With the implementation of the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) latest rule on airline refunds, Travel Industry Solutions (TIS) has unveiled a guide designed to support travel advisors of all types, including those who are not the merchant of record. This guide delivers clear explanations of the new regulations, practical steps for compliance, and valuable communication tools to handle customer inquiries effectively. The free guide is available for immediate download at https://hl.travelindustrysolutions.com/dot-rule-guide.
With many travel advisors not acting as the merchant of record, confusion is expected to arise regarding who is responsible for issuing refunds. The TIS guide addresses this challenge head-on, offering internal controls checklists, marketing strategies to enhance value propositions, and key questions that advisors should ask suppliers—especially those who package air travel with other services. The guide also includes tailored advice from industry leaders Allianz Travel Insurance and Regal Wings airline consolidator, making it the most comprehensive resource available for the latest DOT rule.
Sheila Folk, CEO and founder of TIS, said, “This rule represents a significant change for the entire travel industry, not just for merchant of record agents. Many customers do not fully understand the merchant of record distinction, which can lead to confusion when it comes to refunds. We’ve created this guide to equip travel agents with the knowledge and tools they need to stay compliant, field customer inquiries, and maintain their professionalism. Our goal is to help travel agents protect their businesses while continuing to provide top-tier service to their clients.”
The guide covers essential areas, including:
- Plain English definitions of the DOT rule and its impacts
- Common questions customers may ask about the rule
- Key points to communicate to clients, including email scripts
- Internal controls checklists to help agents stay on track
- Packaged supplier and airline consolidator considerations, including tailored guidance from Regal Wings
- Insights from Allianz on travel insurance coverage
- Marketing messaging to help travel advisors elevate their value proposition in light of the new regulations
For more information, visit www.travelindustrysolutions.com.
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