GDS Malpractice Warning issue by KE/DL

*** Extreamely Important ***
GDS Malpractice Case Warning issue by KE/DL


Dear All,  Please take time to read this important memo

Many airlines nowadays rely heavily on its analyzed quantatative data to maximize their business profits.  This is also a good way for airlines to better control their seat inventories.

However, this method of inventory control is not always perfect, and it sometimes creates a crack in the system, and it allows GDS users to take advantage of techincal difficulties and limitations.

We wish all GDS is properly encoded so that such cracks are impossible to break.  But in the absence of such perfection, mis-uses of such technology have been exploited and taken advantage by some agencies.

In recent weeks, Korean Air & Delta Airlines have been tracking down on illegal booking violations, and are issuing Debit Memo without prejudice.  Recently, we have seen some AGENCIES being PENALIZED IN AMOUNTS EXCEEDING $30,000.00.

In this context, we are asking you to be very careful when booking KE/DL.  

Please see below examples of such violation.

  1. Origin & Destination Malpractice Type  - $6,000.00 per incidence
    1. Never reverse book "Origin & Destination" to find lower booking class and fares. This is considered a manipulation of POC (Point of Commencement)
    2. Booking segment order must follow a normal date sequence.
       
  2. Marriage Segment Control - $500.00 per incidence
    1. Never break marriage segments in any circumstances to store lower fares.
    2. When booking, you must not combine each segments one at a time.
    3. ex: JFK/CAN
      • Proper Booking : A29NOVJFKCAN-KE
      • Booking Violation: A29NOVJFKICN-KE, then A30NOVICNCAN-KE

KE/DL have been emphasizing this since 2021, and they are finally sending out DEBIT MEMO. 

To this date, our Hanatour agency network agencies did not cause any issues.  And I thank you very much.  

But please understand, this is a real problem and KE/DL warns again that they will not waive or pardon this type of malpractices.  So let's be extra careful to avoid any unintended problems.  The consequence is too big, and we could very well be driven out of business.

Thank you very much for reading, and for your understanding.

If you have any questions or comments, please call me at anytime.  

Shaun