Travel benefits if using travel advisor?
Feb 2, 2020, 11:33 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: ORD
Programs: status free since 2017
Posts: 2,188
Travel benefits if using travel advisor?
If I am using a TA (booking cruise or tour w/ airfare perhaps) will I still get the travel benefits - trip cancellation, baggage delay or flight delay.... if not, I might another card to meet min spend.
Also, on same note, do bookings done through TAs considered as "travel" for earning points? I have always done bookings with OTA or directly with carrier so not sure about this one.
Also, on same note, do bookings done through TAs considered as "travel" for earning points? I have always done bookings with OTA or directly with carrier so not sure about this one.
Feb 3, 2020, 7:32 am
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,785
Whenever I booked a cruise thru a TA (vacationtogo or costco travel), my credit card get charged directly by the cruise line not by the TA. I think it is the same with flights too. Now I don't know what happen if you buy a vacation package (flight,hotel,transport all in one)... haven't done that.
Feb 3, 2020, 10:00 am
#3
Join Date: Apr 2008
Programs: amex platinum, american advantage, united, ANA, JAP. SPG, marriott
Posts: 1,257
Make absolutely sure that the charge is made by the cruise line or airline or hotel and not the travel agent. If the agent charges you himself there's something wrong.
Feb 3, 2020, 10:30 am
#4
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Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: ORD
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Posts: 2,188
Feb 4, 2020, 12:48 am
#5
Formerly known as stellertony
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: MEX
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Posts: 1,146
Feb 4, 2020, 10:18 am
#7
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You especially don't want the travel agent to book (without your consent) nonrefundable hotel rates for you but bill you for the regular refundable or even rack rate.....and you want confirmation of the reservation, including dates, room category, etc. from the hotel, including a confirmation number in the hotel's own system, not your travel agent's system.
Feb 4, 2020, 1:22 pm
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: ORD
Programs: status free since 2017
Posts: 2,188
Thank you. Anything else to keep in mind while using TA? Would it be acceptable to ask for recommendations?
I have always been DIY sortta (leveraging miles/points as much as I can) person but talking to a TA this time to organize some tours/cruises. Do folks (generally) use TAs to avail better discounts or more personalized service? Just trying to gauge what are the best ways to get some value.
I have always been DIY sortta (leveraging miles/points as much as I can) person but talking to a TA this time to organize some tours/cruises. Do folks (generally) use TAs to avail better discounts or more personalized service? Just trying to gauge what are the best ways to get some value.