Travel Ethics

I am stunned that in his Jan. 19 Questions and Answers column, Eric Friedheim would print (information on how) anyone not involved in the travel business (can) break the law by using forged credentials to cheat hotels, airlines, etc., by claiming they are entitled to discounts.

A regular reading of trade publications such as Travel Age West would show that the trade is violently opposed to such activities. If Friedheim writes for and about travel, he should be aware of this opposition.

I work hard at selling travel, and I earn what small discounts are available to me. I am listed with ARC and IATA and anyone who is not so listed has no right to claim discounts over and above what is available to the general traveling public.

BEN RINALDO

Burbank

Editor’s note: While such practices dilute the professionalism of the professional travel industry and may be ethically questionable, there is no law against them. Some travel-agent identity cards may be easily obtained, but they are not forged, says author Friedheim.