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Continental unveiled a series of cost-cutting and revenue-generating measures that include additional fees, penalties and service charges to travel management companies and our clients. Many major U.S. carriers, including Continental, implemented a paper ticket fee if issued by the carrier. Until now, all airlines had exempted travel management companies from charging the $20 fee. Effective immediately, if a paper ticket is requested and issued by GTM on any Continental flight, an additional $20 fee will be imposed by the carrier.

In addition, Continental also said low-fare customers will have to start paying for some services they used to get for free. Immediate examples were not provided, but said they would be revealed and implemented over the next several weeks. Passengers paying higher fares will continue to receive the "full-service product” at no additional charge. Continental said it is eliminating discounts on certain published and unpublished low-fare categories, but has not provided any details.

The airline also promised more rigid enforcement of all fare rules and a strict policy against "waivers and favors." Continental advised the travel community that it would no longer be granting fare rule waivers on any fare in any market.

Historically, the airlines tend to follow trends introduced by their competitors; we fully expect all other major carriers to announce the same paper ticket issuance fee of $20.