The following groups accept travel complaints in writing.  Of those listed, the American Society of Travel Agents and the U.S. Tour Operators Association are trade groups that generally take complaints only about member companies.  The state attorney general’s office focuses on companies that do business in California. 

To register a complaint, begin with your travel agent, if you used one.  Next, write to the company that made you unhappy and keep a copy of your letter.  If the company replied, keep a copy of that too.  If you’re still dissatisfied, consider contacting one or more of the following organizations:

Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation
This quasi-public agency was created in the mid-90’s to protect California consumers who book travel services through California companies.  A reserve fund of about $1.6 million has been established to reimburse travelers who don’t get paid-for services from a California-based travel seller.  For claim forms, write to the organization at P.O. Box 6001, Larkspur, CA 94977-6001; o telephone or fax for the public.

California Attorney General
Consumers who want to check on the registration of a travel seller or report an unregistered seller can contact the office at 300 S. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA 90013; telephone (213)897-8065, fax (213)897-8846.  For broader questions or complaints, contact the Public Inquiry Unit, P.O. Box 944255, Sacramento, CA 94244-2550; tel. (800)952-5225, fax (916)323-5341, Internet http://caag.state.ca.us/piu/mailform.htm.

American Society of Travel Agents
ASTA says it tries to mediate complaints and will tell inquiring consumers whether a member has two or more unresolved complaints in the last six months.  Contact ASTA’s consumer Affairs Department, 1101 King St., Suite 200, Alexandria, VA 22314; tel. (703)739-8739, Internet http://www.astanet.com

U.S. Tour Operators Association
USTOA reviews complaints and forwards them to tour company executives.  Contact USTOA at 342 Madison Ave., Suite 1522, New York, NY 10173; tel. (212)599-6599, fax (212)599-6744, Internet http://www.ustoa.com

Better Business Bureau
Write to: 550 W. Orangethorpe Ave., Placentia, CA 92870. For Complaints or general information about businesses in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, call (714)985-8922 or go to its Web site, http://www.bbbsouthland.org. In Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, call (805)963-8657 or go to its Web site, http://ww.santabarbara.bbb.org.