Aren't travel agents..

Usually supposed to save you money??
Just got back from Liberty travel and my trip was costing more with them then to just do it myself online ( oh and doing it myself was not only cheaper it was a much better airline as well!)

Re: Aren't travel agents..

I found the same with Liberty when looking for honeymoon options.

Re: Aren't travel agents..

I never thought it would be cheaper. I do like to do it for bigger trips like my honeymoon we went through Liberty Travel

Re: Aren't travel agents..

Travel agents also need to make a commission. They only receive a small percentage of the base price from the vendors so the price they give you are commissionable rates. Some may do a mark up if they receive a low commission. My company does not do a mark up however smaller agencies can get away with mark up's because the agent is paying net to he vendor and keeping the rest and you will never know what the net rate is. That is why sometimes booking directly with the airline, cruise etc...it's cheaper b/c they have no one they have to pay. That is why you may see Continental airlines may be cheaper by booking directly with Continental instead of booking through Orbitz or another travel engine.

But you also run into a risk. If you book with orbitz on a United flight and have an issue with United you have to call orbitz b/c that is who owns the reservation. Where most travel agencies are insured and bonded for liabilities.

For something as air I even tell my own clients just book it on your own their is nothing I can do with air (and airlines do not pay commissions so we have to have processing fees) but big vacations I would recommend the use of a travel agent. They may be a littl higher but they'll fight for your trip and make sure everything is ok before, during or after. If you would like for me to look into anything for you please feel free to FM me and I can look into packages for you.

Re: Aren't travel agents..