On Wednesday, May 8th, Travel Tech hosted airline industry attorneys Jol A. Silversmith and Barbara Marrin of KMA Zuckert to outline the “Top 7 Takeaways on the New U.S. DOT Ancillary Fee and Refunds Rules.”
As discussed in the webinar, both rules have serious implications for both large and small travel technology businesses.
Did you miss the live webinar but still want to learn more about how these new rules will impact your business?
Fill out the form below to receive the link to the webinar and a PDF summary of the top seven takeaways:
Disclaimer: The Travel Technology Association is providing this webinar and the accompanying document as educational materials and not as legal advice. You must consult your own legal counsel for specific interpretation and applicability of these rules to you or your company.
Amendment #1954 ensures the fiscal solvency of ticket agents, large and small
May 6, 2024 —The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) issued a letter in support of an amendment to the FAA reauthorization bill currently under consideration by the U.S. Senate. Amendment #1954, sponsored by Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), instructs the U.S. Department of Transportation to issue a new regulation within six months to clarify that “a ticket agent shall provide a refund only when such a ticket agent possesses, or has access to, the funds of a passenger.” Similar language was included in H.R. 3935, Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, the House-passed FAA reauthorization bill in July 2023.
The U.S. Department of Transportation recently issued its final Refund rule, which requires airlines to automatically provide refunds to passengers who book through their platforms. Per the final rule, ticket agents must make refunds to customers within seven business days when they are the merchant of record. However, the final Refund rule makes no provision on when airlines must provide refunds to ticket agents. As a result, ticket agents will be unfairly forced to make refunds without first having the customers’ funds returned by airlines.
“Senator Paul’s Amendment is of utmost importance to ensure the solvency of ticket agents large and small, especially during massive refund events like winter storms and hurricanes,” said Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of Travel Tech. “Ticket agents play no role in airline delays or cancellations yet will be held financially responsible for them, perhaps indefinitely. The U.S. Senate should adopt Amendment #1954 and require the Department to issue a new rule to protect ticket agents when they are the merchant of record.”
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents travel technology innovators ranging from dynamic startups, small, and midsize businesses to leading online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.
Monday, April 29, 2024 — Last week, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced its final regulations on the transparency of airline ancillary service fees and refunds to customers for delayed and canceled flights.
What do the rules mean and how will they impact your business?
Join Travel Tech on Wednesday, May 8th, 2024, at 1:00 pm for a free webinar featuring airline industry attorneys Jol A. Silversmith and Barbara Marrin of KMA Zuckert.
Airline industry attorneys Jol A. Silversmith and Barbara Marrin will outline the top seven takeaways about these new regulations and answer your questions. Following the webinar, all registrants will receive a written memo about these seven takeaways.
April 24, 2024 — Today, the Department of Transportation issued two final rules impacting the travel tech industry: the transparency of airline ancillary service fees and refunds of airline tickets for delayed or canceled flights.
“Travel Tech has long supported the Department of Transportation’s goals to provide greater transparency to airline consumers on ancillary fees and clear guidelines on how and when refunds are made. Regrettably, today’s final rules fail to account for how these goals can technically be achieved, adding unnecessary costs and confusion for consumers,” said Laura Chadwick, President & CEO of the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech).
In its ancillary fee comments, Travel Tech strongly advocated that airlines be required to provide critical ancillary fee information to all ticket agents and intermediaries, including GDSs, and not only to consumer-facing ticket agents as proposed by the Department of Transportation. Many ticket agents rely on GDSs to access airline schedules, fares, and availability information. Unfortunately, in the final ancillary fee rule, the Department declined to alter its proposal.
“Unfortunately, by not including GDSs, the very purpose of this rulemaking will be undermined, making it harder for ticket agents to inform consumers about the cost of ancillary services,” said Chadwick. “Had airlines been required to provide ancillary fee data to all ticket agents, transparency for consumers could have been achieved in months, not years. Consumer advocates cited this reason in their comments for supporting Travel Tech’s position.”
The Department’s final refund rule requires airlines and ticket agents (when acting as the merchant of record) to provide refunds to consumers within seven business days. While the rule requires airlines to notify ticket agents “without delay” when a consumer is eligible for a refund, it will still create situations in which ticket agents must provide refunds without first receiving the consumers’ funds back from the airlines.
“The final refund rule will render ticket agents as airlines’ de facto banks, forcing agents to float airlines’ refunds potentially indefinitely. Doing so unfairly places ticket agents in a precarious financial position that risks their ability to provide comparison shopping tools for consumers in the first place.”
The Travel Technology Association calls on Congress to pass its FAA reauthorization legislation. House and Senate versions of the bill include provisions supported by Travel Tech that provide sensible relief from some aspects of the Department’s final ancillary fee and refund rules.
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents travel technology innovators ranging from dynamic startups, small, and midsize businesses to leading online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.
The American Privacy Rights Act could be the first step in enacting national data privacy reform
April 17, 2024—Today, the House Committee on Energy & Commerce held a hearing on the American Privacy Rights Act of 2024 (APRA), a draft bipartisan, bicameral bill that seeks to create a unified data privacy standard across the United States.
