What is ASTA



	What is ASTA?	Passenger Bill of Rights

     The American Society of Travel Agents, Inc. (ASTA) is the world's largest, most prestigious association of travel professionals. Don't let the name fool you. Our 26,500 members are located in 170 countries around the world.
     ASTA offers many benefits to its members and the traveling public. The majority of ASTA's members are travel agencies. However, travel suppliers, such as airlines, hotels, car rental firms, cruise lines, and tour operators join ASTA. We also have membership categories for students, travel schools, retired travel professionals, cruise only agencies, and others. ASTA is the organization for anyone related to the travel industry!
      If you are interested in traveling, ASTA net offers you direct access to our vast array of ASTA members. Our directory is the place to go to find an ASTA travel professional near you. Finally, if you want to join the exciting world of travel, find out how you can become a travel agent.
ASTA members uphold a strict code of ethics. This is the pledge on which our members stake their reputation. If you ever have a problem with an ASTA member, you can contact our Consumer Affairs Department and file a complaint and they will help you get it resolved.
     Don't be afraid to wander around ASTA net and see what products and services we have for you. We serve more than just our members! As the travelers' advocate, we strive to make your travels enjoyable.

What is ASTA? We're glad you asked!

Even though you may not be familiar with us, if you are a traveler or a travel professional, you've likely been a beneficiary of the work we do. As the world's largest travel trade association, our work encompasses every aspect of the travel experience.
For example:

	We provide our members with the finest education and information resources available, so that they are able to provide the utmost in professional service to their clients.

	We constantly monitor the travel industry to identify "scam" operators and others whose practices cheat consumers and negatively impact our industry.

	We fight to ensure a level playing field and fair competition throughout our industry--which, of course, benefits industry professionals as well as consumers.

And we provide traveling consumers with a complete range of informational resources, as well as maintain a busy Consumer Affairs Department.
This is just a sampling of what we do at ASTA. Now that you know a little more about us, we invite you to read our Code of Ethics, which every ASTA member is pledged to abide by. Then when you're ready to travel, locate an ASTA member near you and take advantage of their expertise. And if you're a travel professional, we invite you to investigate ASTA membership.