The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is urging its members to reach out to Congress regarding the final Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill this spring.
Last month, ASTA called out the Department of Transportation's (DOT) new airfare refund rules that could negatively impact agencies by leaving them on the hook to issue a refund even if they've already passed the funds over to the airline.
"We were thankful when the House originally recognized this important distinction. Unfortunately, the final compromise between the House and Senate kicks this issue back to a DOT that has shown a clear lack of understanding of how travel agencies book air travel," ASTA President and CEO Zane Kerby said.
Now the organization is encouraging advisors to call their senators and push for change.
"The current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act requires travel advisors to provide airfare refunds for canceled or changed flights, even if they are no longer in possession of the client’s funds if they are the merchant of record," ASTA points out.
"An amendment by Sen. Rand Paul, amendment #1954, would restore the original language in the House bill that makes it clear travel agencies should not be responsible for refunds if they are no longer in possession of the funds."
Advisors can contact their senators using ASTA's phone script. Advisors can modify the script as necessary to account for their personal experiences but should ask their lawmakers to support the Paul amendment.
Outreach is especially crucial in Washington, Illinois, Kansas, Texas and New York as senators representing these states will be making the final decisions on the bill and the amendment process.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
