Posted at 11:54 a.m., Wednesday, May 29, 2002
United closing 3 Isle ticket offices
By David Butts
Advertiser Staff Writer
Airline ticket offices in department stores, hotel lobbies and other locations are a rapidly disappearing breed as more travelers use the Internet to book flights and airlines work to reduce costs.
"It is an opportunity for us to reduce our expenses," said Joe Hopkins, a United spokesman in Chicago, adding that the airline has been closing ticket offices around the country.
United's parent UAL Corp. had a record $2.1 billion loss last year as it cut jobs and flights after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. American Airlines closed most of its ticket offices after Sept. 11.
United has four ticket offices left in Hawai'i at Ala Moana Center, Bishop Square, Pearlridge Macy's and one on Maui. One of those four will remain open after July, but the company has not decided which one, Hopkins said.
Some of the 25 employees that staff the centers may be laid off, but that hasn't been decided yet either, Hopkins said. "In some locations, people have been relocated, but not in all cases," Hopkins said.
