Travel Agents
While you may be a savvy traveler, the vast majority of the people who
listen to your show are not and they do need the help of a good travel
agent, even one who charges fees. I have watched people spend countless
hours trying to book travel online and pay way too much. Generally, it
seems that the place they get stuck is on the international trips, not so
much the domestic.
Something about not knowing how to get the lowest published fares or where
to find the best wholesaler for a given destination.
Of course, I admit that not everyone who claims to be a travel agent really
is; there are all the card mills that create fake agents that have no
experience and no knowledge. However I would recommend finding a good
travel agent prior to needing one, much like a dentist or doctor. Ask
friends, family, co-workers for their input, call the agents and chat with
them to find the
one that fits the best. Once you have an established relationship the
agent won't be doing any hard-selling since the agent is interested in
building repeat business. Overrides and such tend to be a concern of
management and not so much so that of travel agents, most don't have time
to worry about it too much.
The other thing to suggest is to look for established agencies as well as
established agents. There is nothing worse then giving your money to an
agency and then have them close their doors and take your money. In
addition, established agencies tend to have better relationships that they
can utilize on the clients behalf and in many cases where they are part of
a national chain or consortium the agency will have international pricing
desks that, not only match, but bet the airlines pricing by a significant
amount. This savings is realized by the traveler and thus makes paying a
$10 or $15 fee worth every penny--and if you look at the level of
service one gets from an agency vs. the Internet. When was the last time
the Internet did a ticket
exchange or called the airlines for a waiver when a fare has expired?
Unless someone is an experienced traveler and has the time and inclination
to do the legwork, most people are better served using a professional
travel agent. And if the consumer develops a relationship with an agent it
is much easier for the agent to know exactly what the client wants. If the
consumer waits until it's time to go, then it's much harder for both
parties to have a
satisfactory experience.
And yes, I have worked in the travel industry for 15 years and I am biased
in favor of the professional agent. I sincerely believe that agents are
the consumer's best friend.
John
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