In 2023, American Airlines (AA) announced changes to their business travel management program, removing their air fare from corporate travel tools like Egencia and making it available only to leisure passengers booking directly through AA. This shift is known as New Distribution Capability or NDC. NDC gives airlines the ability to push their offers right away on their websites –with perks like cheaper flights, free baggage, Wi-Fi, meals on flights and other special offers.
Our online travel booking tool, Egencia, has been working to reintegrate AA’s airfare into their technology to ensure diverse and relevant fare options for IU travelers.
After successful testing with other corporate partners, this content integration is complete and IU travelers can find American Airlines NDC fares in our online business booking tool, with some caveats, explored below.
What does this mean for IU travelers and arrangers?
Some AA flights will be listed in Egencia with Fare Limitations. These fares are NDC offerings. If you see it, be sure to click the new link for Fare Limitations to familiarize yourself with all restrictions.
The following limitations are listed in the screenshot below, with definitions we’ve provided for each:
- Limited Egencia Travel Consultant servicing available: To change your NDC reservation, you must contact Egencia. The Travel Consultant will then contact American Airlines to process the change. This will make the call time longer.
- No schedule change management and notifications: If your flight changes, you will not receive notifications from Egencia.
- Limited Duty of Care Tracking: Admins will have limited access to traveler’s flight information.
- Limited reporting and receipts available: These rates will not include a trip receipt from Egencia. If your department requires receipts for reconciliation, you can use your booking confirmation from Egencia.
- Credits are not possible at this time: These rates are not available for use when redeeming an unused ticket/credit.
- Must contact airline directly for mobility assistance: If the traveler will use mobility assistance at the airport, you must contact American Airlines directly after booking in Egencia.
While currently these rates are only available for American Airlines, United Airlines (UA) has followed suit and NDC rates for UA will be available later this year.