Agent Coupons to be Discontinued in 2005

Arlington, VA, October 6, 2004 - In the continuing pursuit of a more secure paperless environment, the Agent Coupon will no longer print as part of a GDS-generated travel agent transaction effective April 4, 2005. The change is an ARC-led initiative enacted to reduce costs and increase security for all segments of the air travel distribution industry including carriers, travel agents, corporate travel departments (CTD), GDSs, and ARC.

The increasing sophistication and integration of electronic ticketing, reporting, settlement, data storage, and record retrieval creates multiple opportunities for travel agents and CTDs to reduce document storage and shipping costs, to protect vital customer information, and to utilize new technologies to streamline internal processes.

In today's environment, the printing of transaction data to paper for storage or other purposes increases risk to the industry. Paper coupons, which can be lost, stolen, or damaged, are safely stored in electronic format for over three years (39 months) and accessed for free by travel agencies and CTDs using the Document Retrieval Service (DRS), powered by ARC COMPASS®. This technology also enables the masking of credit card numbers and passenger names, reducing the risk of fraud and identity theft.

Travel agents and CTDs will be receiving additional updates regarding the discontinuation of the Agent Coupon as the effective date draws nearer. In the meantime, travel professionals not already comfortable with the use of DRS are encouraged to take advantage of this storage and retrieval tool. A FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) sheet regarding the discontinuation of the Agent Coupon may be found at www.arccorp.com/news/business_impact_guide.html. Further information regarding DRS and its use may be found in ARC's Web site at http://www.arccorp.com/products/prod_fin_DRS.html.

About ARC
ARC is the premier provider of financial settlement solutions and data and analytical services for the travel industry. Airlines, travel agencies, corporate travel departments, railroads, and other travel suppliers process more than $60 billion annually through ARC's world-class settlement system, making it the financial backbone of travel distribution.  ARC COMPASS®, the leading, trusted source for travel transaction information, powers data and analytical tools that help ARC customers make confident business decisions.   ARC is an airline-owned company that builds on values of integrity, teamwork, innovation, cost-effectiveness, and excellence.   For more information, please visit http://www.arccorp.com.