FAA Reauthorization Archives - Travel Tech Association

May 16, 2024, Washington, DC – Today, the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) applauded the signing of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024 (H.R. 3935) into law by President Joe Biden. This new law is the result of a comprehensive, bipartisan effort to reauthorize the FAA and aviation infrastructure and safety programs for five years.

“Congressional leaders worked tirelessly to pass this legislation and we appreciate their consideration and inclusion of many of Travel Tech’s priorities,” said Laura Chadwick President and CEO of Travel Tech. “By giving Travel Tech members a voice in important policymaking efforts at the U.S. Department of Transportation, our industry can work to expand the transparency and choice travelers have come to expect.”

Several of Travel Tech’s legislative priorities were reflected in the final version of the bill. Ticket agents, including online travel agents, Global Distribution Systems, and travel management companies, are a critical part of the travel ecosystem. The new law requires that ticket agents must now be consulted as appropriate by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (ACPAC), a critical body responsible for evaluating and providing recommendations on consumer protection programs in the aviation industry. (see Sec. 508)

Ticket agents will now be able to provide valuable insights about the indirect distribution channel not currently reflected in the advisory committee and help policymakers meet their mission. This is a significant step forward that will enhance the role of ticket agents and improve the overall travel experience for consumers. A Ticket Agent representative has also been included in the law’s new Passenger Experience Advisory Committee, which is tasked with advising the Secretary and the Administrator in carrying out activities relating to the improvement of the passenger experience in air transportation customer service. (see Sec. 517)

Travel Tech also commends Congress for directing the DOT to begin the rulemaking process on refund requirements between airlines and ticket agents. Ticket Agents are not in a financial position to provide refunds without first receiving the passengers’ funds back from the airlines, and it is crucial that the Secretary of Transportation begin to set this standard as quickly as possible. (see Sec. 503, Application to Ticket Agents)

Finally, the new law will keep intact the DOT’s Full Fare Advertising Rule (FFAR), a critical policy that requires the entire price for airfare, including government-assessed taxes and fees, be disclosed to consumers in the first instance following an itinerary search. The FFAR was to be repealed per the House-passed version of the bill. The FFAR allows consumers to effectively compare and shop for the best airline ticket options 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.

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.”

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.

Join Travel Tech on Wednesday, May 8^th, 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 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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

“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.

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 on Airline 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.

Sign up for Travel Tech’s Passport newsletter and stay in the know about news and public policy impacting the travel tech industry. Delivered every Wednesday, Passport keeps industry leaders up-to-date on current and emerging issues and advocacy efforts.

To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.

Ahead of the return of Congress to Washington, D.C. next week, Travel Tech has met with U.S. Senate offices to discuss the airline refund obligations of ticket agents. Late last year, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), in its proposed Airline Ticket Refunds and Consumer Protections rulemaking, sought to require ticket agents to refund customers within seven days, even if the airline had not yet returned the funds.

“We were pleased the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee heard us and included this sensible provision in their bill,” Chadwick continued. “We are continuing our efforts to secure a similar provision in the U.S. Senate’s FAA Reauthorization.”

As it stands today, the authorization for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will expire on September 30, 2023. The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee has not yet considered or cleared its FAA Reauthorization legislation due to an ongoing impasse over pilot training requirements.

Inclusion of Travel Technology Industry Priorities Support Travelers and Industry Members

On Thursday, July 20th, 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 legislators for advancing H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act through the U.S. House of Representatives.

“We are also especially grateful to Rep. Dina Titus and Rep. Gus Bilirakis, chairs of the House Travel & Tourism Caucus, along with Reps. John Garamendi, Marco Molinaro, and Susan Brownley for introducing H.R. 3780, the ACPAC Modernization Act,” said Chadwick. “Due to Rep. Titus’s leadership, ticket agents are one step closer to being able to offer their unique expertise on improving airline customer service.”

H.R. 3780, the ACPAC Modernization Act, was merged into the House-passed FAA Reauthorization bill (H.R. 3935). It will add a ticket agent representative to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (ACPAC).

Prior to the House vote on H.R. 3935, Travel Tech sent a letter to Congress to express its support for the legislation. Travel Tech’s letter, however, noted its opposition to the inclusion of Section 701 of the bill, which repeals the DOT’s long-standing Full Fare Advertising Rule. This rule requires that the entire price for airfare, including taxes and fees, be disclosed to consumers in the first instance following an itinerary search.

