ASTA Pushing for Modifications to Final FAA Reauthorization Bill

The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) called the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation's markup of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2023 promising but acknowledged that more work must be done to benefit travel advisors and their clients.

"We think the bill could be strengthened in ways that recognize the value of travel advisors and their role in protecting consumers through the addition of several provisions from the House version of the bill (H.R. 3935) and other modest changes," the organization stated on Thursday.

ASTA has been pushing for several modifications to the bill, including clarity on travel agency refund obligations; removing travel agencies from the refund portal requirement and adding a travel agency seat to DOT's Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (ACPAC).

The group is also seeking language to exempt corporate travel agencies from ancillary fee disclosure requirements and streamline disclosures in offline ticket transactions such as over the phone. 

"ASTA was pleased to see that the committee agreed to an amendment package that adds a ticket agent seat to the ACPAC, and we thank Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) for championing this provision," the association added.

ASTA plans to continue working closely with members of Congress on the conference committee to ensure that the final FAA Reauthorization bill meets its standards. 

The organization also submitted comments to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding its proposed rule prohibiting junk fees this week.

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