Tue, Jan 25, 2005
Forget Scalpers -- Watch For Shady Tour Operators
Air travelers going to Super Bowl
XXXIX this year should be aware that not all tour packages include
a ticket to the Feb. 6 game in Jacksonville, FL.
US Department of Transportation consumer protection rules
require any operator marketing a Super Bowl air package that is
promoted as including game tickets to have the tickets in hand or
have a written contract for the tickets before the operator does
any advertising. The Department cautions travelers that 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.
Starting in December 1994, the rules covering Super Bowl tours
were extended to all air tours organized for the purpose of
attending any sporting, social, religious, educational, cultural,
political or other event of a special nature and limited duration,
and for which admission to the event is advertised as part of the
tour.
The Department's Aviation Consumer Protection Division has been
monitoring Super Bowl activities covered by these rules, as well as
issuing consumer advisories, for over a decade. There has been
little evidence of misrepresentation by Super Bowl air tour
operators in recent years concerning the availability and inclusion
in the tour package of game tickets or other features.
Nevertheless, before purchasing a Super Bowl package, consumers
should:
- Read carefully the tour brochure and any other solicitation
material.
- Consider paying by credit card, where possible, which provides
some degree of protection under fair credit practice laws.
The Department's "Truth in Ticketing" rules state that if a tour
was described as including a game ticket and you do not receive
one, you are entitled to a full refund of the entire package price
upon your return. If the tour operator increases your price by more
than 10 percent beyond what you originally agreed to pay, you have
the right to cancel and receive a full refund. No price increases
are permitted during the last ten days before departure.
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