Online travel agency Expedia Group Inc. says United Airlines has threatened to withhold fare data as soon as next week as part of faltering contract talks between the companies.
Such a move would halt Expedia’s ability to sell United’s flights for trips after Sept. 30, the travel seller said in a lawsuit filed Monday in federal court in New York. It would also threaten Expedia’s ability to change itineraries that are already booked. The agency has sold about 2,000 tickets for United flights after Sept. 30, according to the filing.
The lawsuit adds to a longstanding battle between airlines and travel agents over the costs of distributing tickets. Carriers have sought to entice more travelers to book directly, following the model at discounter Southwest Airlines Co. In 2017, JetBlue Airways Corp. removed its fares from a dozen online agencies to reduce selling costs.
The United contract dates to 2012 and was “reaffirmed” after negotiations in 2013 and 2016, Expedia said in the lawsuit, which was partially redacted.
