Are you using travel agents less or more?
Feb 17, 2002 | 12:08 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: USA
Posts: 1,152
Are you using travel agents less or more?
I have noticed that recently with all of the info on the internet, I have unconciously been using my local travel agent less and less. I guess the reason being that I can book my own travel at 11pm when I am on the computer and I have time to think about my travel plans.
I used to use a travel agent for every aspect of trip planning but lately I only use them as a last resort. I have noticed that when I do use an agent these days they can either match or in some cases beat any deal I find on the net.
I think in the future I will try and use agents more often.
I used to use a travel agent for every aspect of trip planning but lately I only use them as a last resort. I have noticed that when I do use an agent these days they can either match or in some cases beat any deal I find on the net.
I think in the future I will try and use agents more often.
Feb 17, 2002 | 12:25 pm
#2
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: SPG Plat, HH Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,015
This thread typifies the response from FTers on travel agents: Aside from corporate requirements, most of us don't use them.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/005656.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/005656.html
Feb 17, 2002 | 12:36 pm
#3
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,967
My reaction to a travel agent is the same as my attitude towards tailors.
If you don't have a good tailor or have never had tailored clothes (it is a luxury only in the West), you can just buy off-the-shelf and never see a difference.
If you have a good tailor, you will never buy off-the-shelf.
There are only a few exceptional tailors and travel agents.
If you don't have a good tailor or have never had tailored clothes (it is a luxury only in the West), you can just buy off-the-shelf and never see a difference.
If you have a good tailor, you will never buy off-the-shelf.
There are only a few exceptional tailors and travel agents.
Feb 17, 2002 | 12:56 pm
#4
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: I am usually found in YYC or GIG
Programs: UAL Premex
Posts: 1,858
You have to remember that TA's do more than book tickets.
I always use my TA...the same one for 3 years. I research and plan the trip online.....then call her and say book me on this/that routing.
A good one is worth their weight in FF miles.
I always use my TA...the same one for 3 years. I research and plan the trip online.....then call her and say book me on this/that routing.
A good one is worth their weight in FF miles.
Feb 17, 2002 | 5:03 pm
#5
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Dallas
Programs: AA EXP/5MM; DL DM; HHonors DIAM; Marriott GLD
Posts: 4,132
It has been over 3 years since I last used a travel agent in the U.S. (other than one time to purchase a domestic Mexican paper ticket when I already knew my itinerary & fare basis).
If I found one that was attuned to the the patterns of sophisticated travellers, I would willingly pay extra-- I just don't know how to find a good one. The few times I have tried to do something with an agent, I quickly realize I know much more about airfares, etc., than they do.
If I found one that was attuned to the the patterns of sophisticated travellers, I would willingly pay extra-- I just don't know how to find a good one. The few times I have tried to do something with an agent, I quickly realize I know much more about airfares, etc., than they do.
Feb 17, 2002 | 5:40 pm
#6
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: USA
Posts: 8,082
Feb 17, 2002 | 5:45 pm
#7
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 248
Its not the money , its just TA are slow to get back to You with info, I can also access in real time and book myself , maybe on an extended vacation I would use one.
also I will take the extra miles for booking online!, and then call in my miles upgrade.
also I will take the extra miles for booking online!, and then call in my miles upgrade.
Feb 17, 2002 | 5:47 pm
#8
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Southwest Desert, under a rock, watch out! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<" You can get there, but it's gonna cost you!
Programs: Previously NonePass, now UA 1K (*Enhanced*)
Posts: 4,248
I always always used to use a travel agent to book my Pan Am, Braniff, Eastern, PSA and other extinct airline tickets.
Feb 18, 2002 | 5:02 am
#10
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: AUS
Programs: DL Flying Colonel
Posts: 4,027
My TA has started charging a 28.00 fee for each return trip.
For the fee I can do it myself. 150 trips a year, this adds up fast.
I may require the TA from time to time, but I am starting to think that those days may be over.
My TA is great, I still call to say hello from time to time, but that fee would pay for some really nice rainy day projects.
For the fee I can do it myself. 150 trips a year, this adds up fast.
I may require the TA from time to time, but I am starting to think that those days may be over.
My TA is great, I still call to say hello from time to time, but that fee would pay for some really nice rainy day projects.
Feb 18, 2002 | 5:30 am
#11
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: SPG Plat, HH Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,015
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by venk:
There are only a few exceptional tailors and travel agents.</font>
There are only a few exceptional tailors and travel agents.</font>
http://www.virtuoso.com/107-press.html
You might not need agents for domestic airline tickets, but they could come in handy navigating abroad.