TAAI raises concern over booking of VBM flights, commissions and refunds with Air India

Jyoti Mayal, President - TAAI, recently met up personally with Air India-Commercial Director, Meenakshi Mallik, to discuss the way forward, resolve concerns of member agents and seek support from the airline. Many serious concerns were discussed, including refunds and blocking of inventory for travel agents. Air India cited that many agents were misusing the inventory on the GDS, due to which seats were not available to genuine travellers. However, first, they will be formulating a time limit policy along with a refund mechanism which shall ease the concerns of the member agencies. “Airlines need to work in tandem with the recognised IATA agents & our members. We are confident Air India will also support our industry,” said Mayal.

The association has also written down the grievances in a letter to Meenakshi Mallik, mentioning the major challenges being booking of VBM flights only via the Air India website, Refunds on GDS, and demand for 5 per cent agent commission from Air India on the total airfare.

Addressing the commission issue, the letter mentioned that, “Since last year Air India had withdrawn the commission @1.5 per cent and is only giving the same as an incentive on monthly basis. There has to be a fixed formula to this and we reiterate our demand for a minimum of five per cent as a commission on the total airfare. This shall ensure that members who have provided financial security through IATA at a cost-plus their cost of sales and employment, to earn a living are justified, especially by the National Carrier.” Also, another major issue which the association has noted is booking special flights only through the airline’s website. The association has requested that Air India should permit accredited agents to book Vande Bharat Mission flight seats on the GDS.

“We are hopeful that under your leadership, Air India being the National Carrier of India, gives due respect, an opportunity to accredited agents and ensures rightful ease of doing business, especially during these challenging times,” was stated in the letter.