Two agent groups combine against airlines

TWO agent groups – United Travel Agencies of America (UTAA) in Cleveland and the AntiTrust Travel Agent Compensation (Attac) in Nevada – expect to combine in their efforts to launch antitrust lawsuits against the airlines, according to news reports. This stand against the airlines has apparently been a direct response to the carriers’ decisions to cut and then eliminate agents’ commissions – a move which both groups have claimed, was a breach of antitrust laws. Reports have said that both UTAA and Attac have already set up a payment systems to fund the suit. However, Industry Attorney Alexander Anolik has reportedly remained sceptical about the groups’ legal endeavours and has been quoted saying: ‘I’m the last person to discourage this type of activity against the airlines, but they will run into problems because of the expense. They will run out of money and have to settle’ (Heather Ruddock)