Laura Chadwick, Travel Tech’s President & CEO, argued that “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 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.

On Wednesday, July 19^th, the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) sent a letter to Congress to express its support for H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, in advance of the U.S. House of Representatives’ vote on the legislation later this week. H.R. 3935 will reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and related aviation programs for the next five years. It includes several key provisions sought by Travel Tech to improve airline travel for consumers and support the Travel Tech member companies that serve them.

Travel Tech’s letter, however, noted its opposition to the inclusion of Section 701 of the bill, which repeals the DOT’s long-standing Full Fare Advertising Rule. This rule requires that the entire price for airfare, including taxes and fees, be disclosed to consumers in the first instance following an itinerary search. Laura Chadwick, Travel Tech’s President & CEO, argued that, “Its repeal will undermine consumers’ ability to effectively comparison shop and choose the best travel option to meet their needs and budget.”

On Thursday, July 13^th, Laura Chadwick, President & CEO of the Travel Technology Association, was featured alongside John Breyault from the National Consumers League in an NBC News story about efforts to repeal the Full Fare Advertising Rule. Under the current rule, the Department of Transportation (DOT) requires any advertised airfare to include the total cost to the consumer for the ticket, including all applicable government taxes/fees and any mandatory carrier-imposed surcharges. However, a provision in the House FAA Reauthorization bill would eliminate this requirement and instead allow airlines to advertise ticket prices without including government taxes and other required fees.

Chadwick and Breyault both expressed concerns over efforts to change this rule. As Chadwick stated, “You can’t comparison shop on the checkout page. It’s essential to put that information up front, the first place where consumers see the airfare.”

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 global distribution systems, online travel agencies, metasearch companies, travel management companies, and short-term rental platforms.

To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.

“We thank the leaders of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee for their exceptional efforts on the FAA Reauthorization. Travel Tech released its top priorities for this legislation earlier this year. Both bills feature key provisions that we expressly advocated for to better support travelers and the Travel Tech member companies that serve them,” stated Laura Chadwick, president, and CEO of Travel Tech.

The House legislation includes critical language relating to the refund obligations of ticket agents, a top Travel Tech priority. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), in its proposed Airline Ticket Refunds and Consumer Protections rulemaking released late last year, sought to require ticket agents to make refunds to customers within seven days, even if the funds had not yet been returned by the airline. Travel Tech successfully advocated for bill language that would require a refund only when such ticket agent possesses, or has access to, the funds of a passenger.

“Simply put: our members can only refund what they have in their possession. The DOT’s proposed rule on the timing of refunds places ticket agents in a precarious financial position, no matter their size, having to make refunds without first receiving the customers’ funds back from airlines. We are glad the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee heard us and included this sensible provision in their draft bill. We will work hard to ensure this provision and our other priorities are included in the final legislation passed by Congress.”

The House version of the FAA Reauthorization legislation will also add a “ticket agent” representative to the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (ACPAC). Last week, Reps. Dina Titus (D-NV), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), John Garamendi (D-CA), Marc Molinaro (R-NY), and Julia Brownley (D-CA), introduced standalone legislation, H.R. 3780 — the ACPAC Modernization Act, to do the same.

“We’re pleased to be included as a formal representative on ACPAC as well the new Passenger Experience Advisory Committee,” Chadwick said. “This recognition of the travel technology industry’s unique expertise comes at a critical time and reinforces the pivotal role our members contribute to enhancing the travel experience.”

“We are also grateful to see our point of view on ancillary fee display flexibility affirmed in the Senate legislation. Our members are the pioneers in consistently supporting consumer access to information to allow them to make informed decisions and know the total costs involved as they make travel plans,” stated Chadwick.

Earlier this year, Travel Tech submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation on their proposed “Enhancing Transparency of Airline Ancillary Service Fees” rulemaking. Travel Tech also filed a hearing petition to challenge the DOT’s requirement in the rule to display the critical ancillary fee information on the first page of online search results, and presented key public opinion survey results to support their position.

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 global distribution systems, online travel agencies, metasearch companies, travel management companies, and short-term rental platforms.

To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.

On Monday, June 5^th, the Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech), launched its new Travel Tech Policy Action Center to offer industry members a means to communicate directly with their elected representatives and show support for key Travel Tech public policy priorities.

