HOLMDEL, N.J. -- Appearing at a meeting of agents here last week,
ASTA president Richard Copland got a taste of how sharply divided
agents are over the airlines' recent zero-commission move.
Steering away from any suggestion of litigation as a result of
the airlines' action, Copland spent the better part of an hour
urging agents to face the reality of the current environment by
"embracing technology and supporting the suppliers who support
you."
He emphasized the need for a consumer awareness program to
promote the value of travel agents, noting that several suppliers
had shown interest in co-financing such a program.
But in a question-and-answer session following his talk, agents
still were angered over the airlines' move and demanded that ASTA
mount a fight against the carriers.
Agents applauded the demand of one of their colleagues who urged
Copland to "take our case to the White House."
After similar comments by others attending the meeting, one
agent rose to differ strongly with his fellow retailers.
"Zero commissions are the best thing ever to happen to us. I
wish all the suppliers would do the same thing," the agent said.
"Then we can set our own prices just like any other retailer."
There was no applause this time, and Copland quickly replied
that he didn't support the elimination of commissions by any
supplier.