Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona is warning that consumers nationwide, including Tucson, are receiving letters stating that they have won two round-trip tickets courtesy of American Airlines or US Airlines with a retail value of up to $1,298. US Airlines is not a real company, and this letter is not from the real American Airlines.

Recipients of the letter are encouraged to call a provided number and then invited to attend a presentation. Upon arrival at the presentation, attendees discover the meeting is not hosted by American Airlines or US Airlines, but a travel package agency.

Documents acquired by BBB indicate the Florida firm behind this promotion has numerous complaints filed against them with the BBB.

BBB tips for purchasing a travel package:

• Find out exactly what the package contains in terms of transportation and accommodations and for how many people
• How much money must be given as a deposit, if the deposit is refundable, and how much is later required.
• Get the name of the hotel, personally confirm all reservations, and get written verification.
• Before you decide to accept this type of offer do comparative shopping with a local travel agency before making your final decision. Companies that offer this type of service in Florida are required to be registered with the Sellers of Travel Act at 800-435-7352.
• Do not be pressured by any company to give an immediate decision or to give your cash, check, or credit card number until you are satisfied

For additional information and advice you can trust, start with bbb.org.

Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona is alerting consumers to postcards being sent out across the Tucson area promising two round-trip airline tickets, a three day hotel stay, and a $50 Priceline.com Hotel Cash Card.

The postcards, which display the logos of US Airways, Priceline.com, and several well known hotel chains, urge consumers to call a toll free number where they’re told they need to attend a sales presentation for a vacation club in order to claim their vouchers.

Consumers who contacted BBB said they attended a sales presentation conducted by a company called Travel Authority, located at 1880 River Rd. Ste 100, in Tucson. BBB has attempted to contact the company to learn more information about them, but has yet to receive a response.

BBB warns that these types of presentations conclude with attempts to enroll consumers in discount or wholesale travel clubs, often promising steeply discounted rates for hotels, cruises, flights and travel packages.

In BBB experience, the upfront costs of enrollment in these programs are rarely if ever recouped. Promised travel discounts rarely materialize, customers find they must navigate a myriad of blackout dates and legitimate travel consolidators, lodgings, airlines and rental car agencies in some cases do not recognize credentials issued by these types of groups.

The company that fulfills the airline and hotel vouchers, Smart Travel and Incentives, is based in Orange, Florida, has a ‘D’ rating with BBB and has received 42 complaints since February of 2012. In response to past complaints, Smart Travel has stated that they sell their vouchers to third party companies- in this case Travel Authority- who use the vouchers as an incentive for a product or service the company offers.

A copy of Smart Travel’s terms and conditions for the airline tickets states that a deposit of $100 is required to collect the tickets, as well as a $75 processing fee for each ticket. Consumers are charged additional surcharges for travel during “peak season,” during conventions, and seven days before and after holidays.

For more information about travel clubs or other consumer issues, visit www.tucson.bbb.org or call (520)888-5353.

Every holiday season many families are looking for ways to save money without sacrificing any of their holiday cheer. Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona is providing advice on how consumers can cut spending and reduce household costs in their everyday lives without compromising the fun of the holiday season.

Following are six ways BBB is advising consumers to save money this holiday season:

Create a Budget and Stick to It

Holiday expenses can add up quickly, and one way to keep the financial damage to a minimum is to create a budget and then track spending. A budget should include the amount the family plans to spend on food, travel, incidentals and even a price limit for each person on the gift list. Creating a budget can be harder than sticking to one, but becoming more conscious of holiday spending habits is an absolute must and greatly diminishes the chances of an unhappy New Year.

Trim Energy Consumption

There are many ways to save money by cutting down on energy costs. During the energy crisis of the late seventies, President Carter famously donned a sweater and asked the public to turn down their thermostats. That advice rings true today, but it doesn’t mean the family has to suffer. BBB recommends turning the thermostat down only a few degrees when the family is home, and turning it down even more when at work or sleeping. Energy-conscious consumers can also reduce costs by driving less and keeping close to home for the holidays, as well as leaving outdoor Christmas lights on for only a few hours every night.

Trim the Gift-giving List

When times are tight, whittling down the shopping list can save a lot of money. Aside from cutting the list down to only the closest of friends and family, some options include only giving gifts to children, setting generally accepted limits on what family and friends can spend and drawing names for gifts among family. Unfettered giving is fun and spontaneous, but the credit card bill that will come in January can make even the most cheerful of givers grumpy in the New Year.

Do it Yourself

Not only are craft projects a great way to get the family working together, making decorations and even gifts is a great way to save money. There are many Web sites and books dedicated to holiday craft projects. For those who are crafty in the kitchen, holiday goodies such as baked goods and candies are also a much appreciated and inexpensive gift.

Forego the Little Things

When it comes to the holidays, the little things add up. Many of these little things can actually be pared down in leaner times. This includes foregoing season’s greetings cards, relying on last year’s decorations and using alternative wrapping paper—such as the Sunday comics or even the retailer’s shopping bag.

Be a Savvy Consumer

There will no doubt be a number of pre-season sales this year as retail stores compete for shoppers’ dollars in the lean months leading up to celebrations. Not only does this mean savings at the mall, but consumers can also search online retailers for deals and bargains. Before doing business with any online retailer though, BBB advises shoppers to check the company out with BBB first.