Protecting Yourself From Airline Bankruptcies (NAPSA)—Travelers worried about their air carrier filing for bankruptcy can still look forward to a smooth landing. Struggling airlines may declare bankruptcy while continuing flight operations, leaving many consumers unsure about their upcoming travel plans. Fortunately, there are ways travelers can protect themselves and their ee trip. The consumer Website of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), www.TravelSense.org, has issued the following tips to consumers holding tickets on any airline that has declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy: Use a credit card. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, credit card customers havethe right to refuse paying for charges for services not rendered. Details of the Fair Credit Billing Act can be found at the Federal Trade Commission’s Website at www.ftc.gov/bcep/con line/pubs/credit/fcb.htm. Consider insurance. Some travel insurance policies may include consumer protection coverage. However, before purchasing insurance, consumers should check with their ASTA member travel agent to determine what policy best meets their needs. Quote the law. Congress recently continued Section 145 of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act. The Act provides that passengers holding tickets—paper or electronic—from a bankrupt carrier for a particular route are entitled to transportation on a spaceavailable basis on any airline serving that route. The entitlement is good for 60 days after the airline has suspended operations and the most the new carrier can charge is a $25 standbyfee. @ Travelers worried about their air carrier filing for bankruptcy are urged to pay with a credit card. e File a claim.If all else fails, a consumercanfile a claim with the bankruptcy court. “Airlines are filing for bank- ruptcy at an unprecedented rate these days, andit’s not surprising to hear that consumers’ faith in these carriers has been shaken,” said ASTA President and CEO Kathryn W. Sudeikis, CTC. “But no matter the state of the airlines, consumersstill have a high degree of faith in the services their travel agents provide. Clients are a travel agent’s first priority, and each and every day they are work- ing hard to bring their clients the best travel experience possible. Travel agents can help travelers explore all their options, including alternative flights and departures from different airports or on different airlines,” added Sudeikis. “Without a travel agent, you really are on your own.” The American Society of Travel Agents is the world’s largest and most influential travel trade association, with more than 20,000 membersin 140 countries. To learn more, visit their Web site at www.TravelSense.org.
