Irate Travel Agent Strikes Back

An irate travel agent,

protesting the Delta Air Lines cap on commissions, sent what she called a “love-hate message” to the airline on Valentine’s Day.

Emaly Shuman, 53-year-old owner of International Tours of Garland, Texas, on Tuesday booked roundtrip flights from Dallas-Fort Worth to Atlanta, Delta’s home town, for 125 non-existent customers.

She said she wanted to send a clear message that she didn’t agree with Delta’s cost-cutting move to cap travel agents’ commissions to $50 per ticket.

Delta initiated the cap a week ago, saying the 10 percent commission paid to travel agents on domestic tickets was too costly. Every major airline except Southwest Airlines Co. followed suit.

Delta officials say the stunt was illegal and showed disregard for people who who needed to fly. Shuman contends her actions were legal.