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Politics : Sharks in the Septic Tank -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Michael M who wrote (29157)	9/24/2001 1:42:08 AM
From: Lazarus_Long	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 82486

Quite a post. Now I see where you are coming from and I agree completely. I was aware of most of what you wrote. It's an open secret that business travelers get nailed. And when I found out just what Orbitz was, I was amazed that they could get away with it. Where is the Justice Department?

To: Michael M who wrote (29157)	9/24/2001 8:16:51 AM
From: Lane3	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 82486

The major airlines have a common business plan that depends absolutely on gouging the business traveler. Michael, I'm glad to see that this discussion has finally gotten around to the business models of the airlines and travel agencies. Those business models have changed a lot over the years and at no time have they changed at a faster pace than now. It must be hellish to be in a business with so little stability and continuity. If anyone is interested in discussing those business models and the changes, I will participate. I've pretty much stopped flying even though travel has been one of my lifelong passions because it has become so brutish. So I have an interest in the subject. I don't know why you call me obsessive for wanting to stay in business and speaking aginst a group of companies that would like to put me out of business. With the background you have provided, it's easier to understand your anger and fear and why you might have directed it at the airlines, in general, and at Rambi, in particular. I'm sure you realize by now that the latter was entirely unwarranted. As for the former, well, the airlines are trying to find their way through the changes, as well, and thrashing about quite a bit in the process. When the gorilla of the industry thrashes, associated businesses feel the shocks even more strongly. I doubt that airlines are going through their changes with the express purpose of trying to put travel agents out of business but rather that travel agents are, to use the term of the times, collateral damage. I don't suppose a lack of intent makes the damage any less painful. I would think, though, that attributing the changes to malevolence on the part of the airlines is not conducive to a successful update of the business plan of a travel agency. Karen