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IAEM Sends Consumer Warning to Members About Invalid Airline Ticket Selling on Internet
DALLAS -- (1 July 2004) -- The
International Association for Exhibition Management (IAEM) announces the
release of the following warning to its members about mileage tickets sold
online at low prices. These tickets are not valid for travel, and
consumers may be losing money by purchasing such fares. If you would like to use the information below in your
publication, please feel free to do so with attribution to
IAEM.
Beware of "Bargain" Internet
Advertised Airfares When Making International Trip
Reservations
These days, it is common to find bargain airfares
advertised at many travel sites on the Internet. Unfortunately, some
"too-good-to-be-true" airline fares are just that!
Some Web
sites have been established offering deeply discounted first and business
class tickets. They offer between a 40 - 70 percent discount on business
and first class airfare to anywhere in the world, and advertise they save
individuals hundreds of dollars. However, these tickets are purchased
using frequent flyer mileage certificates, which are not allowed to be
transferred. The certificates are intended for the use of the flyer and/or
family only.
Here's how the scheme works: a travel agent buys or
barters unused but still valid award travel certificates from frequent
flyers. The certificates are then used to secure business or first class
seats on international flights that are then promoted on an Internet site.
Purchasers are told that these special tickets will earn no frequent flyer
miles, cannot be upgraded, are nonrefundable, and may have other
restrictions.
All airlines prohibit the sale or barter of
award mileage certificates that they issue to their frequent flyers. Thus,
the sale and use of award tickets is fraudulent, and use of frequent flyer
tickets that have been acquired by purchase or for any other consideration
may result in the tickets being confiscated or the passenger being denied
boarding. If a trip has been started, any continued travel will be at the
passenger's expense on a full-fare basis. The passenger and member may
also be liable to the carrier for the cost of a full-fare ticket for any
segments flown on a sold or bartered ticket.
When purchasing
tickets online, ask questions about the fare class, the source of the
tickets, and the specific restrictions placed upon the tickets. If any
doubt remains, consult with the named carrier to determine if the tickets
are issued properly.
It is advised to stay away from buying
"too good to be true" tickets over the Web, however, if a ticket is
purchased, it is suggested that passengers check the purchase by calling
the airline to find out exactly what type of ticket they are traveling on
after receiving their confirmation.
About IAEM
In
its 76th year, the International Association for Exhibition Management
(IAEM) continues to provide quality and value to its members through
leadership, service, education, and strong relationships. IAEM is the
exhibition industry's premier association; with a membership of both show
managers and exhibition suppliers who develop 95 percent of the 200
largest exhibitions in the industry. IAEM also supports IAEM Services,
Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary that partners with industry suppliers and
service providers to offer high quality, low cost exhibition products and
services to the industry. For more information, visit http://www.iaem.org. Jennifer Snider
+1 (972) 687-9220
jsnider@iaem.org |
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