Last week, the six largest US airlines, including Twin Cities based Northwest Airlines decided to stop paying most commissions to travel agents who sell their tickets. Airline industry analysts say the commissions are an unnecessary expense at a time when carriers are struggling to restore their financial health following September 11th. But the decision to end commissions has major implications for travel agencies throughout the nation. Minnesota travel agents say the airlines' decision is forcing them to revamp their businesses, and to charge consumers higher fees for booking airline tickets. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.