American Trans Air blasts Hotwire ads

American Trans Air has filed a complaint with the Department of Transportation against Hotwire, asserting that a national radio advertisement the online travel agency aired was deceptive and unfair. ATA, one of the nation's top 10 carriers, has asked that the department bring enforcement proceedings against Hotwire, according to a message posted to its Web site, ATA.com. According to an ATA statement, Hotwire "blatantly attacks ATA's integrity and trustworthiness."

In Hotwire's radio ads, pedestrians are asked to compare fares from their favorite online sites with those of Hotwire. In the ad in question, a woman says that she would be reluctant to choose an ATA fare because she was unfamiliar with the company.