Internet-based travel company Expedia said Sunday it has suspended the sale of American Airlines tickets from its website, calling American's new direct marketing strategy "anti-consumer and anti-choice." "As a result, the sale of American Airlines flights on our website has been suspended," Expedia said in a statement, adding however that it remained "open to doing business with American Airlines on terms that are satisfactory to Expedia."
"American Airlines is attempting to introduce a new direct connect model that will result in higher costs and reduced transparency for consumers, making it difficult to compare American Airlines ticket prices and options with offerings by other airlines," it added. The airlines' AA Direct Connect model "would compromise travel agents' ability to provide travellers with the best selection," said Expedia adding the new commercial strategy "we believe is anti-consumer and anti-choice."