Amadeus to Enable Sales of UAL’s Economy Plus by Mid-Year
by Michele McDonald /United Airlines’ Economy Plus seating is scheduled to become available by mid-year to Amadeus’ North American travel agencies. Planning for global implementation is also under way, Amadeus said.
The deal is part of a new multi-year agreement for worldwide distribution services that provides all Amadeus subscribers with guaranteed access to United’s full range of content.
The agreement also provides for access and booking of the carrier’s ancillary offerings, such as Economy Plus.
Long-term pact
The new deal is long-term, unlike the October 2011 extension agreement under which the two companies planned to implement the booking of Economy Plus in the Amadeus system in mid-2012.
Subsequently, United’s priorities were focused on integrating its systems with Continental’s as part of their merger.
The migration to Continental’s passenger services system took place in March 2012.
Travelport & Sabre
Travelport and Sabre, which both previously had the ability to book Economy Plus in their systems, were “disconnected” by the move.
Travelport’s ability to book the extra-legroom seats was restored in February. Sabre expects to have the capability restored this summer.