Travel Advisors Score Big Wins in House Passage of FAA Reauthorization Bill

by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 1:20 PM ET, Thu July 20, 2023

The House of Representatives has passed legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), otherwise known as the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act (H.R. 3935).

The bill includes several provisions that give travel advisors a louder voice, including making it clear that a travel agency’s obligation to issue a client refund is limited to scenarios where it is in possession of the funds in question and adding a Travel Agency Seat to the Department of Transportation's (DOT) Consumer Protection Advisory Committee.

Additionally, the bill requires DOT to implement a streamlined system for fulfilling consumer disclosure requirements during "offline" transactions such as those taking place over the phone or face-to-face within 18 months of the bill’s enactment and would create a new "Passenger Experience Advisory Committee" at DOT, with a seat set aside for ticket agents among its membership.

"Today, the House of Representatives recognized what consumers have long known–travel advisors serve as a crucial voice for the traveling public and, as sellers of nearly half of all air tickets, an indispensable contributor to our nation’s economy," Zane Kerby, President and CEO of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) said in a statement.

"Consumer research shows that not only are more people traveling more often, but more are also using travel advisors to make the most of their trips. ASTA members took that message to Capitol Hill during ASTA’s Legislative Day in June, and this legislation clearly shows that it resonated with lawmakers," he added.

"While comprehensive in scope, the bill recognizes the invaluable role travel advisors play in the larger travel and tourism ecosystem while serving as a key voice for consumers. I applaud the bipartisan hard work of Chairman Sam Graves, Ranking Member Larsen, the Transportation Committee and the full House in approving this bill. We urge the Senate to quickly follow suit and get this bill over the finish line before the September 30 deadline."