Southwest Won't Sell Tickets On Rival SitesSouthwest Won't Sell Tickets On Rival Sites

Southwest Airlines Co. has pulled its schedule and fare data from all global distribution systems--except Sabre--effectively barring Orbitz LLC and many other Web sites from offering its low-fare tickets to consumers. Southwest fares now will be available online only at its own site, at sites powered by Sabre Inc., and on Travelocity.com, in which Sabre is a majority shareholder.

Most airlines feel they need to be on every site that sells travel, says Southwest, but a combination of low fares and high reliability have earned it a dedicated following that books about one ticket in five on Southwest's own site. That low-fare structure is made possible in part by holding down distribution costs wherever possible, according to Southwest.

Southwest's action, though, likely is the result of an ongoing feud with Orbitz, the Web site launched last month by the major airlines. Southwest has filed suit against Orbitz for allegedly posting its fare and itinerary information incorrectly. Southwest has said it doesn't trust its competitors to fairly provide information to the public.