Change has already begun in Washington following the election of President Donald Trump to a second term. But between a flurry of Cabinet post announcements, new leadership coming to Capitol Hill and speculation as to how the next Trump administration might shape travel policy, ASTA's mission remains simple at its core.
Jessica Klement
"Administrations change, but our priorities do not," said Jessica Klement, the Society's vice president of advocacy. "You advocate for travel advisors. That's it, full stop."
But when asked if a Trump administration might be more business-friendly, and therefore receptive to some of ASTA's priorities, Klement said, "I do think we have a new opportunity to make a business case on some policy issues that the Biden administration was not receptive to."
There are still many unknowns about how the power shift in Washington will affect the travel agency community. But Klement said there are several core issues that will likely remain major priorities for ASTA.
First is the DOT rule that makes the "merchant of record" responsible for refunding airline passengers if their flight is canceled or significantly changed. Travel agencies usually aren't the merchant of record for air sales, but there are times when they can be. ASTA wants a stipulation that advisors are only responsible for consumer refunds when they actually possess the funds from the airline.
Klement called it a "no-brainer" to ask the Trump administration to revisit the rule, as the Society has already lobbied for the change with the DOT under the Biden administration.
ASTA will also likely target a Department of Labor overtime rule that will again expand the number of employees who are eligible for overtime pay. The rule first increased the salary exemption threshold for guaranteed overtime pay in July, upping it from $35,568 to $43,888. Another threshold increase, to $58,656, is coming on Jan. 1.
A similar rule had been issued in 2016 under the Obama administration, but it was blocked by a federal judge. It essentially died when Trump first came into office, as his administration was not in favor of the rule.
Klement said ASTA is also closely monitoring talk about travel bans and junk fee legislation, and it will continue efforts to get a travel agency seat on the DOT's Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee.
For ASTA members, Klement recommended dropping a line to newly elected or re-elected representatives.
"A quick email to the campaign office saying, 'Hey, congratulations, really happy to continue working with you' -- I don't think things like that ever hurt," she said. "You keep the dialogue open and keep the relationship fresh in their mind."