The United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) and member companies are coming to the aid of travelers affected by the bankruptcy of Far & Wide Travel Corporation. According to USTOA President, Bob Whitley, travelers whose deposits or payments for future travel with Far & Wide were made by credit card are advised to contact their credit card company for a chargeback. Travelers whose credit card companies will not reimburse them or those who paid by check or cash are eligible to file a claim for reimbursement through the USTOA $1 Million Consumer Protection Plan. Claims must be filed by December 31, 2003. Details and additional information are available on the USTOA web site: www.ustoa.com.

To further assist affected travelers, more than 35 individual USTOA member companies have offered to honor Far & Wide deposits paid, or to provide other assistance. Some companies have offered to try and duplicate original Far & Wide itineraries for passengers, while other USTOA companies will evaluate travelers’ arrangements on a case-by-case basis.

Whitley urges travelers to check with each company individually, as various conditions may apply in each case. Travelers whose arrangements were made through travel agents are advised to contact their travel agent. "USTOA and our member companies are doing the utmost to help Far & Wide travelers with their vacation arrangements and to minimize any inconvenience," observes Whitley, who adds that travelers should check the USTOA website daily for additional companies offering assistance, and for updates on consumer reimbursements.