Addressing Some Pressing Questions On IAG's GDS Surcharge

Long rumored to be in the works, International Airlines Group carriers British Airways and Iberia last week announced plans to surcharge global distribution system bookings, effective Nov. 1. The fee comes to £8 or US$10 per "fare component," generally defined as a one-way ticket or half a round-trip. Below are answers to some questions that have arisen since IAG formalized its plans. They include reactions from industry stakeholders, IAG's path ahead, ways for bookers to avoid the proposed GDS surcharge and some context relative to Lufthansa Group's initiative, which turns two-years-old this week.