JetBlue announced Thursday it is ending its partnership with certain online travel agencies (OTAs) that provide ticket sales, in an effort to reduce the airline’s costs.
The New York-based low-cost carrier said the move to terminate its relationship with 12 OTAs will mark the first part of a new “online distribution strategy.” Going forward, the airline will focus on booking directly through its own website as well as “select third-party channels,” which includes Expedia, Travelocity and Priceline. Sites such as SmartFares.com, MyFlightSearch.com and CheapFlightsFares.com would no longer sell tickets for JetBlue flights.
JetBlue said direct bookings will save the company third-party transaction fees, which it said will allow the airline to keep ticket prices low, while still allowing customers access to promotions and fare sales, including ones that might not be available through the OTAs.
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