Orbitz bypass? (F.Y.I).(Delta to offer corporate negotiated fares directly to Orbitz )(Brief Article)

Travel Agent, May, 2003

Delta tells us it is providing corporate negotiated fares directly to Orbitz via ATPCO, making it the second Orbitz owner to confirm it is doing so. Northwest last month announced it would begin submitting corporate negotiated fares directly to the site in June (see p. 12). The site's other airline owners--American, Continental and United--wont comment on whether they are also bypassing the GDSs, but industry insiders say all five are onboard.

The airlines stand to save about $8 to $9 per booking, totaling up to 70 percent off booking fees through traditional channels, if their corporate clients use the Orbitz for Business product.