Delta drops smaller online travel sites



Delta has dropped several small online travel agency sites “as it tries to increase bookings coming directly through delta.com,” according to the Atlanta-Journal Constitution.

"Delta has notified several smaller online travel agency websites including CheapOAir.com, OneTravel.com and BookIt.com that it has terminated their appointment as authorized travel agents, effective Dec. 17,” Delta said in a statement.

Delta’s customers will still be able to book on the largest travel Web sites including Orbitz, Travelocity, Expedia and Priceline.

Glen Hauenstein, e.v.p.-Network Planning, Revenue Management and Marketing, who discussed online travel agencies at the company's Investor Day last week, said some distribution channels have "enormous value," while others "are of less value."

“Delta's preference is to have a channel to its best customers that is as direct as possible, and the airline would like to grow the percentage of business coming directly through delta.com for certain travel segments,” said Glen.

“Selling more tickets directly through Delta's Web site can decrease fees the airline pays and thus reduce the cost of distribution,” the report said.