ASTA Webcast Explains Critical Aspects of New DOT Consumer Rules, Possible Impact on Agents

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Alexandria, Va., Jan. 18, 2012— Given the critical nature of new rules from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), which are set to go into effect on Jan. 24 and Jan. 26 and which could result in significant fines for non-compliance, ASTA is offering an on-demand webcast--free to all travel professionals--entitled “The Six Critical Things Your Must Know About DOT’s Consumer Rules #2.” This limited-time, special offer, presented by ASTA’s in-house expert John Pitman, vice president of Industry Affairs, outlines the pending rules that will govern how fares and fees must be advertised.

“While several of the DOT’s fare rules became effective in August 2011, the rules that may have the most dramatic impact on an agency become effective later this month,” said ASTA CEO Tony Gonchar. “These rules will significantly impact the regulatory environment in which travel agencies operate, and failure to comply could result in substantial penalties. To ensure that travel professionals are fully educated on and able react to these new rules, ASTA is opening up what is usually reserved only for its membership to the entire industry.”

In early 2011, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) introduced new rules designed to enhance passenger rights and “to improve the air travel environment for consumers.” Depending on an agency’s business model, some of these rules, namely those pertaining to full-fare advertising, baggage fee disclosures and restrictions on post-purchase price increases, may have a profound effect on a travel agency business and require agencies to make fundamental systems and programming changes, and to train front-line employees.

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ABOUT ASTA

The mission of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. ASTA seeks a retail travel marketplace that is profitable and growing and a rewarding field in which to work, invest and do business.

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