DOT 38-08
Friday, March 14, 2008

News Digest


Consumers Cautioned on Air Tours to College Basketball Playoff Games. Air travelers going to this season’s college basketball tournament games should be aware that not all tour packages include game tickets. According to U.S. Department of Transportation rules, an operator marketing an air tour package that includes game tickets must have the tickets in hand or have a written contract for the tickets before advertising the tour. If a game ticket is not specifically mentioned in newspaper advertisements or other solicitation material or listed as a tour feature, the ticket is probably not included, the Department cautioned. If an advertisement does not state whether or not a game ticket is included, consumers should ask about it. If a travel agent or other tour representative states that a game ticket is included, the consumer should require at the time of purchase that the game ticket be presented or a written confirmation for the ticket be provided. The Department’s Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings has issued a notice specifically directed to colleges and other organizations wishing to arrange charter flights to special events such as college basketball playoff games. The notice can be found online at http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/rules/guidance.htm.  People may file complaints by contacting the Aviation Consumer Protection Division through its web-based complaint system at http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/problems.htm, by voice-mail at (202) 366-2220 or by TTY at (202) 366-0511. Contact for news media: Bill Mosley, (202) 366-4570.