“This is a giant step forward for travel agents and consumers,” said Joe Galloway, ASTA president and CEO. “We are extremely pleased that the Committee is taking a firm stance against these airline practices which have clearly harmful implications. History has shown us that any reduction in competition among major carriers results in higher prices and declining service, not improvements for consumers as promised by the airlines.”

ASTA has long been at the forefront of passenger rights issues and on May 23, 2000, issued a statement calling for increased competition in the airline industry. The Society continues to push for the passage of the Air Traveler’s Bill of Rights (H.R. 2200 and S.2891), which would ensure that passengers get the truth in advertised prices and timely, complete and accurate information about service disruptions and equipment changes. ASTA testified against the United-US Airways merger at the Senate Commerce Committee hearing on the issue.

ASTA opposes all major airline industry mergers and consolidations on the grounds that decreased competition in the marketplace would only be a detriment to the traveling public and travel agency community and force other carriers to follow suit in order to compete.

“Travelers have already had a stressful summer with poor customer service and record delays and cancellations,” added Galloway. “What they don’t need is an airline merger to further exacerbate the situation.”

ASTA Applauds Commerce Committee’s Opposition to United/US Air Merger/Page 2