European Regulators Are Investigating Lufthansa’s Controversial Travel Agent Surcharge
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The European Union's decision to investigate Lufthansa's surcharge represents a potential blow to the airline industry, which is attempting to wrestle back control from intermediaries. Although the transport commission confirmed an investigation, it doesn't appear that any decision is imminent.
Lufthansa’s decision to introduce a fee for bookings made outside its websites and call centers predictably angered many in the travel industry, and it looks like their displeasure has caused regulators in the European Union to take a closer look at the practice.
While the complaints against the $19 (€16) surcharge were first filed more than two years ago, it was only last week that the EU’s executive arm, the European Commission, admitted that an investigation was taking place.
In response to a question in the European Parliament, Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc said the commission was looking to see if the surcharge breached EU regulation 80/2009, which covers the Global Distribution System (GDS) market.
“Commission services are working towards a final assessment and a decision will be taken, as appropriate, once this assessment is completed,” Bulc added.
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