Well, when they necessarily devils then so be it. But if I can do it cheaper and been protected by (or as very least dealing only with) airline why should I bother?
I use to think travel agents are a waste of space until OW changed its interlining policies.
The key here is a trusted travel agent with a track record of being able to make (for me) complicated bookings, can be easily reached and is able to offer a personalised service when shit hits the fan.
On that criteria, you can effectively rule out the online travel agents like Expedia, Kayak, Travelocity etc. Online travel agents are great for vanilla bookings with very little risk of things going wrong. The moment you have a problem, all bets are off. I recently found out, when dealing with a cancelled booking purchased through Expedia that your tickets are sometimes ticketed with an intermediary airline (Hahn Airlines) and not with the airline you thought you purchased with. In cases like that, chances of successful resolution when things go pear shaped is even more remote.
You can also rule out mass market chains like Flight Centre, where you are just a number. Besides the lack of personalised service, the business model of these chains is to minimise cost. Hence the semi-trained monkeys who are paid peanuts whom you have to deal with. Maryam's case attest to that.
Even if you use an agent, it's important to corroborate your booking with the airline. The frequency and level of checking should be inversely related to the level of trust you have with the travel agent.
smit0847
smit0847
Member since 30 Aug 2013
Total posts 149
Why do people use travel agents!!!
If you want something done properly you need to do it yourself.
AndyMelb
AndyMelb
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 22 Nov 2013
Total posts 14
Not a fan of agents smit?
I'll agree, not all of us are perfect, and people will make a mistake from time to time.
May I ask how you book your travel?
If you are as good at booking travel as your comment suggests, how about a round the world challenge? Oh wait, Expedia can't do that!
Serg
Serg
QFF
Member since 12 Apr 2013
Total posts 999
Well, when they necessarily devils then so be it. But if I can do it cheaper and been protected by (or as very least dealing only with) airline why should I bother?
highflyer
highflyer
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 10 Apr 2012
Total posts 186
Whats so hard with an around the world ticket being booked by yourself? I've done it quite a few times....
Serg
Serg
QFF
Member since 12 Apr 2013
Total posts 999
100% agree. And it not only about TA - mechanics for example in the same category.
TheRealBabushka
TheRealBabushka
Member since 21 Apr 2012
Total posts 2,058
I use to think travel agents are a waste of space until OW changed its interlining policies.
The key here is a trusted travel agent with a track record of being able to make (for me) complicated bookings, can be easily reached and is able to offer a personalised service when shit hits the fan.
On that criteria, you can effectively rule out the online travel agents like Expedia, Kayak, Travelocity etc. Online travel agents are great for vanilla bookings with very little risk of things going wrong. The moment you have a problem, all bets are off. I recently found out, when dealing with a cancelled booking purchased through Expedia that your tickets are sometimes ticketed with an intermediary airline (Hahn Airlines) and not with the airline you thought you purchased with. In cases like that, chances of successful resolution when things go pear shaped is even more remote.
You can also rule out mass market chains like Flight Centre, where you are just a number. Besides the lack of personalised service, the business model of these chains is to minimise cost. Hence the semi-trained monkeys who are paid peanuts whom you have to deal with. Maryam's case attest to that.
Even if you use an agent, it's important to corroborate your booking with the airline. The frequency and level of checking should be inversely related to the level of trust you have with the travel agent.