If, however, a tour operator suddenly goes out of business or a hotel closes between the time you make your reservation and the time you arrive, the agent's responsibility is less clear. If a travel agent knows of a substantial risk to you, such as an airline that is bankrupt but continuing to fly, the travel agent has an obligation to warn you of that risk, with the following limitations. A travel agent is not required to be a fortune teller, particularly concerning factors out of the agent's control. A travel agent does not have to point out disclaimers or other legal elements of an agreement between you and the travel supplier, although a helpful travel agent might do so. When a travel agent issues a ticket or makes other travel arrangements for you, he generally receives a commission from the travel supplier.
Travel agents have to meet very few formal requirements.
Most travel agents do belong to one or more professional associations, however, and each association has a code of ethics that requires its members to remain knowledgeable of developments within the travel industry and to refrain from engaging in misleading sales practices. Membership in a professional association is voluntary, however, and if an agent violates the code of ethics, you have little recourse within the association. If you have a complaint about a travel agent, ask someone in his office if he belongs to a professional association. The association can tell you if the agent is a member in good standing. In some cases, an association may be able to help you if you have a complaint against one of their members.