Bay Area Travel Agent?
 

I just can't seem to find a good travel agent in the Bay Area. I want someone who is responsive, will communicate promptly by email because I'm always pressed for time. I also need someone who knows UA's policies inside and out. (I always seem to know more than the travel agents and it's becoming exasperating.) I'm more than willing to pay a fair price for the service.

Is Amex Travel a good option or is a smaller shop better? Any insights welcomed.

Casto Travel's Business reps are quite good, we use them out of SFO and we have great support.

I would stay away from Amex Travel. What a bunch of f***ing clowns. They don't need to be good, they get plenty of business because of their brand name. Last time I tried using them they quoted me $660 roundtrip on a regional flight. Two minutes spent talking to a friend who flew that route occasionally clued me in to an advertised $280 price.

I have used Amex Travel at Market/1st St. and been quite pleased with their service. Phyllis is a very pleasant rep I've used there. There are also a couple of other very pleasant TAs in that office. I would suggest asking one of the TAs as to which of them is most knowledgeable about UA policies, especially for elite members. I think you'll get an honest answer.

As this is really not a general interest thread for the United board, I'll move it to a regional forum.

Try Me
 

I'm a 1K MM on United and very familiar with their policies. I've had the same problems you have until one day I was talking with a friend who owns a Travel Agency about it...saying I was always frustrated because I knew more than the TAs so I just book everything myself...but would love to have access to the software (Apollo). So he set me up as a Travel Agent with his agency!

So, give me a try...more than happy to earn your business.