https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ en Sat, 16 May 2026 18:13:00 GMT vBulletin 5 https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/images/misc/rss.jpg https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travelbuzz/2217624-do-travel-agents-give-you-better-prices.html Sat, 09 May 2026 06:44:55 GMT *Many people wonder if travel agents actually help in getting better prices. From my experience, it really depends on how and where you book. Sometimes agents do get access to group deals or seasonal discounts that you may not find online easily. I... Many people wonder if travel agents actually help in getting better prices. From my experience, it really depends on how and where you book. Sometimes agents do get access to group deals or seasonal discounts that you may not find online easily. I once compared a few packages and noticed a difference when I checked with a local travel agency in delhi, especially for hotel flight bundles. But for very cheap deals, online apps can match or even beat prices during sales. So it’s not always cheaper, but you do get convenience and support if something goes wrong. I feel agents are more useful for complex trips than simple bookings. Overall, it’s a mix of price and comfort. Hope this helps ]]> TravelBuzz Vikramkumar211 https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travelbuzz/2217624-do-travel-agents-give-you-better-prices.html https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travelbuzz/2216689-alternative-exorbitant-baggage-fees.html Sun, 19 Apr 2026 12:08:27 GMT Hi,
According to one or more Youtube video producers,
the US airline industry is increasing fees and imposing exorbitant
penalties for exceeding weight by even a tiny amount.

I've been shipping ahead for years, and it works.
There is a catch.
You need to plan ahead by a week or more.

Ship your suitcase and everything you don't need on board
the aircraft to the destination hotel or residential address
via DHL, Fedex, UPS, ground. Hotel desk clerk will secure
it in a store room. It's gonna be probably cheaper or same
as airline charges, and way way cheaper than
unexpected airline penalties for violations. Plus you have
on-line continuous tracking, origin to destination.

Non-monetary advantages.

No standing in long line to check luggage
No standing around baggage carosel 2 hours waiting
for bag to come up
Way lower probability of lost luggage

Shipping ahead can be done for international
destinations at a higher cost, and there are
companies out there that will handle it and
clear it thru destination customs for you,
on the way to the hotel, cruise ship, or whatever.

What needs to happen.

Freight companies need to advertise luggage shipping.
They do ship luggage, but they lay low and don't push it.
There are waybill attachments that fasten the waybill
to the suitcase handle.
There are UPS and Fedex stores all over the place.
They need to advertise the advantages of
luggage shipping on their websites and printed on the waybills.
]]> TravelBuzz Adonsa https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travelbuzz/2216689-alternative-exorbitant-baggage-fees.html https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travelbuzz/2216610-airline-booking-way-advance.html Fri, 17 Apr 2026 20:25:23 GMT Hello, I am new to this forum and boy let me tell you I think the airlines have just plainly gone downhill. It makes me not want to travel anymore. I book my flights 6-12 months in advance, and I get a flight change / delay / cancellation. My... Hello,

I am new to this forum and boy let me tell you I think the airlines have just plainly gone downhill. It makes me not want to travel anymore. I book my flights 6-12 months in advance, and I get a flight change / delay / cancellation. My trip last year from American Airlines did cost me an additional $3,000 that was not planned for since they canceled my flight the morning of so I had to scramble to get us a new flight. That was my father's last trip before he passed.

So now I am trying another airline, and I booked it 4 weeks ago and they just now change my flight reservation. I guess as a traveler. What can I do to protect myself from the airlines? American Airlines basically blew me off and the bogus travel insurance I bought for the flight was a joke was a waste of money. I think the airlines love screwing there customers out of money and enjoyment of planning a vacation and even taking the vacation. Now with United I am feeling the same thing. Do you guys have any recommendations or suggestions, so I do not get screwed on this trip? Thank you in advance as I am sure I am not the only one feeling this way. ]]> TravelBuzz mbc230 https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travelbuzz/2216610-airline-booking-way-advance.html