Airline Commission Cuts to American TAs

I have a difficult time understanding how the airlines can get away with cutting commissions for ticket sales to our American Travel Agents, yet continue to pay commissions to TAs in foreign countries. The US Airlines received a huge bailout from the US government on 9/14/01. They were in financial trouble long before 9/11 and used this tragedy as an excuse to obtain a handout. American travel agents worked to fill their planes and help ease travelers worries. Now they can't pay commissions to American travel agents, who are US taxpayers, but can continue to pay to foreign nationals overseas, including those in countries that are decidedly anti-American, harbor and support terrorist? I don't get it! What am I missing?

[Donna]

Hi Worktocruise,
I don't get it either, makes no common sense??? Even before this cut, the travel agents were only getting $10 for a one way fare and $20 for a round trip, hardly seems worth it?

[babe ruth]

Delta, American (including TWA) and Continental have all done this in the last week or so. The TA's did a valuable job for these airlines. Who is going to do it now? I may be willing to pay a TA $10 or $20 for ticketing help, but I fear not enough people will be willing to do this to Keep the TA's in the air booking business.

[Rick]

What is so hard about buying your own tickets? It really is easy <G>. I am not willing to pay a TA for ticketing help. Why would I want to do that?

[babe ruth]

Rick: You would pay a TA for help in booking your air ONLY for difficult bookings. We have so few direct flights here in Okla. City, that all are somewhat difficult. Still, if we are going to Miami, etc. we just do it ourselves too. But things like Okla. City to Nice, France? That's more than a little tough, and I'm glad we had some help available on that one.

[Rick]

I see your point Babe.
Rick