Computer Reservation Systems

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO clarified recommendations it made concerning airline computer reservation systems. GAO noted that: (1) it recommended that Congress direct the Secretary of Transportation to revise the Department's existing rules to require that each system vendor eliminate functional differences between host and participating airlines that could be eliminated without dehosting; (2) it recommended that the Secretary of Transportation gather data on the industry, the reliability of communication links, and the costs and benefits of dehosting systems; and (3) the Department does not need to gather any additional information before Congress acts to ensure that vendors eliminate functional differences.