Press Release
March 31, 2022
The New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) reminds New Yorkers of their rights as they plan spring and summer travel. Travel disputes remain one of the top complaints handled by DCP. In 2021, DCP fielded hundreds of complaints from consumers who had to cancel or reschedule their travel plans due to COVID-19. As restrictions due to COVID-19 lift and more New Yorkers are traveling again, consumers should be informed of their rights, shop smartly to safeguard their hard-earned money and stay vigilant to protect themselves from scams.
“The COVID-19 pandemic caused major disruptions to travel, but also taught consumers valuable lessons about traveling responsibly,” said Secretary of State Robert Rodriguez, who oversees the Division of Consumer Protection. “By following these tips, New Yorkers will be better prepared to navigate the marketplace and spend responsibly as they plan their long-awaited travel this spring and summer.”
“As New Yorkers resume travelling, they are strongly encouraged to read any travel insurance policies and related documents carefully if they are considering the purchase of travel insurance to fully understand what is covered in the event that travel plans go awry,” said Superintendent of Financial Services Adrienne A. Harris.
SHOPPING SMART FOR TRAVEL
There are basic travel tips that consumers should be aware of when they are booking travel:
TRIP CANCELLATION
When all or part of a trip is cancelled, the cancellation policy and a consumer’s right to a refund will 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.
If a consumer is having trouble getting a refund owed for all or part of a cancelled trip, they are encouraged to file a complaint with DCP.
SIGNS OF A TRAVEL SCAM
The Federal Trade Commission warns against common travel scams. Some signs of a scam when booking travel include the following:
The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides voluntary mediation between a consumer and a business when a consumer has been unsuccessful at reaching a resolution on their own. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection.
Travel insurance is regulated by the Department of Financial Services. Consumer with complaints about travel insurance policy or ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ coverage issued in New York or by New York companies should contact DFS at www.dfs.ny.gov/complaint or through the DFS Consumer Hotline at (800) 342-3736 (212) 480-6400 or (518) 474-6600 (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM).
For more consumer protection tips, follow the Division on social media at Twitter: @NYSConsumer and Facebook: www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.
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