ARC Communicates Carrier Manual Document Acceptance Policies

Arlington, VA, October 6, 2004 - ARC's Industry Agents' Handbook now features the Carrier Manual Document Acceptance Chart found in the current Web version on ARC's Web site at http://www.arccorp.com/iah.html (see Section 5, page 4 of the electronic version of the Handbook). The chart permits ARC participating carriers to communicate their policies specific to restrictions placed on the use of the few remaining manual traffic documents including 4-Flights, Miscellaneous Charges Orders (MCO), Pre-paid Ticket Advices (PTA), and the soon to be eliminated Tour Order.

"ARC is pleased to be able to assist our participating carriers with their continuing effort to reduce industry reliance on costly paper ticketing," says Kathi Argiropoulos, ARC's General Counsel and Vice President - Industry & Travel Agency Products. "While the new acceptance chart specifically addresses handwritten paper tickets, the most archaic of remaining paper transactions, this tool should further encourage the steady growth in e-ticketing which already accounts for more than 87% of ARC-processed travel agent and CTD transactions," continues Argiropoulos.

The Carrier Manual Document Acceptance Chart provides opportunity for any and all of the currently 136 participating carriers to communicate policies specific to manual document use. ARC will update the chart on a monthly basis.

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.