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) has advocated for a single, uniform national privacy law that will protect traveler data and privacy no matter where they live and provide businesses certainty about their responsibilities.
Following the hearing, Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of Travel Tech said:
“A national data privacy standard will provide clarity and consistency for companies and consumers, improving compliance and leading to greater protection for travelers. Most travel companies by their very nature – from hotels to airlines to online travel agents and travel management companies – manage consumer data and could be impacted by such a law. We look forward to working with Members of Congress who are engaged in pushing forward a national standard.”
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents travel technology innovators ranging from dynamic startups, small, and midsize businesses to leading online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.
April 1, 2024 – Travel Tech, together with the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) and the Travel Management Coalition, sent letters to the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the U.S. House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure to highlight the provisions in the House and Senate FAA Reauthorization bills that apply to Travel Management Companies (TMCs) and request amendments and exemptions.
Services provided by contract to TMC customers include duty of care, management of complex itineraries involving larger groups of employees, and of course, changes, cancellations, and re-bookings. TMCs also manage travel for federal government agencies, including our nation’s military. TMC customers do not book or manage travel using online travel platforms available to the general public.
“Travel Tech thanks the leadership of the Senate and House committees for their work to advance the FAA Reauthorization,” said Travel Tech President & CEO Laura Chadwick. “We now ask that you recognize that Travel Management Companies, who do not book or manage travel using online platforms available to the general public, should be exempted from provisions intended for the general public.”
In the letter, the following requests were outlined:
With respect to ancillary fees, exempting from compliance any travel subject to a corporate or government contract.
Unless exempted, the proposed requirement would be problematic and unnecessary for corporate agencies, as the systems that TMCs and their business customers use for booking business travel differ from an airline website or online travel agency (OTA) site accessible to the general public.
Aligning the Senate and House bills with regard to Ticket Agent refund obligations to ensure Agents’ fiscal solvency.
Sec. 702 of the Senate bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue a final rule to apply refund requirements to Ticket Agents in the case of canceled or significantly delayed flights. However, Ticket Agents are not in a fiscal position to provide refunds without first receiving the passengers’ funds back from the airlines. The House bill clarifies this provision and should be fully adopted.
Clarify Ticket Agent responsibilities with regard to refund portal provision, and exempt Ticket Agents that provide services pursuant to a corporate or government contract.
Section 702 of S. 1939 requires Ticket Agents to prominently display on their websites a link that passengers eligible for a refund may use to make a request. This provision would require ticket agents, such as TMCs, who do not serve the general public but have a public website, to comply. However, Travel Management Companies already have specific refund obligations under their contracts. Accordingly, the refund portal provision should exempt ticket agents who provide travel services pursuant to corporate or government contracts.
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents travel technology innovators ranging from dynamic startups, small, and midsize businesses to leading online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.
Final bill may be considered before the expiration of the FAA’s authorization extension on May 10th
March 27, 2024 – This week, Travel Tech sent letters to the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the U.S. House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure as they work to align H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act of 2023 and S. 1939, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2023 into one FAA reauthorization bill to be considered by both the House and Senate. Travel Tech’s letters highlighted its preferred changes to best support consumers as they purchase airline tickets.
“Travel Tech appreciates Congressional leaders for their hard work to get this critical legislation across the line,” said Travel Tech President & CEO, Laura Chadwick. “It is now critical that this bill is finalized in a way that gives travelers the transparency and choice they deserve.”
Travel Tech’s priorities for the final FAA Reauthorization bill include:
Adding Ticket Agents to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protection
Ticket Agents are the largest travel industry segment not represented on this key advisory committee. Allowing them to become members will provide valuable insights currently not reflected in the committee, helping the Department of Transportation meet its consumer protection mission.
Aligning the Senate and House bills with regard to Ticket Agent refund obligations to ensure Agents’ fiscal solvency
Sec. 702 of the Senate bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue a final rule to apply refund requirements to Ticket Agents in the case of canceled or significantly delayed flights. However, Ticket Agents are not in a fiscal position to provide refunds without first receiving the passengers’ funds back from the airlines. The House bill clarifies this provision and should be fully adopted.
Clarify Ticket Agent responsibilities with regard to refund portal provision, and exempt metasearch engines and other Ticket Agents that provide services pursuant to a corporate or government contract
Section 702 of S. 1939 requires Ticket Agents to prominently display on their websites a link that passengers eligible for a refund may use to make a request. However, because many Online Travel Agents offer services beyond airfare comparison shopping and booking on their sites, these links will likely cause confusion among consumers seeking refunds for hotels, car rentals, or other services. Furthermore, Travel Management Companies that do not sell to the public already have specific refund obligations under their contracts. Finally, metasearch engines that direct customers to other sites have no record of which flight a customer ultimately purchased and should be similarly exempt.
Allow flexibility for Ticket Agents and air carriers to design the appropriate display of ancillary fees for customers, and similarly distinguish between Agents that provide services under corporate or government contracts and those that engage with the public
Remove the inclusion of Section 701 in H.R. 3935 that repeals the DOT’s Full Fare Advertising Rule.
