Public is being mislead by [broadcast consumer reporter] Clark Howard regarding airlines group fares.

I am a veteran employee of a major carrier with 26 years of vast experience in many fields. These include air freight, ticket counter, passenger service, lost and found, domestic and international sales.

For the last 10 years, I have been a part of my airlines group sales center for both domestic and international groups of 10 passengers or more.

On several occasions I have heard you saying that booking group reservations through the airlines group sales center is to no advantage to the public or travel agent. Negotiating fares for groups is not only my business but it is what I love to do.

You must understand that private enterprises are in business to make money and not for charitable purposes. Having that in mind, if we expect a specific flight on a specific date to do well, there is no sense in giving a discount.

However, even in this situation it will be towards the client's benefit to book the reservation with the airline group sales center because instead of having to pay for the tickets immediately, the customer will have the opportunity of paying later on. This is only one of the many benefits.

There are too many variables that we take into consideration to justify the discount to offer; however, the public has nothing to lose by just checking with us or through their travel agent to benefit themselves.

I feel proud to belong to this department and we always strive to keep the customer well informed in an honest and professional manner and take personal ownership of our customers problems by anticipating and handling their needs.