US Airways Joins Distribution-Fee Bandwagon

US Airways has joined American, Continental, Northwest and United airlines in preparing a $3.50 fee on air segments booked through nonpreferred channels. Like its competitors, US Airways said the fee will be assessed beginning Sept. 1.

Booking channels immune from the fees are Sabre's Efficient Access Solution, Galileo's Content Continuity Product, Worldspan's Super Access Product, all Amadeus products, G2 SwitchWorks and its own Web site.

"Travel agencies who use these 'Preferred Distribution Sources' will have access to US Airways full content and will not be subject to any chargeback of GDS fees," the carrier noted in a memo to travel agents. US Airways said it also expects ITA Software to join its roster of preferred channels "as their distribution platform becomes available later this year."

For bookings that flow through other sources, the carrier said, which include "opt-out" programs offered by Galileo, Sabre and Worldspan, agencies will be sent monthly invoices "no later than 60 days after the end of each billing period."