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 Bradford Williamson of Glen Echo Group at 202.870.3234 or bwilliamson@glenechogroup.com.
