Travel Agents

[Tengotodo 52]

Wondering what everyone's experience has been using Travel agents. I tried several but they could never beat/match the price I could get on my own using the internet. Maybe they can save money on packaged deals (i.e. with hotels), but they have not been able to compete with single airfare pricing. Anyone have better experience?

[Indiana_Jack 0]

You don't say where you are based. So many members are based in Europe.

If you are based in the US, there is only one agent that can match or beat the airline sites, and that is Angel Travel.

http://www.angeltravel.com/

Jack

[monkeyman 1,604]

Sometimes they have some very good deals, but for me choice is the real issue, and that's where the net wins hands down.

[python 27]

Hi all,

 

It depends what you are after. If you are after a mongering type trip then for price, choice and flexibility the net probably can't be beaten.

 

However, if your traveling from the UK and want a family type trip some travel companies are hard to beat. Kuoni is especially good value for money. E.g. book 7 nights in the Dusit and get 7 nights free. Free room upgrades etc. But like I stated only for "family" trips. Only top end Pattaya hotels that do not welcome guests seem to be offered as deals in the Uk or hotels that you would not want to stay in because of location.

 

This what I've experienced so I now just do what I want and book online.

 

Regards to all.

[blacknight 5]

Hi I agree with python, but another tip I have noticed is that if you book your flight direct with the airline you will usually get treated better by them.

 

For example I usually fly Emirates and am a frequent flyer member, however my last trip in April was a last minute decision and I booked through an agent and saved a little. When I arrived at the airport I tried to get a good seat which is normally no problem but the check in girl seemed reluctant to entertain my request. This flight also entailed a 7 hour stop over in Dubia, but I had already checked at the service desk and the girl there told me of a connecting flight to BKK with only a 2 hour stop over. I mentioned this to the check in girl but she said that as I had booked a cheap ticket via a travel agent there was absolutely no flexibility on ticket changes or seating.

 

So to sum up for a measily £50 saving on my ticket via the agent based on a direct booking online with Emirates I ended up with not only a crap seat but also a long wait in Dubia, where the bear in £5 a pint.

 

You have also got a far higher chance of being upgraded to business class if you book direct with the airline should they require extra seats in economy.

 

Suppose it really depends on your budget

[whitespider 1]

Yes they are - I have used e-bookers now almost exclusivley for over 4 years and around 60 flights (inc' family).

 

I ALWAYS telephone the SAME girl there. She always beats the online price and almost always gets me a free night at Landmark thrown in (when ur married this can be a bigger deal than you might think lol). In addition she sorts out my airmiles and nectar points for me lol

 

As with all agents they will try and do as little as possible for the biggest cut - but in my opinion it is worth developinga relationship with one agent - afetr a while they will bend over backwards to keep you sweet.

 

If you are travelling once a year or PRICE is your only consideartion then they are probably a waste of time - just hunt around the directs and online providers.

[wedge95 0]

I'm based in Hawaii and I've never been able to find anything that can beat what my travel agent can offer me. I looked for almost a week for my upcoming trip (leave 22 June) and couldn't beat her price. She always books me on China Air, so I get Delta miles.