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[[image - black and white photograph of an African-American man seated behind a desk]]

[[caption]] George E. Jackson, director of sales development for American Airlines, is spearheading a new campaign to encourage more Black travelers to fly the American way. "American is committed to winning a larger share of this growing market," Jackson said. [[/caption]]

[[image - black and white photograph of an African-American couple standing at the foot of an airplane stairway]]

[[image - black and white photograph of an African-American couple meeting with a travel agent]]

THE TRAVEL AGENT, FREE OR FEES?
PART II

Travelers, Black or otherwise, generally want to get as much as possible for their money.

So, now that you know about the services a travel agent renders, you ask, "What's all this going to cost?" An agent's services usually are free. But not always.

This final article, prepared by American Airlines and the editors of this newspaper, examines the travel agent's policies on deposits, fees and cancellations.

Step into a travel agent's office. Browse around and discuss your travel plans, even ask for some information about the places you plan to visit. This first step is free.

If you retain the agent to make your airline reservations, that's free too. And, the ticket costs the same whether you buy it from the travel agent or directly from the air carrier.

When the travel agent makes hotel reservations or books space for you on a tour, again there is no fee.

How does the agent make a living? He receives commissions from the transportation carrier, hotel and tour operators he represents. However, a travel agent's income does not only come from commissions.

For intricate travel services such as multiple hotel reservations, there usually is a charge for services rendered. Also expect to pay a fee for the individual itinerary, which requires an agent to turn your interests into a special, personalized tour. You pay for the component parts of the trip (hotels, airline tickets, etc.), as well as the agent's charge for his expertise, time and expenses. But the cost can prove minimal, compared to the time and legwork the agent saves you.

However, whether your trip does or does not involve an agent's fee, be prepared to pay a deposit to hold your reservations. The deposit simply means that you definitely plan to take the trip. It guarantees you a seat on the plane, a room in the hotel, or space on a tour. Generally figure on 10 per cent for an airline ticket or tour and 25 per cent for more complicated or expensive trips. Final payment usually comes due a few weeks before your departure.

What happens if you cancel the trip before making the final payment? In most cases your money is refunded, subject to the cancellation policies of the agent and the operators he represents. These policies determine the amount of refund and/or cancellation fee. Always check this point with the agent when you make your deposit.

If you cancel your trip after making the final payment, you still may receive some refund - again depending on the cancellation policies of those involved.

A good travel agent cares about his reputation and will be fair and honest. It's important to him for you to have a smooth and enjoyable trip. After all, that's his job.

And when you are completely satisfied, he knows you'll use him again and of course, recommend his agency to your friends.

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TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
If you're planning to visit Mexico or certain South Pacific or Caribbean points this fall and winter, American Airlines offers these reminders about travel documents:

For short term trips to Aruba, Curacao, and Haiti, travelers need proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate, voter registration card or current or expired passport. In Haiti, you must purchase a $2 tourist card, which is issued on arrival.

Mexico also requires a tourist card, but it's granted free of charge. Simply present proof of U.S. citizenship to the nearest Mexican government tourist office or to American Airlines. Also take the proof of citizenship with you on to Mexico.

U.S. citizens staying up to 30 days in Fiji or New Zealand need a passport and a certificate of smallpox immunization. The same applies for visits to Australia, except a visa is also required. The visa is obtainable at no cost upon presentation of passport and proof of roundtrip on continuing ticket to the nearest Australian consulate. Applications can be made in person or by mail.

Neither passport, visa or vaccination is required in American Samoa, a U.S. territory, but travelers should have proof of U.S. citizenship. [[/box]]