classes through the various booking channels.

“Agents provide customers with a neutral and complete fare display through the regulated Computerised Reservation Systems (CRS’s). There is a European legislation on CRS aiming to ensure that air ticket distribution is made through a neutral availability display and on a non-discriminatory basis. However, this legislation is no longer adapted to the technological developments, such as internet sales,” FATTA said.

It said that as a consequence, there is an increasing trend of airlines to provide their fares at different prices and conditions depending on whether the customer buys online or whether he buys through a CRS used by an agent.

“If airlines increasingly discriminate the various booking channels, it will require more time and money to find the optimal flight or the best offer, such costs which will ultimately be paid by the customer.”

FATTA a member of ECTAA – Group of National Tour Operators’ and Travel Agents’ Associations with the EU, like all the other EU Member States National Associations is via ECTAA urging the EU legislators to maintain and adapt the current legislation on CRS.

The local association said that ECTAA asserts that airlines should be required to provide full access to all fare types and availabilities at no additional cost.