The Full Fare Advertising Rule requires that the entire price for airfare, including taxes and fees, be disclosed to consumers in the first instance following an itinerary search. Its repeal will undermine consumers’ ability to effectively comparison shop and choose the best travel option to meet their needs and budget.
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents travel technology innovators ranging from dynamic startups, small, and midsize businesses to leading online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.
“On behalf of members of the Travel Technology Association, we express our thanks to congressional leaders for including funding for the Assistant Secretary of Travel and Tourism office, and for the leadership of Rep. Dina Titus (NV-01), Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Senator Roger Wicker (R-MI) in its creation,” said Travel Tech President & CEO Laura Chadwick. “Travel Tech and our member companies stand ready to support the new Assistant Secretary and its important mission.”
“We congratulate Geoff Freeman and the team at the U.S. Travel Association along with other travel stakeholders for their tireless advocacy to secure this funding,” Chadwick added.
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents travel technology innovators ranging from dynamic startups, small, and midsize businesses to leading online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.
Laura Chadwick attends Global Travel Tech launch event at the largest travel trade show
March 6, 2024 ― This week, the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech)’s President & CEO Laura Chadwick is in Berlin for the launch of a new global travel association, Global Travel Tech (GTT) at ITB Berlin. Chadwick joined a panel discussion about Global Travel Tech with Emmanuel Mounier, Global Travel Tech Secretary General, and Mark Chan, Secretariat for ATTIA.
“Global Travel Tech was established to represent the travel tech industry on the global stage. It will elevate our key priority issues – transparency, competition, and sustainability – to ensure technology empowers travelers worldwide,” said Chadwick. “I commend our shared member companies under the leadership of Emmanuel Mounier in pursuing this essential work for our industry.”
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents travel technology innovators ranging from dynamic startups, small, and midsize businesses to leading online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.
The Association Launches Online Resource to Highlight Its New Advocate Members and Others
February 28, 2024 – Today, the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) launched its “Innovate” page to highlight the contributions and efforts of its member companies working to empower traveler choice and pioneer new technologies and tools to improve the travel experience.
The page launches with profiles featuring the association’s Advocate members, including its newest member AirHelp. As part of Travel Tech’s first-ever member expansion, the new Advocate member tier is aimed at startups and small and medium-sized travel technology companies.
“Our Advocate members are working at the cutting edge of travel technology, developing new innovations to support both consumers and travel industry partners,” said Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of Travel Tech. “I am excited to highlight these companies and the vibrancy of our industry segment as a whole.”
In the months to come, Travel Tech will share more member profiles on its Innovate page, adding new stories about their work to innovate the travel experience through new technology and digital tools.
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents travel technology innovators ranging from dynamic startups, small, and midsize businesses to leading online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.
Travel Tech President & CEO Presented at the Travel Trends AI Summit
Thursday, February 22, 2024 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), the voice of the travel technology industry and consistent advocate for public policy that supports a competitive and transparent marketplace, presented at the Travel Trends AI Summit. This virtual event brought together travel industry leaders, technology experts, executives, and entrepreneurs to discuss how AI technology will impact the travel industry in 2024. Travel Tech participated in this timely event alongside leaders from Microsoft, Forbes, Deloitte, TripAdvisor, Phocuswright, and others.
Travel Tech President & CEO Laura Chadwick joined a fireside chat titled, “The Impact of AI Regulation – A DC Perspective.” Her remarks centered on federal policymakers’ work to address concerns related to the use of AI, and what impact they may have on businesses in the travel sector.
“Congressional interest about the use of AI is at an all-time high,” Chadwick said. “It is essential for the travel technology industry to be part of efforts to educate policymakers about the benefits of this technology to improve the travel experience and streamline operations. At the same, we must demonstrate the responsible use of it.”
Chadwick detailed several initiatives the association has underway on AI in 2024, including convening its members to develop industry principles and resources on the topic.
Additionally, Travel Tech hosted a virtual booth at the summit to promote the association and its membership, particularly its new “Advocate” member tier. To learn more about membership opportunities, click here.
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents travel technology innovators ranging from dynamic startups, small, and midsize businesses to leading online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.
Inclusion of Travel Technology Industry Priorities Supports Consumers & Ticket Agents
On Thursday, February 8th, the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), the voice of the travel technology industry and consistent advocate for public policy that supports a competitive and transparent marketplace, praised the Senate Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee for advancing S.1939, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2023.
“We thank the leaders of the Senate Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee for their efforts on the FAA Reauthorization,” stated Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of Travel Tech. “The legislation includes key priorities of the Travel Technology Association, provisions that will support consumers and the Travel Tech member companies that serve them for years to come.”
S.1939 provides flexibility for Ticket Agents and air carriers alike in the presentation of ancillary fee information to consumers. It also includes a provision that protects ticket agents from liability when air carriers fail to provide accurate ancillary fee information. Following adoption of an amendment proposed by Senator Jackie Rosen (D-NV), S.1939 now also includes language to add a ticket agent representative to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (ACPAC).
