AirTran Airways' website and call center handled 67% of its bookings in 2009, and the airline announced a deal today with American Express designed to drive even more traffic to these in-house channels.
AirTran is offering small business customers who have an American Express OPEN card a 5% discount on all flights if booked on AirTran.com, the airline's primary distribution channel, or through its call centers or at ticket counters.
AirTran received 33% percent of its bookings in 2009 through travel management companies and travel agencies, but bookings through the agency channel by small business cardholders won't elicit these discounts.
AirTran is the latest travel partner to sign up for the American Express OPEN Savings program. Other partners offering discounts include Hyatt Hotels, Hertz, several Marriott brands and Carey.
AirTran targets business travelers and says it is "the only airline with business class and Wi-Fi on every flight."