Negotiating with travel agent?

DH and I are looking into our anniversary trip, going back to Cancun. We wanted all inclusive adults only. the TA told us we could really only do 5 nights with our budget. Yet, DH did a search and found 6 nights for not too much over our budget (I suppose about $200).

Can you negotiate with a TA? I've never done this before!

TIA!

Re: Negotiating with travel agent?

I would let the TA know you found a better deal and see if he/she can match it. Are your dates flexible?

Re: Negotiating with travel agent?

shop the exact itinerary around - dates, room type, etc. - then go back to the TA and report your findings. Chances are, he/she will match it.

TAs get most of their $$$ as comission from bookings. and lately, its getting tougher and tougher to get that comission - airlines don't give it anymore so the TAs are really counting on hotels. that works in your favor.

Re: Negotiating with travel agent?

I agree, make sure it is the same hotel and same flights. If it is a different flight that could make a difference in price. Then present what you find to the TA. If you are flexible with the dates maybe she can find better air pricing on a different date or a different hotel.

Re: Negotiating with travel agent?

Make sure you're comparing apples to apples. Exact flight (flight dates, times, number) and exact hotel (even the same type of room)

An alternte time in flight or even a different type of room can make a difference in price.

If everything is exact then go to the travel agent and show her what you found. They should be able to do a match for you.

Re: Negotiating with travel agent?

My God yes, a TA should match that. If not, you need a new TA