Jessica Klement is the Vice President of Advocacy at the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA).
Advocacy is a cornerstone of the American experience. Remember the adage, “all politics is local.” Much of our way of life has been brought about by those willing to fight for what is right on behalf of the many. For us at ASTA, advocacy is a big part of our company DNA and has been for the last 95 years.
As the travel advisor profession continues to grow, so does our mission to advocate for and elevate it, protecting industry credibility from the harm done by those who enter it carelessly or maliciously.
For much of this year, our fight has been centered on harmful travel policies, such as the misguided policing of advisors in Maryland with the changes in its seller of travel laws. While the legislation became law despite ASTA’s objections, ASTA is working with state agencies to craft the final regulations in a manner that doesn’t do more unnecessary harm, while simultaneously working with legislators to introduce a legislative fix.
On the federal level, with support from Senator Rick Scott (R-FL), there is growing documented resistance to proposed Department of Transportation flight refund rules placing travel advisors as the responsible party when airline travel is disrupted and customers are due reimbursement. His letter strongly advocated on behalf of the small business travel advisor, recognizing that they are wrongfully being held responsible for funds that have never truly been in their possession.
In conjunction with tackling the refund rules at the regulatory level, we are working to fix the policy legislatively, tirelessly advocating for support of the Flight Refund Fairness Act. With an increase in congressional supporters over the last few years, ASTA is laying the groundwork for a fix in the next version of the FAA reauthorization bill; conversations around which will start early next year.
Jessica Klement, VP of Advocacy, ASTA (Photo Credit: ASTA / Jason Dixson Photography)
Before we look ahead to 2027, there’s still more work to be done before the end of the year. Both parties in Congress will be looking to pass key priorities before a new Congress is ushered in this coming January. One area where we’re looking to gain some ground is movement of the ACPAC Modernization Act in the Senate, as it already passed the full House in March. The legislation would add a ticket agent seat to the Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee at the Department of Transportation, giving advisors a strong voice at the federal agency that regulates them.
Our efforts continue to be in consideration and appreciation of the larger travel community, but it is thanks to the support of our members that we are able to make such an impact on this industry that we call home. Without you and your support, much of what we accomplish would easily be swept under the rug, considered inconsequential compared to the larger corporations we challenge for airtime with policymakers.
Although we are entering the holiday season, we are not ones to rest on our laurels; instead, we are looking ahead to the new year, preparing our priorities for Legislative Day, and recommitting our efforts to fighting the good fight, for a better travel industry for us all. Not an ASTA member? SHAME ON YOU! We’re stronger – you’re stronger – when the whole industry speaks with one voice. Join us today.
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