Chutzpah or stupidity? Reactions to American Airlines pulling its flights from Orbitz and its affiliates 21 December have covered all ends of the spectrum—as has the analysis from the subsequent fallout from Expedia, which days later stopped selling AA flights after a months-long pricing dispute. Chutzpah: I’m sure AA’s initial move received many “hoorahs!” from the hotel industry, which has long bemoaned the inordinate commissions charged by online travel agencies, led by Expedia. When AA pulled its flights from Orbitz, the company claimed consumers could just as easily buy tickets from its direct brand website, and AA could retain more of the profit. The airline company deserves some kudos for having the guts to stand up to Orbitz or any OTA. I don’t see many other travel companies willing to throw it all on the line.

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