Hi there - this is a great question and the fact that it was noticed so quick shows that TripStalker users really are savvy travelers!
(quotes below from:
http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/dec2005/tc20051229_680100.htm )
The airlines are in a constant struggle to control costs. One of the places that they are looking is in their agreement with the GDS's (Global Distribution Systems). These systems are the method in which airlines use to distribute their tickets. They allow everyone from travel agents, to airline personnel, to online sites to view and purchase tickets.
Recently, AirTran struck an exclusive alliance with a single GDS, Sabre:
One possible model for a truce is Sabre's October deal with AirTran Holdings (AAI).
Sabre cut GDS fees, and AirTran gave Travelocity discounted package
tickets -- and stopped selling through Worldspan. Under this agreement,
Sabre actually makes more from AirTran than before, both companies say,
though a source near the talks says AirTran pays Sabre just $5.50 per
round-trip. "It's because of increased volume and the limited
participation of other GDS [companies]," AirTran VP Kevin Healy says.
Look for a blog post on why this is great for TripStalker and as the only independent search and notify service puts us in a great position to find you the best fares! We will be working to include AirTran in either our scraping engine or by connecting directly to Sabre. Stay tuned for more info on all that.
Thanks!