by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 6:10 PM ET, Tue March 24, 2026
The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is praising House approval of H.R. 5663, the ACPAC Modernization Act, a measure that, if adopted, would give travel advisors formal representation on the Department of Transportation's Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (ACPAC).
Approval of the measure, which received broad bipartisan support, reflects “growing recognition in Congress of the essential role travel advisors play in supporting consumers and shaping the modern travel marketplace,” ASTA said today in a press release.
If the legislation is ultimately adopted it would create a dedicated seat for ticket agents on ACPAC, a move that would ensure federal policymakers consistently have the perspective of the professionals who assist travelers in navigating the complexities of air travel.
“Travel advisors are an integral part of the travel ecosystem, serving both as advocates for their clients and as key contributors to the broader marketplace,” Zane Kerby, ASTA President and CEO, said in a statement.
“We are grateful to Rep. Dina Titus for introducing and championing this important legislation,” Kerby added. “Today’s action brings us closer to ensuring advisors’ real-world expertise helps inform the policies that directly affect both travelers and the businesses that support them.”
Travel advisors are the largest single sellers of airline tickets, issuing an average of 781,000 per day and accounting for $99.2 billion in sales in 2024, according to ASTA.
Despite the significant role they play, travel advisors do not have a formal voice on ACPAC, a committee on which airlines, airports and consumer groups are already represented.
Over the last several years, advisor representation on ACPAC has been a central advocacy priority for ASTA. It was an issue that ASTA members made a point to champion during multiple Legislative Day fly-ins on Capitol Hill and through sustained grassroots engagement with lawmakers.
“This milestone underscores the power of showing up," Jessica Klement, ASTA Vice President of Advocacy, said in the statement the organization issued today.
“Through ongoing, face-to-face advocacy, our members have helped lawmakers understand the critical role travel advisors play for consumers and in the overall travel economy. That’s what ultimately drives meaningful policy change,” Klement added.
The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.
ASTA has said it will continue working to advance the legislation and ensure its adoption.
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