Sabre Searches for Deal as the Air France-KLM Distribution Surcharge Looms
Skift Take
Wasn't the whole point of these surcharges to prevent the global distribution systems from taking a cut of that juicy ancillary money that is now flowing in? One has to wonder what the terms of Air France-KLM's deal with Amadeus and Travelport really are. For now, it looks like the global distribution systems that took the new distribution capability seriously are reaping the rewards.
On the cusp of Air France-KLM imposing a surcharge on global distribution system bookings for its flights, Sabre is still searching for a way to avoid the surcharge while its rivals have already struck a deal.
As Skift reported in November, the ramifications of this surcharge will likely have a bigger impact on the travel ecosystem than previous moves from Lufthansa and British Airways; Amadeus executives said nearly 20 percent of the flights placed through their system could have a surcharge attached, potentially pushing travel agents to book on airline websites instead.
Airlines are trying to spur bookings through their own websites and channels because
