The position taken by the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is crystal clear: travel agencies should not be held responsible for air ticket refunds if they do not have the necessary funds. Unfortunately, the Department of Transportation (DOT) recently finalized regulations in late April that expand the circumstances in which air passengers are entitled to ticket refunds, and this includes requiring ticket agents to foot the bill for refunds if they are considered the merchant of record. This puts travel agencies in a tough spot and goes against ASTA’s stance on the matter.
While the FAA reauthorization bill has made some progress in addressing the concerns raised by ASTA, the Society is pushing for further amendments to ensure that travel agencies are never burdened with refund costs when they do not have the financial means to cover them. ASTA is urging travel advisors to rally behind an amendment proposed by Senator Rand Paul from Kentucky. The goal is to garner support from lawmakers and get the necessary changes made to the FAA reauthorization bill.
Travel advisors are encouraged to utilize ASTA’s online grassroots portal to reach out to legislators and voice their support for the proposed amendment. In addition, ASTA has provided a phone script for advisors to use when calling lawmakers, making it easier for them to convey their message effectively. The Society emphasizes the importance of personalizing the scripts with individual experiences to make a stronger impact.
ASTA has highlighted the urgency of the situation, especially for advisors in Washington, Illinois, Kansas, Texas, and New York. These states’ representatives will play a crucial role in the decision-making process regarding the bill and the proposed amendment. The Society is urging its members to show unwavering support for the amendment, as the timeline for the amendment process remains uncertain at this point.
The battle against air ticket refund costs for travel agencies is far from over. ASTA’s unwavering commitment to protecting travel advisors from bearing the financial burden of refunds is commendable. With concerted efforts from advisors and lawmakers, there is hope for a favorable outcome that will safeguard the interests of travel agencies across the country.
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