Forget Scalpers -- Watch For Shady Tour Operators

Air travelers going to Super Bowl XXXIX this year should be aware that not all tour packages include a ticket to the Feb. 6 game in Jacksonville, FL.

US Department of Transportation consumer protection rules require any operator marketing a Super Bowl air package that is promoted as including game tickets to have the tickets in hand or have a written contract for the tickets before the operator does any advertising. The Department cautions travelers that if a game ticket is not specifically mentioned in newspaper advertisements or other solicitation material or listed as a tour feature, the ticket is probably not included.

Starting in December 1994, the rules covering Super Bowl tours were extended to all air tours organized for the purpose of attending any sporting, social, religious, educational, cultural, political or other event of a special nature and limited duration, and for which admission to the event is advertised as part of the tour.

The Department's Aviation Consumer Protection Division has been monitoring Super Bowl activities covered by these rules, as well as issuing consumer advisories, for over a decade. There has been little evidence of misrepresentation by Super Bowl air tour operators in recent years concerning the availability and inclusion in the tour package of game tickets or other features.

Nevertheless, before purchasing a Super Bowl package, consumers should:

• Read carefully the tour brochure and any other solicitation material.
• Consider paying by credit card, where possible, which provides some degree of protection under fair credit practice laws.

  

The Department's "Truth in Ticketing" rules state that if a tour was described as including a game ticket and you do not receive one, you are entitled to a full refund of the entire package price upon your return. If the tour operator increases your price by more than 10 percent beyond what you originally agreed to pay, you have the right to cancel and receive a full refund. No price increases are permitted during the last ten days before departure.

FMI: www.dot.gov