Traveling is a lot of fun, but don't let your vacation fall victim to scams, world events or changing regulations. By staying informed and being a careful consumer, your dream vacation can be everything you want it to be.

FEATURE: Tips in the Wake of Recent Airline Bankruptcies

Following recent announcement by Aloha Airlines and ATA Airlines that they have suspended flight operations and declared bankruptcy, ASTA recommends consumers check with their travel agent to examine their travel options.

"Travelers who use the services of a travel professional have the added security of having a professional help them sort through the many alternatives from identifying schedules on alternate airlines to determining confirmed space and standby options. We are there for clients, before during and after a trip" said Cheryl Hudak, CTC, ASTA president and CEO.

Together with their travel agent, ticket holders should consider the following options: determine your best options on other carriers, deny the credit card charge, file a claim.  Read full article

Consumer Travel Alerts

Citizens of the 27 Visa Waiver Program countries now can obtain an electronic system for travel authorization as of Aug. 1, 2008 by visiting https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/.
Last year Congress enacted legislation to strengthen and expand the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The new law requires that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) develop an electronic system for travel authorization (ESTA) to gather biographic information from nationals of the 27 existing VWP countries traveling to the U.S. in advance of their visit. More details...

Determine What Travel Documents You Need
As the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative program moves into its final year of implementation, the Department of Homeland Security has developed this easy-to-read "At a Glance" chart, explaining the new and existing RFID-enabled documents available to travelers for land and sea travel.  More details...

 See more travel alerts