Know Your Rights – Booking Travel

Video Vignette Transcript

Consumer Services spokesperson speaking inside a travel agency. Narrates over various images of travel shots.

“Travelling is fun, but it can also be expensive – so you should protect your investment.  Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind when buying travel:

Book your trip with an agency registered with the Travel Industry Council of Ontario – also known as TICO.

If you buy your trip from a TICO-registered agency and the agency, Ontario travel wholesaler, airline or cruiseline goes bankrupt, you’re protected by Ontario’s Travel Industry Compensation Fund.

The fund will reimburse you for up to $5,000 for services not received.

Advertisements by Ontario travel agencies and tour wholesalers must show the full cost of the trip, or the base price plus all the taxes, surcharges and other fees.

Before you buy, get written confirmation of the trip details, like the services offered and conditions of your reservation.

Prior to making a booking, your agent is required to provide you with information about the travel documentation required for each person travelling.

Once you’ve paid, your agent must provide you with a receipt that gives all the travel details. They must also inform you of any changes to your trip.

Before handing over your tickets, your travel agent must review with you your ticket, itinerary and any other travel documents.

Consider purchasing out of province medical insurance and trip cancellation insurance. Don’t let an illness or unexpected problems cost you the value of the entire trip.

Be a Smart Consumer and Know Your Rights. Visit www.ontario.ca/ConsumerServices.
Bon Voyage.”