What are the benefits to using a travel agent?


What are the benefits to using a travel agent?

The Pros of Using a Travel Agent
  • Travel agents can save you money – and get you other perks. ...
  • Travel agents handle all the details. ...
  • Travel agents can provide local expertise. ...
  • You'll avoid surprise fees. ...
  • You'll have someone to troubleshoot unexpected travel issues. ...
  • It might not be your cheapest option.


Who is the top travel specialist 2023?

Condé Nast Traveler Names 9 GTN Advisors as Top Travel Specialists for 2023
  • Katy Chadwell, Chadwell Traveled.
  • Elizabeth de Quillacq, Souvenir and Far.
  • Casey Dye, Travel Theory.
  • Julie Ann Hargett, H Luxury Travel.
  • Sandy Lipkowitz, We Make Travel Easy.
  • Stephanie Jentgen Mack, Brava Adventures.
  • Trisha Rathke, VIP Travel Designs.


How do I know if a travel agent is legit?

To check if a travel agent is legitimate, check if they are listed with any of the following travel associations:
  1. ABTA membership. ...
  2. ATOL protection. ...
  3. IATA accreditation. ...
  4. Company registration. ...
  5. Avoiding scams. ...
  6. Protecting financial interests. ...
  7. Ensuring quality of service. ...
  8. TripAdvisor.


Do people still use travel agents 2023?

People still choose a travel agent to help them book their travel experience, whether it is for business or pleasure. A travel agent helps travelers navigate any issues that may arise. They can even help save travelers money because they know what kinds of discounts and packages are out there.


How can I trust a travel agent?

Take advice from friends and business associates who use an agent they trust and always check business profiles on BBB.org. Visit or call several agencies to find the one that best suits your needs. Consider everything from the appearance of the office to the agent's willingness to listen and answer questions.


Is it still worth it to use a travel agent?

A travel agent can keep things organized, negotiate with services and personally work out any complications that may arise. Rather than trying to reserve rooms in the same hotels and seats on the same flights with multiple credit cards and names, let a travel agent do that work.


Is it better to book flights directly with airline or travel agent?

When you book directly on an airline's website you have more leverage when it comes to delays, booking changes, and cancellations. If you call the airline after having booked through an OTA, there's a chance you'll be directed back to the OTA when service can be subpar and confusing.


How does a travel agent make their money?

Generally, leisure travel agencies' main revenue is from commissions vendors pay on vacation packages, cruises, air, and other add-ons. However, consultation fees and service fees are becoming more common as agencies try to diversify income sources to become less dependent on supplier commissions.


What is the difference between a travel agent and a travel consultant?

The main difference between travel consultants and agents is that travel consultants plan trips, while travel agents book them. Travel agents may be better skilled at locating the best prices for flights and hotels.


What to expect when using a travel agent?

The agency fee is nominal when compared with saving you time and money. People who utilize a traditional travel agency expect to work with knowledgeable agents who can take the details of their travel plans, prepare a customized itinerary and quickly forward the details to the client's smartphone or computer.


How much more expensive is it to use a travel agent?

How much does a travel agent cost? The cost of using a travel agent is generally marginal, and often, they won't charge you at all. Much of their money comes from commissions the hotels and wholesalers pay them. Before you decide to book with a travel agent, inquire whether or not they charge fees.


Why do travel agents charge a service fee?

“Fees allow us to do a few things: to take on fewer clients and provide a personalized and seamless travel experience, to provide fair compensation for our time and expertise, and to allow us to truly work for a client to provide the best price and value — even if it means we need to book a noncommissionable experience ...


What percentage of a trip does a travel agent get?

The commission percentage agencies earn depends on numerous factors, the most important one being which private contracts you have access to. Here's a general rule of thumb on the airline ticket commission range you can expect as a travel advisor: Domestic: 0-5% International: 10-22%


Should I use a travel agent to book an all inclusive?

Booking directly with the resort itself is one of the best ways to ensure you travel and relax on the days you desire. Travel Agents are often paid on commission, and may not have your best interest in mind. They may push a certain resort or package deal on you which benefits them, but not you.


Is a travel agent high risk?

But travel agencies also typically fall under “high risk.” One reason for that is the higher-than-average chargeback rates that can come from bookings for a future trip that a client later wants to cancel.


Why use a travel agent 2023?

With close connections to airlines, hotels, and tour guides, travel agents often have access to special deals and preferential pricing you won't find on your own. They know about seasonal deals, low-cost specials, and unique experiences that would be hard for you to find building your trip online yourself.


Do Millennials use travel agents?

If you're a millennial or Gen Zer, you may be surprised by the retro hack some fellow travelers use to book seamless trips: a travel agent. Will Pay for Wanderlust! Millennials and Gen Zers are more likely to use travel agents/advisers than Boomers, according to a December 2022 Flywire survey of luxury travelers.


Who is the best travel agent to use?

The Top 20 Most Powerful Travel Agencies in 2023
  1. Booking Holdings. (photo courtesy of Booking Holdings) ...
  2. Expedia Group. ...
  3. American Express Global Business Travel. ...
  4. BCD Travel. ...
  5. CWT. ...
  6. Flight Centre. ...
  7. American Express Travel. ...
  8. Chase Travel Group.


Is AAA travel agency worth it?

While you could spend hours scouring the internet, reading questionable reviews and looking for deals, a AAA Travel Agent's hard-won relationships could be benefitting you. Studies have shown working with a travel agent saves travelers over three hours of time spent planning per trip.


Can I save money by using a travel agent?

Travel agents don't cost more than self-organizing a trip. They save you time and money with their expertise, and can even help you get free amenities. Travel agents offer payment plans that allow you to pay for your trip gradually and avoid financial strain.


What are the disadvantages of using a travel agent?

  • You're Not The One Planning Your Travel. While not planning your travel is a pro to some, for other travelers, it's a major con. ...
  • You Add Another Person To The Equation. ...
  • You Actually Have To Find The Agent. ...
  • They're Not Great For Spur-Of-The-Moment Changes.