Government Affairs

As the leading advocate for the travel industry, ASTA’s Government Affairs department represents the rights of travel agents and the traveling public on Capitol Hill and in state legislatures. One of the most beneficial aspects of an ASTA membership is the lobbying effort on behalf of its members and using One Voice to advance the cause of the entire industry.

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ASTA encourages all members to participate in the political process and help send clear, concise messages to Capitol Hill and state legislatures. With new communications technology, ASTA will easily connect members with lawmakers regarding important issues affecting the travel agent community while encouraging involvement in the legislative process.

Celebrating its 30th year, the American Society of Travel Agents’ Political Action Committee (ASTAPAC) represents the collective voice of the Society’s travel agent membership before the United States Congress and the White House and has educated elected officials about travel agent issues and helped counterbalance opposing positions. ASTAPAC pools together individual financial contributions from members and are dispersed to those candidates whose views are consistent with ASTA on issues vital to the travel agent and tourism industry.

Upcoming Legislative Items Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Secure Flight Secure Flight is a recently enacted law that will, by mid-2009, require all air travelers, when making a reservation, to provide their full name, date of birth and gender as it is shown on the identification document that they plan to present at airport security check-points. ASTA has put together consumer fact sheets, introductory letters and other resources to help you with these new regulations. ASTA developed the Travel Agents' Guide to Secure Flight, to provide members with cutting-edge information on how to negotiate complex government regulations. This publication provides the steps you need to take to meet the new Secure Flight requirements. Bookmark this page www.ASTA.org/secureflight   Quick Poll   Have you contacted one of your elected officials this past year regarding an issue of concern?   Yes No     indicates a required field

Recent Press Releases ASTA Praises Court Ruling Blocking Florida Restrictions on Sellers of Travel — April 14, 2009 ASTA Congratulates Karen Gordon Mills on Confirmation as SBA Administrator Recommends direct lending program as logical next step — April 6, 2009 ASTA Praises Administration’s Support for Small Business Lending — March 18, 2009 ASTA Praises Small Business Lending Support in FY10 Budget Overview, Cites Continued Need for SBA Direct Lending Program — March 2, 2009 ASTA Praises Limited Aid to Small Business, Renews Call for SBA Direct Lending Program — February 17, 2009

New Documents

• Letter From the President: Take Action Against United Airlines — July 2, 2009
  By now you are all aware of the scheme by United Airlines (UA) to shift its credit card costs to travel agents by denying access to its merchant accounts, access that we have had for all the years we have been in this business.
  
  
• United Airlines Credit Card Merchant Policy Updates and Resources — July 2, 2009
  To assist our members in responding to potential changes to airline credit card merchant policies and to update you on ASTA's activities, we have compiled the following resources, which include agent "talking points" and sample letters
  
  
• Letter to Consumers Regarding United Airlines Credit Card Policy — July 2, 2009
  United Airlines has started a test that may impact your travel purchase practices going forward. In short, United is testing its ability to transfer merchant credit card fees on to you through travel agents.