Do people still use travel agents?

National Geographic looks into whether or not people still use travel advisors, and the answer is a resounding yes!



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The short answer is, yes. 22% of U.S. travelers used a travel advisor 1. This percentage will grow, with 50% of travelers reporting they're more likely to use a travel advisor post-pandemic (a 14% increase from 2022!) 2.

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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.

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  • 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.


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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.

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Cons of using a travel agent Less convenient - Many travel agents only offer services during certain limited office hours. On the other hand, by booking online, you can make your bookings any time you want. Some travel booking sites also offer 24/7 customer support.

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Travel agents save clients money, but the benefits of booking with a travel agent go way beyond. Travel agents also create high-value travel over OTAs because (the living, breathing, talented humans that they are) are able to advocate for clients when things go awry.

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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.

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Some agents charge fees by percentage, ranging from 5 percent to 15 percent of the trip's cost. Others may charge a flat rate, anywhere from $100-$500 on average. You may have to pay an hourly rate for travel agents to research, plan or arrange your trip.

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Whilst over three quarters of all travelers said that they typically use a travel agent/advisor to help manage their itinerary in real time, when broken down by generation a staggering 87% of Gen Z and Millennial travelers say this compared to just 50% of Boomers+ travelers.

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The Travelport survey, which was released in November, found that 50 percent of millennials or Gen Y (those born from 1981 to 1996) and 25 percent of Gen Z (those born from 1997 to 2012) nearly always turn to travel professionals for recommendations, either travel agents or tour operators.

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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.

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With the growing demand for travel, this year is an excellent time to consider a career as a travel agent. In 2023, the earnings of a home-based travel agent in the United States can vary greatly based on factors such as experience, market demand, and the amount of sales made.

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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.

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Booking Yourself Saves on Service Fees “Travel agents have access to the same rates and they don't get commissions on flights, so they often add an extra booking fee.” Le recommends setting up Google flight alerts to snatch up deals on flights when prices go down.

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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.

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What's the difference between a Travel Broker and a Travel Agent? Anyone can become a travel agent with very little industy or travel experience. Travel Brokers have both years of industry experience and have had plenty of trips overseas. Brokers work in much the same way as travel agencies.

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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.

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It's a myth that working with a travel agent will automatically cost you more; most get paid via commissions from the hotel or outfitter. Sure, some travel agents do charge a fee for putting together an itinerary, but most will credit you that fee if you end up booking the trip through them.

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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.


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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.

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