In early July 2010, it was announced that Google would become a major player in the travel sector following its entry into the market by its purchase of ITA software for some £460 million. This, coupled with technology advances in the “iPhone” world is likely to see big changes to mobile commerce and the way that travel bookings take place. Google will now be able to use the data of ITA to advise users of where to find the best flights. Initially this will be driving business to travel websites, but inevitably it is likely to see Google selling seats directly to passengers. The development of m technology was also emphasised with BA’s launching of an app for iPhone users, which can also display a mobile boarding pass. With these rapidly increasing technological advances, TMC’s need to ensure that they can offer similar technology and advances to their corporate clients. What is not clear is how traditional contract terms, details of fare restrictions and other legal information is communicated during this process. Whilst technical small print may be hidden somewhere on a website, the significant terms of the Agreement are sometimes so well hidden that the passenger can argue they cannot apply at the time that he booked. Reading the lawyers small print on a mobile telephone is likely to be a challenge.
Google Enters the Travel Market
The OFT has the power to investigate a proposed merger of businesses in the same sector, which might create a “share of supply” of more than 25% in the UK or involves an acquisition of a target company with a UK turnover of more than...
The European Commission has published proposals for changing the EU Regulation on compensating and assisting passengers in the event of denied boarding cancellation and long flight delays (EC261/2004). These are likely to come into force in 2014, and...
Business and other passengers are increasingly aware of their rights to care and compensation from airlines, when they are denied boarding, their flight is cancelled or there is an extended period of delay. 2011 was a monumental year for the...
At the London ACTE Travel and Expense Management Forum convened on 15 May 2012, I joined Christian Schindler, the General Manager of Lufthansa and others in condemning the impact and consequences of taxation on the airline sector. Air Passenger...
We live in competitive times where travel bookings reflect an uncertain economic cycle. Business growth for TMC’s is difficult to achieve organically, and there is a strong market at present for consolidation by merger and acquisition. Many small and...
A recent survey has established that some airlines are making it difficult to reclaim APD when a flight ticket is cancelled. Many airlines charge an administration fee as a condition of reclaiming the tax, often making it uneconomic for passengers to...
Air passengers rights are already covered by EU Regulation 261/2004, requiring airlines to pay minimum levels of compensation for denied boarding and cancelled flights. A recent European Court of Justice decision determined that a flight was cancelled after...
In early July 2010, it was announced that Google would become a major player in the travel sector following its entry into the market by its purchase of ITA software for some £460 million. This, coupled with technology advances in the...
We live in difficult financial times, and despite the fall in volumes of business travel, regulators are looking for increased financial security from travel management companies. In mid July 2010, the latest statistics were revealed by the Office for...
However efficient your business is, if you are selling services then you are reliant upon your business partners paying you properly and on time. Accumulating outstanding debts can result in poor performance, and even insolvency for your own business if you...
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