Abta is opposing proposals to bring forward to 2013 a ban on ‘above cost’ credit/debit card charges.
Additionally, its says any policy changes should not be applied to package travel because it falls outside the scope of the Consumer Rights Directive.
The Department for Business, Innovation & Skills’ consultation proposes that the ban on above cost credit/debit card charges be brought forward.
But the association argues that agents and operators will require more time to make the necessary IT and marketing changes.
In its formal submission, Abta says it would not be appropriate for the ban on above cost credit/debit card charges to be implemented in the UK before the EU transposition deadline of June 2014.
Abta claims it is unfair to extend the policy changes to cover package holidays, which sit outside the scope of the Consumer Rights Directive.
Package travel is typically a low margin sector and is covered under the Package Travel Directive, currently being revised by the European Commission.
Head of public affairs Luke Pollard said: “Abta supports full transparency of pricing and has worked closely with the Office of Fair Trading to help guide policy in this area.
“The vast majority of our members offer the option to pay by debit card and absorb the costs themselves to allow consumers flexibility in how they pay.
“However, it is important that they can offer the option to pay by credit card and be able to recoup their associated costs.
“We believe that any changes to the policies governing package travel should be made via the forthcoming review of the Package Travel Directive, which specifically addresses the nuances of selling package travel rather than gold plating the Consumer Rights Directive.”
The BIS consultation on above cost payment surcharges is part of a broader consultation on the European Consumer Rights Directive.
As part of this, BIS is also running a consultation on the use of premium rate consumer helplines and opt out boxes, which will be ending shortly.