Originally Posted by inlanikai

You raise some interestig points. But access to a PNR, originated by an airline (i.e. res made on their web site) is controlled by that airline. The airline can specifically control, on an agency by agency basis (and expertflyer too as it pertains to this thread), who can access their PNRs. If the PNR is originated by an agency, then the agency, and any other related agencies it controls, have access to it.

Your idea of an agency setting up a "gray market" to offer a PNR viewing service is very dangerous for that agency. Yes, it can probably be done from a technical point of view, but once the airline, or the originating agency of PNR or the GDS like Sabre, find out that the agency is passing on PNR's (whether online or by paper) they can loose their GDS contract or specific airline contract. If you are speaking of a particular agency sending to their own customer their PNR that was orginated by that agency, that can certainly be done now and is matter between that agency and their customer.