American Airlines has resorted to legal action suing the two companies, Sabre Holdings and Travelport, in the ongoing battle in Texas court. The airline has accused Sabre Holdings for increasing the ticket booking fees on their website without acknowledging the American Airlines.  

“We believe these actions limit customer choice, and reduce efficiency that is critically important to agencies. By biasing its shopping displays, agents will be provided with the false impression that there are fewer choices to offer their clients, particularly in situations where American’s fares and schedules are superior to other airlines listed first,” said Derek De Cross, Vice President Sales, American Airlines.

The airlines also sued Travelport making allegation against the company for contractual obligations with the primary owner of online travel agency, Orbitz.

Sabre Holdings spokesperson Nancy St. Pierre, who remained firm on the decision of increased ticketing fees, said, “Sabre is confident that our actions are well within our contractual rights, and we will aggressively defend against American Airlines’ baseless claims to the contrary.”

The court after contesting the hearing granted American Airline’s request for interim relief that will remain in effect until the next proceedings when the Court considers the airline’s request for longer term relief.

Sabre Holdings has now been barred from hindering American’s agents and customers finding and buying American services in the Sabre global distribution system.

American Airlines is unyielding about the litigation process against Sabre and will seek compensation for the damages that were caused to the Airlines by violation of the terms of agreement between the two companies.

“We do not believe that Sabre has the right to take the actions that they are taking. As such, we will take appropriate actions to enforce our rights available to us and to provide you with more efficient access to our content,” said Mr DeCross.

Orbitz has been forced to stop selling American Airlines’ tickets after the judgment to remove all the content from the website.

The dispute of increase in ticket fees is continuing since the last year. It may be noted that Travelport has been threatening American Airlines to increase the booking fees, and also Expedia dropping the fares for American Airlines from its website early this year.