“Travel Tech will continue to advocate for its priorities that not yet included in the House and/or Senate FAA reauthorization bills, such as affirming the U.S. Department of Transportation’s current policy on refund timing for ticket agents and continuing to recognize the distinction between corporate travel agents and other types of ticket agents,” said Chadwick.
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents travel technology innovators ranging from dynamic startups, small, and midsize businesses to leading online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.
Comments Advocate for Intermediaries and Liability Protections When Travel Suppliers Fail to Provide Accurate Mandatory Fee Information
February 8, 2024 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) filed comments on the FTC’s Trade Regulation Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees NPRM. Travel Tech expressed support for the Commission’s continued efforts to enhance competition and pricing transparency for consumers but advocated that revisions be made about who should be held liable when inaccurate mandatory fee information is provided by travel service providers, including hotels.
Travel Tech provided detailed information in its comments about the indirect distribution channel, where millions of price points are transmitted from hotels and other travel service providers to Travel Tech member companies and other intermediaries. This complex process is critical to enabling the price and quality comparison tools consumers rely on.
“Travel Tech is committed to enhancing the consumer travel experience through transparency and competition,” said Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of Travel Tech. “However, the FTC’s proposed rule assumes that hotels will pass along its mandatory fee information – charges only they know and possess – but this is not always the case.”
Travel Tech strongly urged the Commission to revise its proposed rule to make clear that Intermediaries are not liable when Travel Service Providers fail to provide accurate, complete, and timely mandatory fee information as long as Intermediaries make reasonable efforts to receive such information.
Six years ago, Congress passed a law that held that intermediaries cannot be found liable when air carriers operating in the United States fail to provide information or data is required for intermediaries to comply with a rule about customer service information (FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, Pub. L. No. 115-254 § 427, 132 Stat. 3340.). In addition, thirty-nine states have similar laws in place when sellers provide inaccurate sales tax information to marketplaces. In its comments, Travel Tech argued that the FTC should apply similar standards in its final rule.
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents the leading innovators in travel technology, including online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.
Association Puts Forth Recommendations to the Senate That Reflect Ticket Agents’ Role in the Travel Marketplace
February 8, 2024 – The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) submitted a letter to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation concerning S. 1939, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2023. The letter provides recommendations for the committee to consider ahead of the bill’s markup, including:
Sec. 701: Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protection. Travel Tech supports Senator Rosen’s amendment incorporated into the Manager’s Amendment that adds Ticket Agents to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protection. Currently, Ticket Agents are the largest travel industry segment not represented on this key advisory committee.
Sec. 703: Refunds. Ticket Agents should only be required to provide a refund when such ticket agent possesses, or have access to, the funds of a Passenger. Travel Tech asks that the Senate amend S.1939 by replacing the current language with the House-passed provision.
Refund portal. Many Ticket Agents offer services beyond airfare comparison shopping and booking on their sites. Requiring them to place a refund link exclusively for airline refunds at the top of their public internet website, as the legislation currently does, will likely cause confusion among consumers seeking refunds for hotel, car rental, or tour operators. The Committee should amend this provision to achieve its intended goals.
Disclosure of Ancillary Fees. Travel Tech strongly supports Sec. 705 as it provides Ticket Agents and air carriers flexibility in the design of appropriate displays of ancillary fees. Travel Tech also strongly supports that an additional provision should be added to Sec. 705 to continue to recognize the distinction between ticket agents that provide services pursuant to a corporate or government contract and other types of ticket agents.
“We urge the Committee to adopt our recommendations to support travelers and the Travel Tech member companies that serve them,” said Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of Travel Tech.
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents travel technology innovators ranging from dynamic startups, small, and midsize businesses to leading online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.
February 5, 2024 — Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 (H.R. 7024). The bill restores critical pro-growth tax provisions that underscore the economic future for American workers and companies, alike.
By restoring the tax credit to its previous state, travel technology companies can immediately deduct the cost of their U.S.-based research and development investments, which will help enhance American innovation and incentivize job-creating investments for the travel industry and beyond.
In the days and weeks leading up to the vote on the bill, the Travel Tech Association (Travel Tech) worked to garner support. Prior to the markup, Travel Tech and 260 other associations sent a letter to the House and Senate leadership underscoring the importance of the bill.
“Travel Tech members and the other undersigned organizations, represent hundreds of thousands of businesses who employ tens of millions of Americans,” said Laura Chadwick, CEO of Travel Tech. “We’re pleased to see the House move forward with the bill and hope it can be supported by the Senate.”
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents travel technology innovators ranging from dynamic startups, small, and midsize businesses to leading online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.
Wednesday, January 31, 2024 — House and Senate Leadership recently announced a bipartisan deal to revive expired tax credits for research and development, among other provisions. The Travel Technology Association has endorsed the bill, H.R. 7024 Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024. Many travel tech industry members have utilized the R&D tax credits to develop new innovations to further empower traveler choice.
According to news reports, the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on this legislation this week or next, with the Senate soon to follow. Tell your Members of Congress to support this bill by sending a letter through Travel Tech’s Policy Action Center.
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents travel technology innovators ranging from dynamic startups, small, and midsize businesses to leading online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.
