NSW Fair Trading Minister, Linda Burney, today warned holidaymakers to be careful if making last minute travel arrangements this summer, especially when booking online.

Ms Burney recommended travellers only use licensed travel agents or book directly with hotels or carriers to ensure they don’t get duped by dodgy conmen. 

“In the last year, Fair Trading received just over 1,000 complaints from consumers who had been taken for a ride and lost money, and worse still, ruined their precious holidays because of misunderstandings or deception,” Ms Burney said.

“Using unlicensed people to book your holiday may expose you to financial risk as the person arranging your travel may not offer you a number of well known products and deals as well as not being covered by the Travel Compensation Fund. 

“If booking over the internet, you should also only deal with a licensed or well known business and be extremely careful when providing your credit card or bank details. It’s best if the agent has a physical address and landline where you can contact them.”

Ms Burney said it is essential that travellers check terms and conditions of airline tickets when booking travel. 

“Some cheaper airline fares have strict cut-off times where check-in counters close 30 minutes before the flight leaves.  In some cases, if you arrive after that time you won’t be able to get onto your flight and you also won’t get your money back.” 

Ms Burney offered holidaymakers the following tips:

• make sure your travel agent is licensed
• read the small print in any travel contract including airline tickets
• make sure you are paying the amount you were quoted
• check that all the services offered are included in the final quote
• make sure there is a cancellation clause and refund policy
• keep a hard copy of all online travel purchases and contracts
• take out travel insurance
• be extra vigilant of all of the above when booking through an overseas company.

To check whether your travel agent is licensed, visit the Travel Compensation Fund’s website at www.tcf.org.au. 

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