NBTA Rushed TO Data Judgment

<B>NBTA Rushed TO Data Judgment</B>

As an active National Business Travel Association member since 1980, I am concerned about the position that NBTA has taken concerning providing data to airlines to manage share deals (BTN, Feb. 26).

I have served as the travel manager for both large and small companies. While at larger companies, airline discounts were easy to secure. This is not the case at a small company. But share programs, such as the one offered by Continental, provide me competitive discounts because I am committed to directing my business.

Why should I object to giving any carrier the data that they need to confirm that I have honored my deal? As a participant in Continental's program, I am confident that Continental has taken steps to protect the confidentiality of my other carrier contracts through the assurances of a recognized leader in providing data, Prism.

Yes, there are a few companies that have the volume to demand deals without meeting share or data requirements. But, it is my belief that it is the small companies that subsidize their discounts. It is also small companies, like mine, that comprise the vast majority of the National Business Travel Association's "Direct" membership.

In the future, NBTA needs to consider all aspects of an issue this important before rushing to take public positions that harm the majority of its members.<I>

Eric Christianson
Corporate Travel Manager
QAD Inc.
Carpinteria, Calif.