Grassroots and PAC influence expert Amy Showalter shares insights with Industry Members
On Wednesday, January 17, 2024, the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) hosted grassroots advocacy expert Amy Showalter to explain how travel tech industry members can reach policymakers and advocate for public policies to support their companies and the industry as a whole.
As discussed in the webinar, all companies – both large and small – can champion priorities and support Travel Tech’s efforts to ensure legislation and policies support our industry.
Below are the top five key takeaways from Showalter’s presentation:
1. Industry Expertise Matters.
Policymakers want and need to hear from experts who have information earned through on-the-ground experience. Travel tech industry members know their business better than elected officials and should use that knowledge to their advantage.
“There is a need for people like travel tech industry members doing the hard work, knowing what it is like to live these regulations and legislation on a day-to-day basis,” said Showalter. “The need for you to communicate the reality of that to legislators is important so they, number one, understand it and number two, can eventually support you.”
2. No Interaction Leads to No Change.
Legislators can’t take into account your company’s point of view of pending public policies unless you – or your trade association – are interacting with them. To legislators, “no news” means “good news”; they will assume everything is working well in the travel tech industry. If you don’t engage with policymakers, there won’t be any movement on the issues the industry is collectively championing.
3. Meet Policymakers Before the Problems Begin.
Lawmakers are reactive by nature, and who they see is who they remember. If there is a serious problem, you don’t want that to be the first time they’re interacting with you and the organization you represent. It’s important to proactively develop relationships with lawmakers and their staff.
“Provide consistently reliable information,” said Showalter when discussing the most effective lobbying activities that shape congressional members’ and staff decisions. “You don’t always have to say what they want to hear, but back it up with evidence and data. Be consistent. Be reliable. Be somebody they can count on.”
4. Tell a Compelling Story.
Humans understand stories, and there are scientific reasons that stories resonate. When advocating for your business in front of policymakers, think about your story.
“Is there a personal angle to this legislation that you can communicate? Lawmakers remember and want good stories,” Showalter said.
5. Get Involved with Your Trade Association
Companies are the travel tech industry’s best advocates, and the Travel Technology Association supports its member companies’ engagement with policymakers. Travel Tech’s new Advocate membership has several benefits, including education, public policy intelligence sharing, newsletter access, and the ability to promote company services and products in front of policymakers, including an upcoming Capitol Hill event in May.
For more information or questions about member benefits, visit our Join Us page.
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents travel technology innovators ranging from dynamic startups, small, and midsize businesses to leading online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.
Travel Tech Urges Congress to End the State Privacy Patchwork
As part of its advocacy efforts on behalf of the industry, the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) announced a continued focus area for 2024: supporting a comprehensive national data privacy framework. To showcase its commitment to data privacy, particularly during National Data Privacy Week, Travel Tech published a new issue brief on the importance of a national data framework.
Since 2018, 185 comprehensive privacy bills have been considered across 46 states and 13 states have enacted comprehensive privacy bills. The lack of federal leadership on the issue has created a conflicting patchwork of privacy laws that confuse consumers and harm American businesses.
“A national framework is essential to protecting the privacy of consumers in the travel industry,” said Laura Chadwick, President & CEO of Travel Tech. “The current patchwork of state laws wastes resources on complicated compliance efforts and compromises privacy protections for the residents and tourists.”
The new webpage outlines Travel Tech’s key principles for federal privacy legislation. These include:
Consistent Terminology for Global Clarity: A new federal privacy law should align definitions and terminology with established international frameworks. Diverse terminology across global privacy frameworks creates confusion, especially for companies operating internationally.
Flexible Purposes for Responsible Data Use: Congress should avoid a rigid list of permitted data uses that would hinder innovation and adaptability for businesses. Support flexible “legitimate interest” provisions as the primary legal basis for processing, allowing businesses to adapt to evolving needs while respecting individual privacy.
Free Flow of Data for Global Efficiency: Congress should avoid data localization restrictions in any new federal privacy law. The promotion of a framework that facilitates the free flow of personal data while upholding robust data protection principles will help balance individual privacy with global economic growth and promote responsible data practices.
In August 2023, Travel Tech joined the United for Privacy: End the Patchwork coalition to advocate for comprehensive federal privacy legislation that creates a uniform national standard, preempts state law, and ends the privacy patchwork of various state regulations.
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents travel technology innovators ranging from dynamic startups, small, and midsize businesses to leading online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.
Major Activity Anticipated by Congress, Regulatory Agencies, and State Legislatures in 2024
January 10, 2024 — With Members of Congress returning to Capitol Hill this week, Travel Tech released a briefing on the state of play for public policy impacting the travel industry. As interest in travel continues to rebound with consumers and policymakers, the association is keyed into ongoing legislative and regulatory fights on behalf of travel tech companies.
Advocating for One National Mandatory Fee Price Transparency Law and Enforcement Fairness for Travel Tech Companies
Policymakers on both the federal and state levels continue to pursue efforts to hold hotels accountable when they withhold information about their mandatory fees from travelers. Travel Tech supports a single, national standard and a common-sense provision to account for situations when hotels fail to provide accurate and complete information to price comparison sites.
