WASHINGTON, April 11, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- As uneasy families begin to plan their vacations during times of war and economic trouble in the airline industry, a AAA Mid-Atlantic office is the first place many AAA members and other customers are going before they decide where to go.
"AAA's travel agents are doing a lot more than finding bargains for their clients this year," said Lon Anderson, Director of Public and Government Relations. "They are designing alternative trips for those who have changed their minds about traveling overseas.
"They also are putting together itineraries that respond to many Americans' increased desire to visit places sacred to our nation's heritage and values -- or just to be with their families," he added.
Since the war in Iraq and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome broke out, airlines and others in the tourism industry have been easing restrictions on cancellations and waiving rebooking charges. "There is still a lot of variation in what different companies are allowing, though, and travel agents can help their customers navigate the quickly changing situation," Anderson said.
"Purchasing a trip-cancellation insurance policy is one option for travelers concerned about how to proceed. That can help them cope with extraordinary situations -- from an illness, to a natural or manmade disaster that could interrupt or delay a trip. The policies are fairly low-cost -- and many customers say they're well worth the price because they bring peace of mind.
"The combination of professional advice and protection of their financial investment lets families count on their vacations with confidence," he added. "During the heavy snows that shut down Washington-area airports in February, travel agents proved their mettle. For those without someone to call, the jammed airline switchboards left few alternatives to going to the airports in person to change their flights.
"Looking ahead, AAA Mid-Atlantic's travel agents have planned for a wide range of contingencies -- for example, how to help customers with 'e-tickets' travel in the event of a computer breakdown," Anderson said. "The information they can get quickly in these uncertain times can be invaluable."
AAA has one of the largest pools of certified travel agents in the country -- with more than 3,400 nationwide. AAA Mid-Atlantic, the fourth-largest club serves 3.5 million members.