ASTA members uphold a strict code of ethics. This is the pledge on which the members stake their reputation. If you ever have a problem with an ASTA member, the customer may contact the Consumer Affairs Department and file a complaint and they will assist you in getting it
resolved.
Preamble
We live in a world in which travel has become increasingly important and complex in its variety of modes and choices. Travelers are faced with a myriad of alternatives as to transportation, accommodations and other travel services. Travelers must depend on travel agencies and others in the industry to guide them honestly and competently. Similarly, carriers, hotels and other suppliers must provide to the traveler the product as it was advertised. All ASTA members pledge themselves to conduct their business activities in a manner that promotes the ideal of integrity in travel and agree to act in accordance with the following Principles of the ASTA Code of Ethics. Complaints arising under this code should be filed in writing with the ASTA Consumer Affairs Department.
Resposibilities of All Members
- ACCURACY. ASTA Members will be factual and accurate when providing information about their
services and the services of any firm they represent. They will not use deceptive practices.
- DISCLOSURE. ASTA Members will provide completedetails about terms and conditions of any
travel service, including cancellation and service fee policies, before accepting nonrefundable
payment for the booking.
- NOTICE. ASTA Members operating tours will promptly advise the agent or client who reserved
the space of any change in itinerary, services, features or price. If substantial changes are
made that are within the control of the operator, the client will be allowed to cancel without
penalty.
- DELIVERY. ASTA Members operating tours will provide all components as stated in their
brochure or written confirmation, or provide alternative services of equal or greater value, or
provide appropriate compensation.
- RESPONSIVENESS. ASTA Members will promptly respond to their client's complaints.
- REFUNDS. ASTA Members will remit any undisputed funds under their control within the
specified time limit. Reasons for delay in providing funds will be given to the claimant
promptly.
- COOPERATION. ASTA Members will cooperate with any inquiry conducted by ASTA to resolve any
dispute involving consumers or another member.
- CONFIDENCES. ASTA Members will not use improperly obtained client lists or other
confidential information obtained from an employee's former employer.
- CONFIDENTIALITY. ASTA Members will treat every client transaction confidentially and not
disclose any information without permission of the client, unless required by law.
- AFFILIATION. ASTA Members will not falsely represent a person's affiliation with their
firm.
- CREDENTIALS. An ASTA Member shall not, in exchange for money or otherwise, provide travel
agent credentials to any person as to whom there is no reasonable expectation that the person
will engage in a bona fide effort to sell or manage the sale of travel services to the general
public on behalf of the member through the period of validity of such credentials. This
principle applies to the ASTA Member and all affiliated or commonly controlled enterprises.
- CONFLICT OF INTEREST. ASTA Members will not allow any preferred relationship with a
supplier to interfere with the interests of their clients.
- COMPLIANCE. ASTA Members shall abide by all federal, state and local laws and regulations.
CONCLUSION
Adherence to the Principles of the ASTA Code of Ethics signifies competence, fair dealing and high integrity. Failure to adhere to these Principles may subject a member to disciplinary action, as set forth in ASTA's Bylaws.
INTEGRITY IN TRAVEL- That's what its all about!
Visit the ASTA web site at http://www.astanet.com