Anticipating Final Rules on Refunds and Ancillary Fee Transparency by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) in February and March
According to the federal government’s Unified Regulatory Agenda, the DOT will issue its final rules onAirline Ticket Refunds and Consumer Protections in February and Enhancing Transparency of Airline Ancillary Service Fees in March of this year. Travel Tech filed comprehensive comments on both proposed rules, as each will majorly impact the travel technology industry.
Securing Travel Tech’s Priorities in the Long-Term Reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) by Congress
The second extension of the FAA expires on Friday, March 8, 2024. The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee will likely soon schedule a markup of S. 1939, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2023. In July 2023, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act. Both pieces of legislation include major Travel Tech priorities, and the association continues to advocate actively for provisions included in S.1939.
Travel Tech supports S.2033, the American Innovation and Choice Online Act (AICOA) to address the vast inequities resulting from extremely large search platforms, like Google, abusing their dominant position and undermining competition.
Both state and federal policymakers are grappling with how AI tools should be regulated. Given the concerns about inaccurate or outdated information and recommendations, copyright issues, ethical risks and more, the use of AI in travel may soon be a focal point in such discussions. Travel Tech will engage with policymakers on the responsible use of AI in the travel sector.
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The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents travel technology innovators ranging from dynamic startups, small, and midsize businesses to leading online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.
On Wednesday, December 6th, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce considered H.R. 6543, the No Hidden Fees on Extra Expenses for Stays (FEES) Act. In advance of the markup, the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) submitted a letter to the Members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The committee passed the legislation in a vote of 44-0.
The No Hidden FEES Act will require – for the first time ever in federal law – consumers to be shown the total price for a hotel room (including rate and all mandatory fees). Under this legislation, the total price must be “transparent to and easily understood by the consumer.”
Laura Chadwick, President & CEO of Travel Tech stated, “The No Hidden Fees on Extra Expenses for Stays Act is an important first step to bring much-needed transparency to consumers from hotels to rein in their troubling resort fee practices.”
Travel Tech supports provisions in the bill that will set a single, national standard for the transparency of mandatory fees assessed by hotels. It will create uniformity and certainty for hotels, short-term rentals, online ticket agents, metasearch agents, and others, and most of all, travelers – no matter where they reside in the U.S. – about what is included in advertised pricing for lodging.
“Despite the benefits of this legislation, H.R. 6543, however, lacks a common-sense provision to account for when hotels fail to provide accurate and complete information to price comparison sites,” Chadwick added.
Thirty-nine states have laws in place to protect against situations when inaccurate sales tax information is conveyed from the seller to the marketplace and onto the consumer. These state laws rightly hold the seller – in this case, hotels – responsible in such instances and not the marketplaces like those of Travel Tech member companies. Travel Tech simply seeks the same fair consideration on the federal level regarding mandatory fee information.
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents travel technology innovators ranging from dynamic startups, small, and midsize businesses to leading online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.
Right now, policymakers on the federal, state, and local levels are debating public policies directly impacting your travel technology company. Now, more than ever, the travel technology industry must come together and advocate for pro-innovation legislation and regulations to support the continued growth of our industry.
But what does advocacy for the travel tech industry look like? What can companies and their leaders do to support these efforts while running their businesses, especially without policy-focused staff?
Join Travel Tech on Wednesday, January 17th, 2024, at 1:00 pm for a free webinar featuring Amy Showalter, grassroots and PAC influence expert, to answer these questions and more.
What an effective advocate for the industry looks like
How business leaders can play a pivotal role in shaping the industry’s future
When to apply scientific influence principles to your advocacy challenges to ensure success
Through publishing multiple books, guest lecturing, and winning awards for her innovations, Amy Showalter has developed and galvanized thousands of grassroots evangelists and staff who want to advance their case through the legislative process. She is the most published expert in the nation on grassroots and PAC performance, with over 900 publications featuring her insights.
Register today to secure one of the 100 spots available for this session and uncover the keys to impactful advocacy.
Promotes Companies as the Engines Behind Traveler Choice
Monday, November 27th — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) unveiled a campaign this week educating policymakers on the importance of Global Distribution Systems (GDS), which power the technology behind online travel sites, mobile apps, travel agents, and a multitude of travel solutions. With a sponsorship of Politico’s Morning Transportation newsletter and a new website and video, Travel Tech is advocating for the technology and companies that increase transparency and choice in travel.
Travel Tech represents leading GDS members Amadeus, Sabre, and Travelport. Without GDS platforms, travel bookers would be unable to compare prices in one place, forcing them to visit airline, hotel, car rental, and other travel suppliers’ websites one by one in search of the best prices and schedules.
“GDS technology allows consumers and travel agents to compare schedules, fares, and fees between travel suppliers, making travel more competitive and accessible,” said Laura Chadwick, President & CEO of Travel Tech. “Travel Tech members provide consumers with choice at each stage of their travel journey. If airlines or other travel suppliers choose not to share ancillary fee data with GDS companies, it harms not only the GDS but their own customers.”
