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Travel agents on the rebound with insider information
Travel agents, once being run out of business by Internet travel buying options, are making a comeback. Experts agree that using one as part of an overall travel buying strategy is a good idea, if for no other reason than to verify that what we did on our own makes sense. But the ongoing big problem with travel agents is finding a good one that actually does add value to the equation."A competent travel adviser can be your greatest asset when you're planning a trip," says consumer advocate Chris Elliott. "Good travel agents have an edge over almost any other seller of travel. They know what you want. They speak your language."
A good, neutral source of information for helping sort out travel agents might also be your local Better Business Bureau who will have a score on any travel agency that has been in business long enough. The Better Business Bureau received more than 7,000 complaints nationally last year against travel agencies and bureaus.
Most complaints relate to consumers being misled by travel offers that failed to deliver or had paid money for travel arrangements that were never made. The Better Business Bureau offers some tips on using travel agents:
- Ask family and friends to recommend a company they've used.
- Get all vacation details in writing.
- Verify reservations.
- Consider travel insurance.
- Pay with a credit card.
- Be on the alert for travel scams.
"If they leave you hanging or do nothing more than send you the company's 800-number, they're not your agent. Chances are, they're just in it for the commission."
Some good reasons to use a travel agent, once you find a good one, include:
- They may have access to deals you can't get- Travel agents are notified of the latest offers, bargains and discounts first. Connected agents know even more, including what travel options are likely to go up or down in pricing and/or availability, and what can be critical information in a buying decision.
- They speak the language of the service provider- Anyone who has ever tried to work with airline fare codes, codeshare rules or other cryptic travel speak meant for behind-the-scenes travel pros knows having one in their back pocket can bring huge advantages.
- They almost always result in a better value- They may not be able to get a ticket to paradise for less than Discount Joe's Travel Barn but they'll probably be able to match it and throw in a perk or two that Joe knows nothing about.
Flickr photo by PinkMoose
Filed under: North America, United States, Travel Deals
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Greg Feb 24th 2012 1:03PM
Since I am making much less money this year I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to get the kinds of gifts I usually get for my family this year. I thought I would try one of the penny auction sites because I heard that they have the best deals anywhere. I checked out a few sites and it became clear to me that the one that was most reliable and had the lowest prices was at ( http://tinyurl.com/TopBargains ) . To be honest, their prices seemed too low to be true. I tested them out by bidding on an iPad, which my son wanted, but I didn't think I could afford one this year, to my surprise and delight I ended up getting one for $73. I got it about a week ago and it was brand new and in a sealed box.
rose Feb 24th 2012 8:56AM
I used a travel agency for my trip to Japan and loved the service that they gave me. When I go to Seattle I may just use them again. I may pay a small fee to them but at least in this way I feel like I am helping out the economy in my local area.
Joe Feb 24th 2012 9:25AM
I have a travel agent we use regularly. I shop for the best deal I can find online, and print it out and take it to her. She can always match it, generally can beat it and get some extras we wouldn't get on our own. We will be going to see her to book a cruise for October.
Phyllis Feb 24th 2012 3:03PM
I am so glad to see an article telling the general public how resourceful an travel agent can be. We in the Travel industry work very hard . Sometimes people think they can just book their own travel by calling cruise lines directly, they may not be getting their best price or I can tell you the cruise lines will not notify them if their prices does go down. We always say An educated consumer is the Best customer.
Eileen Feb 24th 2012 12:06PM
I read some of these comments and think. Hey, is there anyone out there that works for free? I have been an agent for over 15 years and work on commission, so when someone has me do research on a trip that takes a few hours and then they nickel and dime me for a $10.00 savings that they found on the internet it is annoying. I pay for on going education, I pay to visit places so that I can give first hand information and I don't charge my clients for my service. I get paid from my wholesaler/vendor when a trip is complete.
So, before you use your travel agent and bust their hump to save a few dollars, think about how you would feel if your boss wanted you to put in work for free.
Rick Feb 24th 2012 1:04PM
I totally love all the these comments & the fact that most people still think of the travel industry as they did 25 years ago.
I've been a Professional Travel Consultant for more than 25 years. I only work with high end clients & companies & each one pays me a hefty fee for my services. If someone comes to me and says they found some low fare online, I tell them to book it online because clearly, if they're looking online for discount fares, they probably don't want to pay my minimum $50.00 fee & are more than likely just shopping around to see if they can save $5.00. Any Travel Consultant not charging client fees, probably does not think they are worth much. The lucrative business in travel is solid Corporate Accounts, Private Villas, Yacht Rentals, Private Jets, Luxury Vacation/Cruise Travel & First/Business Class flights. It's not the $200.00 Non-Refundable tickets. When the airlines eliminated Travel Agency commissions years ago, I stopped doing all that crap - let travelers book that stuff online. Focusing on the high end Business & Leisure Travel, can earn a good Travel Professional in the mid 6 figures !!! That's the kind of Travel Consultant you want to work with. Knowledge = profit in this business these days.
Ray-Ray Feb 24th 2012 1:49PM
I so agree with everything Rick had to say with regard to working in the travel business. I learned a long time ago that the luxury market is the way to go and the segment of the travel market most appreciative of my efforts to provide the best service possible for my clients.
NCGRANDFATHER5 Feb 24th 2012 5:43PM
Rick
It's great that your doing so well, inspite of yourself. If I seen my Travel Consultant acting like you talk I would find a new one. Not all people can afford to pay for a $9000 a week Cruise or other vacation. Thats the same reason Airlines have $200 Flights. One day your high rollers might need to cut back some, I hope they don't start with you, because it sounds like you might of ticked off the rest.
Alicia Feb 24th 2012 6:42PM
For the individuals working in only the high-end aspect of the travel business...be careful who you turn away....someone wanting to book only a modest trip may want to book something very ultra expensive the next time. I have an aunt for whom money is no object....at times, she books very short trips to NYC, other times. excursions around the world, and she always uses a travel agent. So, if you always have your hand out, instead of helping all who want to use your services, you just may pass over someone who could be a great client, and, bring in more terrific customers.
Adam Feb 27th 2012 11:51AM
Glad to read this article. I've definitely thought of the Travel Agent business as floundering in the last several years. Here are some additional thoughts: http://adamgetsaround.tumblr.com/post/18383054883/travel-agents-on-the-rise
Benjamin Gray Feb 28th 2012 11:43AM
I definitely agree that nothing beats a personal touch especially planning and arranging travels, either leisure or business. finding the "best deals" online sure looks easy, but how about all the other arrangements? Travelling requires more than booking and confirming your flights from point A to B. Two cents, this might help if you are planning on a travel and leans on working with travel agents http://www.the-best-way.info/travel/top-five-points-of-travelling-you-need-to-work-with-travel-agents/
Also if you might be planning to go to Australia, I would recommend Pan Australian Travel visit their website http://www.panaustravel.com.au
read more about them here:
http://www.facearticle.com/travel-and-leisure/melbourne-travel-agents-australias-finest-corporate-travel-management-consultants.html
Cheers!