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).
The full Senate will likely soon consider S.1939, FAA Reauthorization Act of 2023. Once it is approved, the legislation will be conferenced with H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in July 2023.
“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.
Ahead of the Senate Commerce Committee’s consideration of S.1939 last week, Travel Tech sent a letter with its recommendations. In February 2023, Travel Tech provided its top priorities for the House and Senate’s work to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration.
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.