The new video developed by Travel Tech describes how GDS platforms work by connecting travel bookers and travel suppliers to promote price transparency and competition. GDS technology allows consumers to search for, compare, and book among thousands of travel options.
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents travel technology innovators ranging from dynamic startups, small, and midsize businesses to leading online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.
Thursday, November 16th, 2023 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), the voice of the travel technology industry and advocate for public policy that supports a competitive and transparent marketplace, led an interactive panel discussion focused on “Responsible AI: Is Regulation the Answer and How Far Should It Go?” at the recent Phocuswright Conference held in Hollywood, FL.
Robert Cole, CEO, RockCheetah, Sundar Narasimhan, SVP, President of Sabre Labs & Product Strategy, Sabre, and Lara Tennyson, Head of US Federal Affairs, Booking Holdings joined Laura Chadwick, President & CEO of Travel Tech on the panel.
“Since the debut of ChatGPT over a year ago, policymakers in Washington, DC have grappled with what, if anything, government should do to regulate the use of AI, which will undoubtedly impact both large and small travel tech companies,” said Chadwick. The innovative travel technology industry has long employed AI and machine learning to support and streamline their companies’ or clients’ business functions. Recently, industry members have developed and debuted new tools to empower traveler choice.
Panelists and audience members at the Phocuswright session shared their concerns about the consequences of overregulation and how important it is to have travel innovators as part of the policymaking process. They also agreed that the travel tech industry should come together to promote the responsible use of AI in travel.
“We heard important feedback at this session to guide Travel Tech’s advocacy with members of Congress and the Biden Administration,” said Chadwick. “This is the essence of the work we do at Travel Tech to support the industry on this topic and many others. I strongly encourage others to reach out to the association and share their points of view.”
Share Your Thoughts about Responsible AI: Is Regulation the Answer and How Far Should It Go?
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents travel technology innovators ranging from dynamic startups, small, and midsize businesses to leading online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.
Association to Submit Comments in Response to Junk Fee Challenges in the Indirect Channel
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently published its proposed Trade Regulation Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees and is currently seeking public comment. If adopted, this wide-sweeping regulation would directly impact companies in the travel tech sector, including those that engage in the indirect sale of hotel rooms or other places of short-term lodging and/or place a surcharge on consumer transactions to cover the cost of payment processing and beyond.
To support travel tech industry members, the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) has developed a free regulatory analysis to help companies understand this proposed new regulation. Travel Tech is working with its members to submit comments by the new official due date of February 7, 2024. (Interested in learning more about membership? Learn more here.)
“Travel Tech members are committed to operating transparently. It is central to the benefits they provide to consumers,” said Laura Chadwick, President & CEO of Travel Tech. “To protect competition and transparency, any regulations in this area must apply equally to all entities providing travel pricing information, both online and offline.”
Access Travel Tech’s Free Regulatory Analysis on FTC Junk Fees
Fill out this form to access the document:
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents travel technology innovators ranging from dynamic startups, small, and midsize businesses to leading online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.
Bill’s Safe Harbor Provision is Essential for Pro-Consumer Price Comparison Sites
On Wednesday, November 1st, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce held a markup on the No Hidden FEES Act of 2023. The Act will require – for the first time ever in federal law – consumers are shown the total price for a hotel room (including rate and all mandatory fees) wherever hotel pricing is available. Under this legislation, the total price must be “transparent to and easily understood by the consumer.”
Travel Tech and its members continue to engage on this important legislation, working with subcommittee staff to incorporate a safe harbor provision similar to those used in many states for sales and occupancy tax collection.
Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of Travel Tech said: “Providing transparent and competitive pricing to consumers is central to price comparison websites’ business models. The safe harbor language ensures that hotels must share their resort fees not only on their own websites but on price comparison sites too.”
“Without a safe harbor, price comparison sites would have to engage in costly, time-intensive investigations and contract dispute litigation with the tens of thousands of hotels providing their rates and taxes – but not their mandatory fees – to these sites,” Chadwick added. “Doing so will detract from price comparison sites’ core purpose: providing a transparent and competitive marketplace for consumers to find and book their travel.”
Multiple states have identical safe harbor laws for sales and/or occupancy tax collection. In these cases, if sellers fail to provide accurate tax information to price comparison sites, the sellers are ultimately responsible – not the marketplace. The same should follow on the federal level if a hotel provides inaccurate resort fees to a travel marketplace.
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents the leading innovators in travel technology, including online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.
Thursday, November 2nd, 2023 – The Travel Technology Association announced its support for extending competitive tax policies vital to workers and America’s economic future, including immediate R&D expensing, a pro-growth interest deductibility standard, and full expensing.
In a letter to Congress led by the R&D Coalition, Travel Tech urged members of Congress to work together to pass these tax policies that are critically important for the travel technology industry. Allowing for immediate R&D expensing will secure the U.S. as a global leader in innovation, incentivize job-creating investments, and reinforce America’s competitiveness on the world stage.