The inaugural action asks industry members to tell their member of Congress to co-sponsor H.R. 3780, the ACPAC Modernization Act, which would add “Ticket Agents” to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (ACPAC). This is one of Travel Tech’s major priorities for the FAA Reauthorization legislation that must pass Congress by September 30th.

Congresswoman Dina Titus (D, NV-01) and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R, FL-12), chairs of the House Travel & Tourism Caucus, along with Rep. Marc Molinaro (R, NY-19), Rep. John Garamendi (D, CA-08), and Rep. Julia Brownley (D, CA-26), introduced H.R. 3780, the ACPAC Modernization Act on June 1st.

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 global distribution systems, online travel agencies, metasearch companies, travel management companies, and short-term rental platforms.

To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.

ACPAC Modernization Act Will Benefit Consumers and Lead to Better DOT Policy

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, applauds the introduction of legislation today that would add ticket agent representatives to the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (ACPAC).

The legislation, introduced by Reps. Dina Titus (D-NV), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), John Garamendi (D-CA), Marc Molinaro (R-NY) and Julia Brownley (D-CA), would allow ACPAC to garner the unique and critical perspectives of ticket agents who support millions U.S. of travelers.

It’s why earlier this year, Travel Tech stated its primary policy priority as part of the FAA Reauthorization Act was to have Congress “amend the law to add a Ticket Agent representative to ACPAC to expand its industry knowledge base and improve the quality of its recommendations, ultimately benefiting consumers.” The term “Ticket Agent” is defined in law as “a person (except an air carrier, a foreign air carrier, or an employee of an air carrier or foreign air carrier) that as a principal or agent sells, offers for sale, negotiates for, or holds itself out as selling, providing, or arranging for, air transportation.” (49 U.S.C. § 40102(a)(45)).

In response to the introduction of this important legislation, Laura Chadwick, president CEO of Travel Tech, stated:

“On behalf of Travel Tech’s membership, I am grateful to Rep. Dina Titus and Rep. Gus Bilirakis, chairs of the House Travel & Tourism Caucus, along with Reps. John Garamendi, Marco Molinaro, and Susan Brownley for introducing the ACPAC Modernization Act. By adding ticket agents to the US Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (ACPAC), Congress will better equip the advisory committee to address growing airline customer service issues.

Online ticket agents sell approximately 50% of all airline tickets to consumers every year, putting them in the distinctive position to share a deep knowledge and understanding of refunds, ancillary fees, and cutting-edge technology. Our important perspective has been missing at ACPAC. The technical expertise and long-standing commitment to innovation by Travel Tech members will strengthen efforts to support airline customers.”

ACPAC represents the nearly 700 million airline passengers that fly in the U.S. each year. Unlike many other federal consumer-focused advisory groups, the committee is currently comprised of just four members – an air carrier representative, an airport operator, a state or local government representative, and a consumer advocate.

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 global distribution systems, online travel agencies, metasearch companies, travel management companies, and short-term rental platforms.

To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.

White Paper Submitted to House Transportation & Infrastructure and Senate Commerce Committees

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, released its priorities for the upcoming Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization by Congress. The priority list and related justification for the recommendations are contained in a white paper submitted to the U.S. Senate’s Commerce Committee and U.S. House of Representatives’ Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.

“The upcoming reauthorization of the FAA gives Congress a very timely opportunity to improve air travel for their constituents. Travel Tech members provide air travel booking services for millions of consumers each year,” said Laura Chadwick, President and CEO of the Travel Technology Association. “Our priorities for the reauthorization — ensuring ticket agents are a part of the US Department of Transportation’s consumer protection efforts, providing travelers with ancillary fee information early in the booking process and making timely refunds — are aligned with Congressional efforts.”

The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) is the voice of the travel technology industry, advocating for public policy that promotes transparency and competition in the marketplace to encourage innovation and preserve consumer choice. Travel Tech represents the leading innovators in travel technology, including global distribution systems, online travel agencies and metasearch companies, travel management companies, and short-term rental platforms.

To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact media@traveltech.org.

Travel Tech Association Debuts New Investor Brief Connecting Travel Tech Founders and Investors

May 13, 2026

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 — The Travel Tech Association is launching the Travel Tech Angel Investor Network Brief — a monthly publication connecting investors with the founders behind Travel Tech’s Start-Up Member companies and the innovations they are bringing to the future of travel. The Brief is built around a simple belief: in early-stage investing, […]