Business ProfileforJayStay

In March, 2019 BBB investigated JayStay's business practices. This investigation was prompted by a concerned parent of a local high school student. According to consumer information, a high school student found the business JayStay through Instagram. The students contacted the business to plan a high school senior trip. The students are required to pay $30 in advance to meet with a representative of JayStay. Students from multiple high schools met at the South Regional Public Library. The students have been told about a proposed itinerary to Los Angeles and staying at a mansion. In a group text message from the business provided to BBB by a parent: "Once the deposit is paid a contract will be sent out." The parent has reported to BBB, that while her student did pay the $30, she did not pay for the deposit without a written contract. All payments are made in cash or through PayPal.

On March 13, 2019, BBB sent correspondence to JayStay with a request for the following information:
Business start date
Physical location and mailing address (if different)
Preferred method of contact (mail, fax or email)
A brief description of the products or services your company offers
Information on how and where your company advertises
Copies of marketing materials provided to your customers
Copies of any contracts, terms and conditions, and refund policies
Any certifications held by the company to provide travel services
Any additional information that would enable BBB to better understand your business

As of 03/25/2019 the business JayStay has not responded.

BBB contacted the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) and the International Air Transport Association Network (IATAN), as of March 25, 2019 JayStay is not certified with either of these agencies. According to IATAN "In order for a USA Travel Business being able to issue tickets with the Airlines, it needs to be ARC accredited since IATAN does not handle billing and settlement for the airlines in the United States. Once a business has ARC accreditation, by becoming accredited with IATAN as well, it makes the number available globally to suppliers all around the world. In addition, the IATAN number allows you to collect commission from non-air suppliers, such as hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, etc."

BBB also searched American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) database and found the business JayStay nor its owner, Javin Mitchell, a member of this association.

Based on the information detailed above, BBB cannot state with confidence that we have a clear understanding of the business practices.

BBB Tips on Travel Agents can be found here: https://www.bbb.org/article/tips/18618-bbb-tip-travel-agents