|
|
|
|
Deal with reputable travel agents or tour companies.Ask if the business belongs to a professional association. Check with that group to see if the company is a member in good standing and if it participates in any program that protects you in case there are problems. Contact your state or local consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau to find out about the company's complaint history.
Make sure you understand the terms of the travel offer.Find out exactly what's included in the price and what isn't.
Ask about the cancellation policy and get all promises in writing.You may want to look into trip insurance for added protection.
Comparison shop.Beware of unreasonably cheap prices or free trips you usually get what you pay for!
Be careful if you're paying for travel in advance.It's not unusual to make a deposit or even pay in full for travel services before the trip. The safest way to pay may be by credit card because of your right to dispute the charges if the services were misrepresented or never delivered.
Don't be pressured into making a hasty decision by claims that you have to act now! You might pay processing or other fees upfront - and then find that a con artist has simply pocketed your money and left you high and dry.
In some states, certain types of travel sellers have to be registered and insured, and advance payments for travel must be placed in an escrow account until services are provided. Prizes or "free" gifts may also be regulated.
Resolving Complaints
Contact your state or local consumer protection agency to find out about any laws that might protect you and to file complaints related to travel agents, and train or bus travel.
The American Society of Travel Agents helps resolve disputes with member agents.
For problems with airlines, call, write or email the Aviation Consumer Protection Division of the Department of Transportation. |
|
|
|
|
|
Home
