Florida Consumer E-Newsletter April 2005 |
Download PDF version [961K PDF]
A Message From the Commissioner...
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Dear Friends: Travel, especially for people on vacation, should be fun. Unfortunately, there are some in the travel business who are more concerned with separating travelers from their money than in getting them to their destinations. You can reduce your chances of falling victim to unscrupulous sellers of travel by exercising discretion and common sense. |
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is responsible for protecting consumers from unethical sellers of travel. This is done by requiring all non-exempt sellers of travel to register each year and include their registration number in all advertisements and contracts. Some are also required to provide financial security for consumers through a bond, letter of credit or certificate of deposit, and to adhere to mandatory record-keeping procedures.
Remember, we're here for you. Our Consumer Hotline: calling within Florida 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352), outside of Florida 850-488-2221, ¡Español! 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832), will answer any questions you may have about purchasing travel in the State of Florida, or visit us online.
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Travel Smart!
Sellers of travel come in many forms -- from small, local offices to large, national and international franchises. Most of them are sincerely concerned with providing their clients with professional service and enjoyable experiences. The few sellers of travel who cheat the public create problems for everyone -- travelers and law-abiding travel agencies alike. In many cases, there is a limit to what the law can do to assure consumers that they will get their money's worth in their dealings with travel agents. But the wise traveler can do much to keep from becoming a victim of fly-by-night or unethical sellers of travel. Follow these quick tips to ensure your travel experience is what you planned on:
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Request Information. Before contracting with a travel business, call the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) to determine whether the travel business is registered and if any complaints have been filed against them. Look for the seller of travel's current registration certificate posted in its place of business. The registration number also must appear in all of their advertisements.
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Verify Arrangements. Get the details of your vacation in writing and a copy of the cancellation and refund policies before making a purchase. Ask if the business has insurance and whether you should buy cancellation insurance. Get the names, addresses and telephone numbers for the lodgings, airlines and cruise ships you'll be using. Don't accept vague terms such as "major hotels" or "luxury cruise ships." Call to verify specific reservations, too.
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Get the Details. Do not accept vague statements like "all major airlines" or "all major hotels." Get specifics and check the details yourself. If accommodations are included, call the hotel and confirm the reservations personally. Also, ask the hotel personnel about their knowledge of and relationship with the travel company.
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It's Never Free. Be skeptical of postcards or telephone calls announcing that you have been selected to receive a vacation. Airlines and other well-known companies sometimes operate contests for travel prizes. However, there are also companies that offer "free" trips to try to lure people into buying their products or services. It's never "free" if you have to pay something.
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Use a Credit Card. If you don't get what you paid for, you may be able to dispute the charges with your credit card company. Some travel businesses may claim they need your account information for identification or verification. They don't. Your account number should be used only to bill you for goods and services. Never give credit card or checking account numbers over the telephone unless you initiated the call and you are certain of the credentials of the company.
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Know the Lingo. "You have been specially selected to receive our SPECTACULAR LUXURY DREAM VACATION offer" doesn't mean you'll get a free vacation. It means you'll be offered an opportunity to pay for a trip that may fit your idea of luxury - or not. "Subject to availability" means you may not get the accommodations you want when you want them. "Blackout periods" are blocks of dates, usually around holidays or peak season, when no discount travel is available.
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Take Your Time. Beware of high-pressure sales tactics and pitches that require immediate payment; do not make hasty decisions. Be especially wary if a business offers to have someone pick up your money.
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Vacation Certificates. A vacation certificate is an arrangement whereby you pay in advance for the use of travel accommodations or facilities at some later date, and no specific dates for traveling or use of the accommodations or facilities are designated. Vacation certificates can be canceled within 30 days from the date of purchase, or when accommodations or facilities are not available when requested for use as provided in the contract. Make sure you receive all the exclusions in writing.
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Ask Friends for Referrals. Dealing with reputable local travel businesses is probably the best way to protect your vacation investment. And remember: If a travel offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Before contracting with any travel business, Florida residents should call the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352), or 850-488-2221 to check if the travel business is registered with the Department or if any complaints have been filed against them.
Additional Resources
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Travel Investment, Protect Your: Vacations and traveling are usually fun times for everyone. Unfortunately, there are crooked sellers of travel out there, waiting to get their hands on your money. Before you book your next trip to paradise, review this brochure to make sure you get what you pay for. (¡Español!)
