Lufthansa fined for infringement of Code of Conduct for computer reservation systems

United Kingdom

The computer reservation system (CRS) is the computer system which travel agents use for making airline bookings. It informs on airline schedules, availability, fares and related services. Most large airlines, including Lufthansa, have a shareholding in one of the main CRS systems. The Commission has fined Lufthansa Euro 10,000 in the first decision taken under the European Court of Conduct for CRSs. The case concerned the discriminatory practice by Lufthansa of linking the use of a specific CRS with incentives in contravention of the code. The code aims at preventing an owner/carrier from distorting competition by the granting of incentives to subscribers to use its own CRS. (IP/99/542)