I have been following the current travels of forumer, Randy and his family from Minneapolis. I am interested because he is currently in New Zealand and heading to Australia. However, they have been caught up in the 'once in a lifetime' volcanic ash event. They are stranded in Auckland. Supposed to be in Sydney two days ago. Getting absolutely no where with their carrier Qantas, unable to contact anyone by phone. Only means of communication is via the web. This lack of communication is obviously giving him and the family enormous angst. Which brings me to my point. I always book my flights through a travel agent I have used for years. We do all our accommodation, side trips etc. We have her contact number which we can use any time day or night if problems arise. Would a travel agent who must put thousands and thousands of dollars through airlines via their bookings, have a bit more clout in contacting airlines?
I know they can't make this ash cloud disappear, but they might, via their network, be able to obtain up to date accurate information on their client's behalf??
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32222 posts
Judy, I always use a Travel Agent for international flights, partially for the reasons you mentioned. I also tend to arrange accommodations and sightseeing on my own. While I haven't yet had any problems with flight delays or whatever, it's nice to know I'd have support if needed (especially in circumstances when I might be stranded somewhere and not have any access to the net). I figure the Travel Agents have much greater resources at their disposal, so would be better able to figure the most cost effective solutions. When booking through a T.A. here, the tickets are also covered through a Travel Insurance fund.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
8961 posts
Considering they are in a country that speaks English, why should it be difficult to read the news for up-to date information on the volcano in Chile and how it is affecting flights? Why can't they phone using a phone card, which is cheap or Skype? I doubt a travel agent could do much, one just has to wait until the ash cloud goes away and go with the flow, enjoying the days in Auckland even though they wanted to be in Sydney. Having experienced this last year with the ash cloud in Europe, many hotels were very kind with the "detainees".
Posted by
Cary, NC
687 posts
I haven't used a TA in years, and I haven't missed one. (And no, I haven't been staying home.) A TA can't make an ash cloud go away, and these days I doubt there are many TAs with any special "in" with the airlines - especially a US TA with an OZ airline.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
I have traveled extensively in recent years and it has never occurred to me to use a travel agent. I always book online for everything. Like Jo, I'm wondering why they are finding getting current information so difficult in an English-speaking country. If planes can't fly, they can't fly - there's nothing to be done about it until the ash disperses.
Posted by
OP
Adelaide, SA, Australia
977 posts
From reading the blog, they have been on Skype. Not being able to actually have person to person contact with anyone from Qantas has been impossible and incredibly frustrating. Poor old Randy and family have suffered too as a consequence of having pre-booked all their flights, car hire and accommodation for the whole trip. 3 days in Sydney will now be a day, if they are lucky. Interesting thing about all of this, is that Air New Zealand have not cancelled any flights from NZ to OZ in the past few days.
Still wonder if TA's might be able to get more accurate up to date info in these situations??
Posted by
Cary, NC
687 posts
Considering how many people are probably calling Qantas, it's not that surprising they're having trouble getting through. And there seems to be very good info here: http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/disruptions/global/en#jump1
Posted by
Phoenix, AZ, USA
1035 posts
Why not go to the airport and speak directly with a Qantas agent?
Posted by
Genesee, ID
1840 posts
We use travel agents, reputable and local, for our to and from flights only. The reason is that if we need help changing or rearranging flights while we are on a journey, all we have to do is email the agent and that person will take care of everything. Its happened. We make all our other arrangements our selves. Hotel reservations are made online directly to the hotel, Train passes are made directly online by us. And so it goes, travel agents can do miracles if you are caught overseas by flight cancellations or other problems.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
For those people who use Travel Agents - do you still use Traveler's Cheques, too?
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19117 posts
Last time I talked to my local travel agent she wanted $50 to book a flight.
Posted by
Genesee, ID
1840 posts
Noooooo travelers checks. There are other posts on the Travelers Helpline about this. Fifty bucks is worth it.
Posted by
OP
Adelaide, SA, Australia
977 posts
Very funny Tim!!!
Posted by
Tilburg, Netherlands
2829 posts
I think travel agents might be a good option for complex tickets or itineraries. I also think travel agents are good for expensive pre-paid tours like cruises with cruise lines that don't operate in our country or specialized hiking tours.
Posted by
Cary, NC
687 posts
@Andre - it's my impression that most US TAs know how to book cruises and Disney, and some coach tours. There are some around that can handle more, but finding one is probably as much of a challenge as booking for yourself. I certainly wouldn't trust my neighborhood TA with the round the world trip I just did, for instance.