Online travel agents, via trade association ETTSA, have lodged a complaint with the European Commission over a €16 fee imposed on Lufthansa Group customers who book their flights outside of its network. The fee was introduced on September 1.
ETTSA claims the new fee breaches the industry’s EU-mandated code of conduct since it will hurt comparison shopping and competition, according to Christoph Klenner, ETTSA’s secretary general.
The European Commission is already investigating a similar accusation filed in July by ECTAA, an association representing traditional travel agencies.
If found in breach of any EU rules, the Commission is empowered to fine the airline group up to 10 percent of its annual revenue. Lufthansa maintains its action is “compliant with all relevant regulation and legislation”.