Delta Not Playing Fair With Its New Surcharge

I am surprised by the $2 surcharge that Delta Airlines has levied on those who purchase tickets through travel agencies, through Delta’s 800 number and at the airport [Delta Adds Fee to Tickets Not Bought Online, Jan. 14]. The reason given is that it costs too much to maintain the system.

Isn’t it part of the cost of doing business, like buying airplanes, maintaining airplanes and paying salaries?

It seems logical that, with the availability of the Internet as a cost-saving device, they should reduce ticket prices $2 for customers who purchase through the Internet, instead of the other way around.

GILBERT TSAO

Los Angeles

* I am a travel agent who works with very busy executives who do not have the time nor do they want to search a Web page to save $2. What this boils down to is that the airlines are now going to penalize their clients for flying on their carrier because they do not have the time or patience to pull up their Web pages.

There’s another problem. Doing what Delta wants isn’t going to give you the best price most times. By calling a travel agent you can find out the lowest possible fares between cities by all the competition, not just one airline.

LEIGH PADILLA

Los Angeles