What Every Travel Advisor Should Do in 2024

Delta passengers on a flight from Atlanta to San Juan on February 29 found out they'd be getting a free trip back to the Caribbean destination later this year.

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An announcement this week from American Airlines created widespread concern and confusion in the travel advisor community. Once again, as with the NDC fare roll-out, we have a half-baked, significant policy change released to the marketplace without fully thinking through the ramifications or fully communicating specifically how advisors would be impacted.

Envoyage Logo. (Photo Credit: Flight Centre Travel Group)

The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is calling on travel agencies and advisors to contact their respective members of Congress to make their case as to why they shouldn't be on the hook for issuing airline refunds to clients."For the first time since 2018, Congress is reevaluating federal aviation policy through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization process. This is our opportunity to influence sound policy that recognizes the value of the travel advisor in the greater travel industry," the organization states.  "Travel agencies sell 40 percent of all air tickets, and travel agencies are considered ticket agents under both federal statute and government regulations."ASTA points out that the House version of the FAA Reauthorization bill contains clear language that travel agencies are not responsible for providing airline refunds if they are no longer in possession of the client’s funds. However, the provision was left out of the bill passed by the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation earlier this month.ASTA is hoping to change that and is encouraging advisors to email their members of Congress—one House Representative and two Senators—through its grassroots portal.

Success Stories focus on veteran travel advisors and how they achieved success. Here’s a look at Becky Smith, owner of Becky’s Travel Biz Inc in Gainesville, Ga.

The Kimpton Banneker, a boutique Washington, D.C., property in a historic building near Dupont Circle, boasts 144 guest rooms and suites spread out across ten stories. The vibe is modern and trendy, setting a new tone in the heart of a capital city steeped in institutional tradition, and in a great location for both work and play, to boot. There are two on-site restaurants (including a beautiful open-air rooftop terrace) and an impressive range of traveler-friendly amenities for guests to indulge in to enjoy a comfortable visit. It’s also easily accessible to many well-known attractions like the National Mall, the famed cultural institutions of downtown D.C., and the sought-after restaurants and shops of Dupont Circle.

The news that American Queen Voyages (AQV) had ceased operations on Feb. 20, canceling all future cruises, did not come as a shock to the trade.

Passengers flying American Airlines will need to pack lighter or be ready to pay, the carrier announced Tuesday of its increased bag fees along with an array of other customer-facing changes.

Amtrak announced a new flash sale to help travelers looking to book a rail trip save money on their adventure this spring.

Unlike many in the hospitality and tourism space, who spend their career working solely in one particular facet of the business, I have been fortunate and have been able to change verticals several times. At ICON Park, it was attractions and restaurants; at Universal Parks, it was resort hotels and theme parks; as a board member at the Grand Canyon Resort, I helped promote an area of extreme natural wonder.

Booking a cruise may seem straightforward enough—pick a location, find a ship, pay your deposit and start packing. But, in reality, it can be one of the most confusing travel experiences to navigate on your own.