State Consumer Protection Division offers advice for safe spring …

ALBANY — With the incoming warm weather and spring and summer seasons, the New York State Division of Consumer Protection has some tips and advice to ensure the best experience for your travel plans. State officials said travel involves certain rights, the need to safeguard money and the threat of unique scams. “As warmer weather approaches and New Yorkers begin planning their spring and summer travels, it’s important to be on the lookout for red flags that could derail your trip before it even begins,” said Secretary of State Robert J.

Rodriguez. “Following our tips can help consumers safely book and enjoy their vacations while steering clear of scammers and protecting their hard-earned money.”

Safe travel tips:

  • Plan for possible cancellations and delays. Pack a change of clothes, electronic device chargers and snacks in your carry-on luggage to support travel disruptions.

    A cancellation that impacts your return home will require additional resources, budget for an extra day or two to sustain yourself until you can get home.

  • Book early morning tickets. You will have greater options for getting to your destination on time.
  • Consider traveling to a larger airport. Larger metropolitan airports offer more direct flights than regional airports.

    Direct flights avoid missed connections and cancellations in a city outside of your hometown or destination.

  • Get all confirmations in writing. To safeguard against scams via changes in agreements, consumers should always get confirmation of plans in writing, whether booking online, over the phone, or in person. Retailers are required to disclose terms and conditions to consumers — always receive a copy of the agreement and save it for reference.
  • Beware of “all inclusive” or too good to be true offers.

    All-inclusive offers sound great, but can have hidden charges and fees in their terms and conditions. Consumers may not even be aware of such fees until check-out, when their bill is higher than advertised. Sometimes these offers come with an agreement to join a membership or participate in a presentation.

    Always inquire about mandatory fees that may not appear in the advertised price, such as resort fees and taxes. Read the fine print.

  • Try to pay with a credit card, if you can. Credit cards often offer more protection than paying by cash, check or debit card.

    Some credit card companies also offer perks like trip insurance or concierge service while traveling and may offer additional protections if the trip is cancelled.

  • Review your travel agreements. The New York State Truth in Travel Act safeguards consumers against fraud, false advertising, misrepresentation, and other abuses.
  • Consider trip insurance and whether you need a ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ policy. Travel insurance can offer consumers relief in case of emergency before or during their trip, however, most standard travel insurance policies do not cover trip interruption or cancellation due to COVID-19.

The Division of Consumer Protection also warned to be aware of common travel scams, like being told you have “won” a free vacation.

These scams usually involve hidden fees or necessary deposits, with a limited time to accept the offer or a request to pay the fees in a strange way, such as through gift cards, a wire transfer or cryptocurrency.

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