Airfare Auditing  :  Internet Audit  :  GDS Auditing  :  Hotel Auditing
Strategic Audit  :  Expense Report Audit  :  Additional Services

In 2004 the Department of Transportation removed all previous regulations on the Global Distribution Systems that were in place to ensure fairness surrounding the selling of airline tickets. Because these systems were owned by the airlines themselves, the US Government wanted to ensure a level playing field.

With the introduction of web distribution channels and various alternative means to obtain an airline ticket, it was decided that these regulations were no longer necessary, and that free market forces should govern their activity.

Now, there are some key issues that travel managers need to be aware of:

• Display Bias – one carrier achieves preferred viewing
  
  
• Full Availability – one carrier obtains only partial availability vs full
  
  
• Full Content – are all carriers available being shown

Each one of these changes requires the travel manager to evaluate the best distribution channel for them based on a host of variables. It is no longer simply a financial decision because now there are variables within the systems that need to be audited to ensure an appropriate fit. Topaz International has the experience and the abilities to provide clients with an independent assessment of distribution channels in markets worldwide. For more information, contact us at 503.651.4300.