A media report has cited examples of how travel companies are overcoming consumer' concerns related to usage of cred

A media report has cited examples of how travel companies are overcoming consumer' concerns related to usage of credit card.

Published: 19 Sep 2005

A media report has cited examples of how travel companies are overcoming consumer' concerns related to usage of credit card.

"In an era of online commerce and a potentially cashless society where
you can buy even a Big Mac with plastic, can you simply live without a
credit card?," asks a report in The Dallas Morning News. Referring to
some initiatives, the report adds, "Yes, at many companies you can, with
varying amounts of ease. It's fairly painless at Enterprise Rent-A-Car:
Just bring a utility bill that proves your residence, answer a few
questions, pay a deposit, and you're off, says company representative
Lee Broughton."

Referring to the other initiatives, the report says at Avis Rent A Car
System Inc., there is requirement of completion of an application with a
$15 processing fee, allow four to six weeks to get approved, and then
put down at least a $300 rental charge, which be refunded any
overpayment upon returning the car, according to Avis spokeswoman Alice
Pereira.

"Many Alamo Rent A Car locations do not allow it at all, luxury cars are
out of the question, and even when you can rent a car with cash, get
ready for some red tape. You must come armed with a driver's license, a
passport and a round-trip airline, cruise or train ticket. Then you must
put down a $300 cash deposit and pay the rental charge in advance," says
the report. And don't even think about a check, spokesman Charles Pulley
reportedly told media. The spokesperson adds, "Our $25,000 to $30,000
vehicle is a movable asset. In this day and age, not to have a credit
card? Who are you? And you want us to give you a $25,000 vehicle? It's
about establishing credibility."

Among others, according to STA Travel in Dallas, about 30% of the
location's largely college student clientele pay with cash, since many
debit cards have a withdrawal limit and people are wary of putting large
purchases on a credit card. "The agency also accepts money orders and
cashier's checks, and welcomes personal checks if written more than a
week before departure for nonrefundable charges," says the report.

"In the days of airline downsizing, many major carriers have all but cut
out ticket offices in favor of online booking, says Tim Smith, spokesman
for American Airlines, though you can still purchase American tickets at
select travel agencies, the airport ticket counter or ticket offices in
select cities," says the report. "Online travel agencies such as
Travelocity and Expedia only accept plastic, but you can book a flight
with Continental or American Airlines online or by phone and then
purchase the ticket within 24 hours. Continental also accepts Western
Union money orders and electronic checks. It uses the Bill Me Later
credit account system, which asks you basic questions online and then,
if your credit is approved, will send you a bill, which accrues interest
if you don't pay it off on time," says the report.

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