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Welcome to the website of the Arizona Chapter of the American Society of Travel Agents, your source for the latest travel-industry news and information for agents and travelers in Arizona.

ASTA Tells Agents to be Cautious of Troubled Suppliers

During this period of liquidity concerns, ASTA is cautioning travel agents to beware of tour companies and other travel suppliers that are struggling financially. The organization is also encouraging agents to thoroughly review travel-insurance policies and their coverage regarding a default. “With today’s economic challenges and particularly the reduced availability of credit, some suppliers and tour companies may be unable to meet short-term financial obligations,” ASTA said.

Mark Torpey, CTC, Arizona ASTA Board Member and Regional Director of Sales/National Accounts for M.H. Ross Travel Insurance Services, has added that agents and travelers be aware that different insurance companies have lists of companies they will or will not cover for bankruptcy or financial insolvency. Remember that most policies purchased through the tour company, cruise line, etc., do not include coverage for bankruptcy. Almost all third party insurers however, maintain a list of suppliers that are currently in bankruptcy and will not be included should they fail. There are some insurance providers that reverse this process and maintain a list just of companies they will cover. Here you have to search for the supplier you are using to be sure they are included, should you want to have your funds protected in the event they should default.

When possible, use a credit card to purchase your travel arrangements. This provides an added level of protection, but does vary with the credit card companies as well as the time period between the purchase of travel arrangements and when the actual default takes place.Read more from Travel Agent…

Southwest to Add, Boost Fees, Allow Pets Aboard Cabins

Southwest Airlines plans to implement a service charge for unaccompanied youngsters between the ages of 5 and 11, boost its fee for a third piece of checked luggage, and allow cats and small dogs in carriers in airplane cabins. The changes become effective June 17. The luggage fee is expected to affect about 1% of the carrier’s passengers. “We continue to allow our customers to check two bags on Southwest for free, making our baggage policy far and away the most generous in the industry,” said Gary Kelly, Southwest’s chairman, president and CEO.Read more from Tampa Bay Online…

TSA Announces Changes to Security

The Transportation Security Administration is no longer asking airline passengers to put their shoes in a bin when they make their way through security. Instead, they want the footwear placed directly on the X-ray machine conveyer belt so screeners can get a better look. The TSA is also urging air travelers to use their full name as it appears on their ID to book tickets. The move is part of the TSA Secure Flight program, being phased in as the government takes over from the airlines the responsibility of vetting passenger names against watch lists.Read more from USA Today…

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ASTA's LinkedIn Update

ASTA and Arizona ASTA are on LinkedIn. ASTA is always looking for ways for travel professionals to engage one another and so we created a both National and local groups exclusively for ASTA members. It’s a great way to network, share ideas and connect with one another.Read more from ASTA on LinkedIn…