USTOA Tour Operator Members Offer Special Cancellation Policies Following World Trade Center Crisis
Some Companies Extend Cancellation Waivers as Association
Encourages Public to Travel
New York, NY October 8, 2001 Nearly a month since the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, the U.S. Tour Operators Association -- whose members move more than 10 million passengers annually -- reported that nearly all of its member companies had established special cancellation policies for travelers scheduled to depart the week of September 10, due to the World Trade Center terrorist attack. Most companies offered refunds or the opportunity to reschedule for any trip through 2002, while one company offered travel credits through 2003.
For travelers scheduled to depart into the fall months who may still wish to alter their plans, cancellation policies vary from company to company, reports Bob Whitley, President. "USTOA as an association has no regulatory authority to control individual member companies' cancellation policies," points out Whitley, who reports that some companies have extended the date for rebooking to travelers whose trips were scheduled as far as into next March.
Some Companies Extend Cancellation Waivers
A recent USTOA survey of 26 companies representing more than 46 brands revealed that 42% (11 companies) were extending special cancellation policies for those scheduled to depart in October and beyond. Six companies (nearly 25%) were allowing passengers scheduled to depart through October 31 to credit their payments and reschedule for 2002 without additional penalties. Another two companies extended the date into December, with two more companies stretching the date through March 2002, subject to any penalties from suppliers. Some companies were charging administrative fees for rescheduling passengers, while other companies had specific deadlines by which travelers had to reschedule.
Yet other companies were providing partial refunds or rebooking for select departures only, and some tour operators had multiple policies depending on departure date and destination. In some cases, companies offered credits toward future trips, while other tour operators returned to their normal cancellation policies.
Whitley advises that many companies have posted their cancellation policies on their respective web sites.
Cancellations on the Decrease
Of USTOA member companies surveyed, 13 reported on the extent of their cancellations the week of September 10, as follows: two companies had few or no cancellations; two reported a moderate number; and nine reported a sizeable number. The number of cancellations has decreased as time has passed, notes Whitley.
Whitley compared the current situation to those following previous acts of terrorism in Europe when travelers returned to their normal patterns within two weeks. He said that this is now the safest time to travel in aviation history and that most travelers "will want to take the vacation they have worked so hard for. We are confident that there will be a resurgence of travel, and individual USTOA members will do everything in their power to encourage and support travel in the future."
Information Sources
Among the suggestions offered by USTOA is to use the many information sources available to help travelers decide on their plans. One source is a company called iJET Travel Intelligence, whose experts compile up-to-date information on destinations. That information includes everything from airline strikes to visa requirements to health emergencies. The company's web site is www.ijet.com.
Travelers are also advised to monitor the U.S. State Department
web site for information on travel and advisories (http://travel.state.gov),
as well as check airline web sites or consult their travel agent
for departure and cancellation information. Whitley also advised
travelers to pay for their arrangements with credit cards, which
offers consumers an added level of protection in these uncertain
times.
To access a listing of USTOA member companies and links to their
web sites, key in www.ustoa.com. For a copy of USTOA's free Smart
Traveler's Planning Kit, telephone 1-800-GO-USTOA (468-7862).
Public Relations Contact:
Linda Kundell Communications
(212) 877-2798, (212) 877-3387 fax
(For all other inquiries about USTOA, please contact USTOA.)
