Tuesday, January 7, 2025 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), the voice of the travel technology industry and advocate for public policy that promotes transparency, competition, and innovation, filed comments in response to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) joint request for information (RFI) on Competition in Air Transportation.
In its comments, Travel Tech details how the services its members and other intermediaries provide are essential to promoting airline price competition to benefit consumers. It also discusses current airline practices and policies about what pricing information can or cannot be conveyed to intermediaries, undermining price transparency. Travel Tech calls on the DOT and DOJ to address practices in the industry that result in a distorted marketplace.
“Ensuring transparency and competition in the travel industry is essential for empowering consumer choice and maintaining a fair marketplace,” said Laura Chadwick, President & CEO of Travel Tech. “Travel Tech encourages DOT and DOJ to maintain and enhance measures that support transparency across all sales channels to ensure consumers have access to full information about fare options and services.”
Travel Tech’s comments also address the impact of airline consolidation over the last two decades, which has resulted in far fewer airline choices in smaller cities. With no alternatives, the single airline is free to charge consumers more for the price of a ticket on a specific route while also negating the need for price comparison tools.
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The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents the leading innovators in travel technology, including online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact Bradford Williamson of Glen Echo Group at 202.870.3234 or bwilliamson@glenechogroup.com.
