CONSUMER ALERT: New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection Provides Tips for Consumers Planning Spring and Summer Travel

New Yorkers Should Know Their Rights and Be Aware of Travel Scams 

Secretary Mosley: “Taking the time to do your research, understand your rights, and stay alert to potential scams can save your wallet, your time, and prevent unnecessary stress during what is supposed to be a relaxing vacation”  

With February break behind us and Spring around the corner, you may be starting to think about your next getaway. The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is providing tips to consumers planning for spring and summer travel. As New Yorkers start to make travel plans, consumers should be informed of their rights, shop smartly to safeguard their hard-earned money and stay vigilant to protect themselves from scams that could become costly.

“This is a time of year when many New Yorkers, myself included, are eager to get away and escape what feels like a never-ending winter season,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “But before booking that getaway, I encourage consumers to read these tips from the Division of Consumer Protection. Taking the time to do your research, understand your rights, and stay alert to potential scams can save your wallet, your time, and prevent unnecessary stress during what is supposed to be a relaxing vacation.” 

SHOPPING SMART FOR TRAVEL

There are basic travel tips that consumers should be aware of when they are booking travel:

• Book early morning tickets: Morning flights are significantly less likely to be delayed or canceled, and you will have more options for getting to your destination on time.
• Consider traveling to a larger airport: Larger metropolitan airports offer more direct flights than regional airports. Direct flights avoid missed connections and cancellations in a city outside of your hometown or destination.
• Do your research: Consumers should always review trip options before purchase, including price, location, availability of activities and cancellation policies.
• Get all confirmations in writing: Always get confirmation of travel plans in writing, whether booking online, over the phone, or in person. Retailers are required to disclose terms and conditions to consumers—always ask for a copy of the agreement and save it for reference.
• Beware of “all inclusive” or too good to be true offers: All-inclusive offers sound great but may have hidden charges and fees in their terms and conditions that will increase the price. Always inquire about mandatory fees that may not appear in the advertised price, such as resort fees and taxes. Read the fine print when taking advantage of an “all-inclusive” offer. Deep discounts or too-good-to-be-true offers may come with an agreement to join a membership or participate in a presentation.
• Try to pay with a credit card, if you can: Credit cards often offer more protection than cash, check or debit card. Some credit cards also offer perks like trip insurance or concierge service while traveling and may offer additional protection if the trip is cancelled. Check with your credit card company on the conditions of travel expenditure reimbursement when making travel plans.
• Review your travel agreements: Did you know you have an opportunity to cancel a travel agreement? Consumers are able to cancel any travel agreement during the five-day period prior to receiving travel disclosures, and until midnight of the third business day after receiving a travel agreement to cancel. The New York State Truth in Travel Act requires travel agents and promoters to provide consumers with written disclosures of all terms of travel within five days of purchase or agreement. Consumers should review the terms of the agreement fully upon receipt and ensure it aligns with what the consumer purchased. The Act protects consumers against fraud and other abuses by setting strict guidelines for travel sales and promotion. Violations of the law may subject travel agents or promoters to penalties.
• Use reputable travel agents/tour companies: Consumers should research thoroughly before choosing an agent or company to work with. Keep track of arrangements and contracts and review all terms and conditions, especially cancellation and refund policies. Reservations often require a deposit that may not be refundable. If the trip is cancelled, the deposit might only be applied toward future travel or may be forfeited altogether. Consumers should be sure they understand the policy prior to putting down a deposit.
• Consider trip insurance and whether you need a 'Cancel for Any Reason' policy: Travel insurance can offer consumers relief in case of emergency before or during their trip, and coverage may range from lost baggage to missed connections to potential medical emergencies. Some trip insurance plans may even offer ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ coverage at an additional cost. Prior to purchasing any insurance plan, review the cost and terms of the policy and ask your insurer about coverage that may be excluded, as conditions of coverage and pricing may vary significantly between different types of plans.

TRIP CANCELLATION

When all or part of a trip is cancelled, the cancellation policy and a consumer’s right to a refund may vary based on laws that regulate the company’s industry, who initiates the cancellation, when the cancellation is made, and the company’s own policy.

• Airlines: According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, if an airline cancels or significantly delays or changes a flight, the consumer is entitled to a refund. If the consumer cancels a reservation, the right to a refund depends on the refund policy agreed to at the time of purchase and the terms of any travel insurance coverage the consumer may have purchased.
• Cruise Lines: Refund options may vary by cruise line. The cruise ticket contract lays out the company’s cancellation policies and the consumer’s rights. For example, you may be offered a refund, credit, or voucher for a future cruise. If you opt for a credit or voucher, make sure the expiration date is far enough out that you can use it. Read more from the Federal Maritime Commission about consumer rights and the recourse that might be available to you.
• Lodging: Cancellation policies for hotels, motels, and online accommodation marketplaces can vary greatly based on the season, room type, or length of stay. Some may offer a choice between a refundable or non-refundable rate while making the reservation. Be sure you fully understand the applicable terms and the cancellation policy prior to making a reservation.

If a consumer is having trouble getting a refund owed for all or part of an interrupted or cancelled trip, they are encouraged to file a complaint with New York’s Division of Consumer Protection.

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection serves to educate, assist and empower the State’s consumers. Consumers can file a complaint with the Division of Consumer Protection at https://dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection.

For more consumer protection information, call the Division of Consumer Protection Helpline at 800-697-1220, Monday through Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm or visit the DCP website at https://dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection. The Division can also be reached via Twitter at @NYSConsumer or Facebook at www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.