With the debut of ChatGPT late last year, the use of artificial intelligence (“AI”) quickly captured the interest of consumers and businesses, and the travel industry is no exception. But ever since, policymakers in Washington, DC have been grappling with how AI tools should be regulated. Given the concerns about inaccurate or outdated information and recommendations, copyright issues, ethical risks and more, the use of AI in travel may soon be a focal point in such discussions.
Join Travel Tech CEO Laura Chadwick on Thursday, November 16th, 2023, at the Phocuswright Conference for a “soapbox” industry debate on “Responsible AI: Is Regulation the Answer and How Far Should it Go?”. We encourage all travel innovators to get on your “soapbox” and join us for a debate on what, if anything, the government should do to ensure the responsible use of AI in the travel sector. No matter where you are on your AI journey, this session will provide key insights and considerations amid the expanding usage of this technology in your business.
Welcomes Travel Tech Start-ups, and Small and Medium Businesses in New “Advocate” Member Tier
October 17, 2023 — Today, the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), the trade association representing the leading innovators in travel technology, announced its first-ever membership category expansion. The new “Advocate” member tier is aimed at startups and small and medium-sized travel technology companies. It launches with the addition of four new member companies.
“The Travel Technology Association is the organization for travel tech innovators. As we celebrate its 25th anniversary next year, we are now providing the opportunity for all companies, large and small, to join our efforts to promote the travel tech industry and empower traveler choice,” said Laura Chadwick, President & CEO of the Travel Technology Association.
In Washington, DC and state capitals, policymakers are debating policies that directly impact travel tech businesses – including resort fees, refunds, data privacy and artificial intelligence (AI) to name just a few. Travel Tech’s new Advocate category will provide key information and insights about proposed legislation and regulations through a monthly webinar and newsletter. It will also offer the opportunity for members to meet with policymakers and demonstrate their travel tech innovations.
The association’s new Advocate members are organizations revolutionizing the travel experience by creating new tools that improve the booking process for group and business travel, allow hosts to screen and reward guests, and provide hotels, airports and others a platform to design GPS-enabled self-guided tours. They include: DCX Travel & Technology, DreamGuest, Group Travel Odyssey, and UCPlaces.
“We are excited to join the Travel Technology Association as an Advocate member. As a growing travel tech company, we want to get involved in its advocacy efforts and network with other companies like us,” said Kory Vrieze, Director of Group Travel Odyssey (GTO). “This is a wonderful opportunity to promote and protect the travel tech industry.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome this outstanding group of companies to our Advocate membership. Travel Tech’s continued growth affirms the importance of advocating for public policy that promotes an improved global marketplace and consumer experience,” Chadwick said.
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents the leading innovators in travel technology, including online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.
Spreading Awareness of the Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights
In celebration of the 37th anniversary of the Air Carrier Access Act, the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) and several of its member companies joined the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) #AccessibleAirTravel Campaign to raise awareness about the rights of people with disabilities to safe, dignified, and accessible air travel.
Alongside Travel Tech, member companies Amadeus, Sabre, Travelport, BCD Travel, and CWT are partnering with DOT and joining the campaign. They are among other entities, including airlines, airports, and disability organizations, that are raising public awareness.
“We are proud to partner with the Department of Transportation to build awareness about the rights passengers with disabilities have when flying,” said Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of Travel Tech.
The campaign brings awareness to the Department of Transportation’s Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights, which describes the fundamental rights of air travelers with disabilities. The Department provided a summary video to empower individuals with disabilities to understand and assert their right to accessible air travel.
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents the leading innovators in travel technology, including online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.
In its comments, Travel Tech details its members’ significant investments in robust trust and safety operations to protect the reliability of the reviews appearing on their platforms. Travel Tech expresses its support for the Commission’s efforts in the proposed rule to target those intent on committing fraud through fake or deceptive reviews.
“FTC has achieved the right balance in its proposed rule to target bad actors while preserving industry flexibility to develop innovative and effective solutions that will help to maintain consumer confidence in reviews,” said Laura Chadwick, President and CEO. “Travel Tech members invest significant resources in robust trust and safety operations to protect the reliability of the reviews appearing on their platforms.”
Examples of Travel Tech members’ commitments to protecting travelers from fraudulent reviews include:
Establishing and enforcing community standards;
A multi-step process for pre-screening reviews to ensure they meet community standards before reviews are made public;
Being attuned to potential fraud triggers, such as travel during large events in less traveled markets;
Imposing penalties for fraud, including de-platforming fraudsters
Working with governments to prosecute fraudsters;
Collaborating to identify and promote industry best practices;
Being transparent via review transparency reports about policies and progress enforcing those policies; and
Employing fraudulent-review detection systems and teams.
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) empowers traveler choice by advocating for public policy that promotes marketplace transparency and competition. Travel Tech represents the leading innovators in travel technology, including online travel agencies, metasearch engines, short-term rental platforms, global distribution systems, and travel management companies.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.
Travel Tech Supports FTC’s Targeted Effort to Combat Fake and Deceptive Reviews
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 — The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the travel technology industry, will honor Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA), Ranking Member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, and Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) with Travel Tech’s Innovation Leadership Award at its third annual Policy & Innovation […]
