Travel Advisors One Step Closer to Seat on U.S. DOT Advisory Committee

For several years, the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) has advocated for passage of the ACPAC Modernization Act (H.R. 5663), which would boost travel advisor representation in Congress. This week, the bill passed with bipartisan support in the U.S. House of Representatives and is now moving forward for Senate approval. 

The proposed law would create a seat for ticket agents on the Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (ACPAC) at the U.S. Department of Transportation. Though travel advisors are the largest seller of airline tickets, currently the committee does not have a representative for them, whereas airlines, airports, and consumer groups are all represented. 

“Travel advisors are an integral part of the travel ecosystem, serving both as advocates for their clients and as key contributors to the broader marketplace,” said Zane Kerby, ASTA President and CEO. “We are grateful to Rep. Dina Titus for introducing and championing this important legislation. Today’s action brings us closer to ensuring advisors’ real-world expertise helps inform the policies that directly affect both travelers and the businesses that support them.”   

In 2024, travel advisors issued an average of 781,000 airline tickets per day, accounting for $99.2 billion in sales. 

ASTA has made the ACPAC Modernization Act a central legislative priority over the past few years, discussing the issue with representatives during trips to Capitol Hill. As the bill moves to the Senate, the organization will continue to advocate for its approval at this year’s Legislative Day on April 20-21. 

“This milestone underscores the power of showing up,” said Jessica Klement, ASTA’s vice president of advocacy. “Through ongoing, face-to-face advocacy, our members have helped lawmakers understand the critical role travel advisors play for consumers and in the overall travel economy. That’s what ultimately drives meaningful policy change.”