Much of the travel distribution industry is asking the U.S. Department of Transportation to give it more time to respond to recently proposed changes to the regulations governing global distribution systems
(BTNOnline, Nov. 14). In an unprecedented show of cooperation, Amadeus, the American Society of Travel Agents, Austin Travel, Cendant Corp., the Interactive Travel Services Association, the National Business Travel Association, Navigant International, Sabre, TQ3 Maritz, Rosenbluth International, WorldTravel BTI and a handful of others--though not American Express, Carlson Wagonlit, Worldspan or any airlines--on Friday asked DOT to extend the initial comment period for its proposals from Jan. 14 to March 16 and the final period from Feb. 13 to May 15.
The proposed rules--poised to redraw how airlines and their distributors interact on matters including the GDS' sale of booking data to airlines, restrictions on how airlines are displayed in and pay GDSs, so-called tying agreements in which carriers offer corporate discounts only through specified channels and the terms of agency-GDS contracts--is "anything but a run-of-the-mill rulemaking," the group said in a petition signed on Nov. 22. "There is every reason to believe that the Department can expect extensive and conflicting comments in response," the petitioners said. "At this stage, getting it right is more important than getting it done fast. The stakes are very high here."
Some airlines said they support the proposed rules, which also indicated DOT is against regulating the Internet, including Orbitz. Friday's petition was termed by Northwest vice president of distribution planning Al Lenza as a "stalling tactic by people who support the status quo."
Calling the proposals "dramatic," petitioners asked DOT to act by Dec. 3 on its request to delay the comment period. The proposed rules can be reviewed at
www.dot.gov/affairs/briefing.htm. Comments may be obtained at
http://dms.dot.gov, docket number OST-97-2881.