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American and US Airways Pull All Flights from Orbitz

26_AAOrbitz

Effective immediately, American Airlines fares will no longer be available through Orbitz-operated sites.

American Airlines announced on Tuesday its decision to remove all its flights from websites operated by Orbitz, effective immediately. The airline says it will also pull US Airways listings from websites operated by Orbitz on September 1.

The move is the latest in a long-running dispute between the airline and the travel company over booking fees. Orbitz previously sold American tickets on a variety of booking sites, including Orbitz.com, Ebookers.com and CheapTickets.com.

“We have worked tirelessly with Orbitz to reach a deal with the economics that allow us to keep costs low and compete with low-cost carriers,” Scott Kirby, president of American, said in the press release. “While our fares are no longer on Orbitz, there are a multitude of other options available for our customers, including brick and mortar agencies, online travel agencies and our own websites.”

Flyers who previously bought tickets through Orbitz-operated websites still have valid reservations, but any travel changes must be made through either American or US reservations departments. Business travelers who booked tickets through Orbitz for Business are unaffected by Tuesday’s decision.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Orbitz shares fell more than 8 percent immediately following the announcement from American.

The airline previously pulled its flights from Orbitz-operated sites in December 2010. A judge’s ruling in June 2011 stymied that move and American’s tickets were again made available to Orbitz customers.

[Photo: American Airlines]

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