Expedia Teams with Air France KLM to Waive GDS Surcharges

Expedia Group customers who were worried about being impacted by the Distribution Surcharge levied against several European airlines are in store for good news.

Officials from Expedia announced Wednesday that its leisure and corporate customers in all European markets, including the United Kingdom and Switzerland, will not be charged the Distribution Surcharge levied on Air France, KLM and Hop! flights sourced through global distribution systems.

The Distribution Surcharge went into effect on April 1.

By reaching an agreement with Air France KLM to avoid charging customers the surcharge, Expedia saves its clients €11 one way or €22 roundtrip when booking flights on the impacted airlines.

Expedia and Air France KLM are also working together on the integration of new distribution capabilities, a technology standard developed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Expedia Group is one of world’s largest travel platforms and is looking to help make exploring the world easier and more enjoyable. The company operates many travel brands, including Hotels.com, Egencia, trivago, Orbitz, Travelocity, ebookers and more.

In March, AIG Travel was selected as Brand Expedia Group’s global provider of travel insurance and assistance products. Aon Affinity Travel Practice, Expedia’s long-term U.S. insurance partner, will continue to provide advisory services to Expedia and will deliver customer claim services in America.