DCC (Distribution Cost Charge) charge as of September 2015

After cutbacks and finally suspension of commission payments to travel agents acting as sales partner and service point as well as the adoption of aggravated booking conditions and optional payment charges (OPC) on using credit cards (as far as legally permitted) or the so called “Vorzugspreismodell”, the Lufthansa group has further announced a global Distribution Cost Charge, DCC amounting to additional Euro 16,– per ticket. Similar to airport taxes, this new charge is incorporated directly in the ticket price as soon as a booking is conducted via GDS (Global Distribution System). Lufthansa strives to emphasize that this price increase associated with bookings does not apply to the own distribution channel and simultaneously signals a prospective direct linkage for travel agencies, in spite of the more complicated process.  Associations and industry representatives are running objective discussions with Lufthansa on a national and international level regarding this issue. This change actually represents a price increase, which necessitates price comparison with other airlines not applying this charge. The Verkehrsbüro Group is still committed to a comprehensive price consultation and transparent information provision.