A study by Airlines for Europe (A4E) reveals significant market concentration among online ticket intermediaries, showing that consumers may be negatively impacted by unfair practices within this sector.
The research indicates that prices for identical itineraries booked through online travel agents (OTAs) are, on average, nearly 25pc higher compared to direct bookings with airlines, alongside hidden charges and misleading fees.
The study also highlights that two OTAs dominate 50pc of the European OTA market, while three companies control 95% of the Global Distribution Systems (GDS) market, with one holding 60-65% in Western Europe.
A4E’s Managing Director emphasizes the need for proposed passenger rights legislation to enforce fairness and transparency in the market, ensuring consumers benefit from clearer obligations across all players in ticket distribution.
Link to the study here.
