American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) has reached an agreement with British Airways and Iberia that will allow companies and travelers to avoid paying a surcharge on airfares through participating GDS’s. The two airlines announced in May that from Nov. 1 they would introduce an 8-euro fee for the airlines’ fare components booked in indirect channels, which includes systems (GDS’s) and online booking tools used by TMC’s and their clients. However, American Express GBT’s clients are set to avoid the additional fee after it agreed to a multi-year deal to work with the airlines on future GDS distribution. The agreement applies to all GDS bookings, though each GDS is required to agree to the new arrangement with the airlines. Until now, one GDS has done so, while British Airways, Iberia and American Express GBT remain in active dialogue with the others. The agreement also applies to reservations made via American Express Travel & Lifestyle Services and through a select number of American Express GBT franchise partners.