Are you really getting what you deserve from your travel agent?
1. Is the agent you have chosen, experienced enough to guide you on where to stay and what to do in the destination/s you are interested in visiting?
2. What’s driving the decision behind the offer put to you by the travel agent? Are they really independent or are they looking to sell a particular destination?
3. Does the agent offer the airline(s) that best suits your requirements? Your holiday requirements are unique to you and the agent really needs to take the time to understand these first. Are you clear what the costs are to make changes prior to travel and whilst you are away?
4. Who do you call if you need help whilst you’re away? Once you’ve departed on your holiday, many agents will pass the responsibility to the airline and if multiple airlines are utilised, it’s the dominant airline, usually the first carrier out of the UK.
5. Do you know what your cancellation options are prior to travelling? Often you can, it will usually incur a cancellation fee, so do ask what that fee is. If your airfare is non-refundable you may still have options to take a credit and use this against other flights within the same airline network.
6. Do ask the agent to organise any special meals required and seat preferences; are they happy to do this for you? Do they discuss with you what’s available on your flights?
7. Are child meals required? Does your agent book them for you?
8. Do you require wheelchair assistance or any other special requirements? If the agent knows this, they can enquire with the airlines on your behalf and help to arrange this.
9. Once your ticket is issued, has the agent given you an itinerary and receipt? Has your agent run through the documents with you to make sure you’re clear on everything?
10. Have they added in your Frequent Flyer membership? A good habit is to keep your boarding passes anyway and claim retrospectively in case some flights are missed.
11. Have they reminded you that you should have suitable and adequate travel insurance from the date of booking?
12. Have they checked passport/s for at least 6 months validity (in general) for travel overseas and does name on ticket/s match passport name exactly without typing errors?
13. If situations change beyond your control whilst you are away who are you going to contact? Does your agent take proactive steps to contact you on holiday to update you on an emerging situation?
Not getting the service you deserve?
Book direct with Travel Counsellors as we are independent, experienced and totally passionate about getting it exactly right for your next holiday.