Skift Take
The whole airline consolidator business model lends itself to cutting corners and difficulties in enforcing contractual rules.
American Airlines has sued airline ticket consolidator U.S.A. Gateway — which does business as GTT Travel — alleging that GTT duped travelers into thinking they were booking direct with American, and then gouged them with exorbitant fares and fees.
The ticket consolidator business isn't well known, even to some travel industry insiders. But the lawsuit, filed late last month, opens a window into the business model. GTT has until September 22 to respond to the airline's complaint.
Michael Hurst, an attorney with Lynn Pinker Hurst & Schwegmann who represents GTT, told Skift:
"GTT strongly denies the allegations in this litigation. In this case, and in other recent filings, American seems to be blaming the industry’s operational deficiencies on its business partners and others. GTT values the company’s decades-long relationship with American and regrets the rush to litigate, and hopes to amicably and productively work together to resolve any issues. If the parties cannot successfully resolve this matter, GTT is prepared to vigorously defend itself against these unfounded claims."
GTT's website states it is "the largest air ticketing consolidator in the U.S.," and the lawsuit no