ASTA approves FAA law

The American Society of Travel Agents gave its stamp of approval to various aspects of a new law related to travel agents. ASTA said it approved a provision of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that mandates the Secretary of Transportation to consult with airline and travel agency representatives to discuss improvements in the Travel Agent Arbiter program. The provision also calls for obtaining airline and travel agent views regarding changes to the program. Still another provision requires consultation with the industry on creating a special box on ticket stock for inserting agent’s service fee charges. The bill was signed into law on Dec. 12. It establishes a $62 billion authorization of the FAA and aviation-related programs through fiscal 2007. The Travel Agent Arbiter program provides an independent procedure for some disputes between the Airlines Reporting Corporation and agents. The measure can also be used for some airline-agent disputes, but only with the consent of the airlines. “Through ASTA’s lobbying efforts, members of Congress recognized the importance of getting input from the industry following the report of the National Commission to Ensure Consumer Information and Choice in the Airline Industry,” said Richard M. Copland, ASTA president and CEO. Among other findings, the commission Mr Copland is referring to concluded that the survival of independent travel distributors is essential to assist and protect consumers. The commission also found that the internet will not always or necessarily produce better travel solutions than using a traditional travel agency.