Any proposals suggesting revenue sharing or a zero fee would doubtlessly end up compromising the UT System s service expectations. Because travel agencies are, as their name implies, agents of their principals, travel agencies have no control over their commission income. It is not feasible for the UT System to prohibit agencies from raising their prices during the course of an agreement because agencies cannot require the same prohibition from their principals. Despite the fact that agencies are charging fees, more tickets are being issued by agencies than ever before. There are at least five compelling reasons for using a travel agency.
Agents represent all airlines and are considered an objective distributor.
The travel industry is very complex. It often takes a travel agent s guidance to sift through the options. Travel agencies play a critical role in issuing tickets in accordance to the UT System s travel policies. The UT System prepays for approved airline purchases. This service can only be offered via a travel agency, as the UT System requires that certain controls be in place.