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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In response to our survey of more than 500 Travel Weekly readers, conducted online in February, 71% said they charge some type of fee. Travel agencies that charge fees — whether they're a one-time consultation fee, a subscription fee, a ticketing fee or something else entirely — are now in the firm majority.
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.
They don't usually cost extra.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. Make sure you know all the potential fees before you use a travel agent, and do not hesitate to negotiate away.
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.
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.
Are you supposed to tip a travel agent? Tipping travel agents is not a common practice. They are usually compensated through commissions from bookings. If you had great service, consider an online review.
Are travel agents cheaper than booking online? Travel agents are typically cheaper than booking online for a flight, hotel, or car because travel agents can often negotiate better rates. Travel agents also provide more service, such as helping find the cheapest time of day to fly.
Booking directly with the resort itself is one of the best ways to ensure you travel and relax on the days you desire. Travel Agents are often paid on commission, and may not have your best interest in mind. They may push a certain resort or package deal on you which benefits them, but not you.
How do commissions vary? While the average commission range for many of the big online travel agents is 15-25%, some smaller and more niche OTAs offer lower rates – sometimes as low as 4%. It's very common for commission rates for properties on the same OTA to vary based on their region and property type.
With close connections to airlines, hotels, and tour guides, travel agents often have access to special deals and preferential pricing you won't find on your own. They know about seasonal deals, low-cost specials, and unique experiences that would be hard for you to find building your trip online yourself.
It is usually cheaper to book flights through travel agents rather than directly with the airlines when you are looking for a package deal. Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers that may not be available if you book directly with the airline.
Cons of using a travel agentLess 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.
Travel agents can be helpful in making and changing reservations, French says, but sometimes they can end up being an unnecessary middleman. “If you need to change your hotel reservation, often it's easier to just call the hotel yourself, rather than wait for the travel agent to do it,” she acknowledges.