Using the Internet for Flight Options

In this in day and age obtaining inexpensive airline tickets fares has become much easier. With many companies on the internet vying for your business. If searching on the internet the best place to start is to find a web portal that offers searches for many airlines. Some of these portals also offer Hotel and Car rentals options, and some now even offer tour packages as well. Sometimes by combining one or two products you can actually make additional savings.

However, booking online does have its restrictions, normally you don’t get to speak with a human being when making your booking, and it very easy to put in wrong details that can cost you considerably if changes or cancellations have to be made.

Using a Travel Agent is still the best and safest way to book your travel. Travel agents have access to flight consolidators and suppliers that you have no access to even through the online portals. If there are changes to be made a Travel Agent can work with the supplier to get you the best possible terms. In addition they ensure you are familiar with all the terms and conditions so you don’t get caught with unexpected expenses.

I have two recent examples of this.

During the volcanic eruption in Iceland many flights were cancelled. Those who booked through agents where able to have the agents rearrange flight for them. I know of one instance where two men from different cities where to meet for a 20 year reunion in Egypt. One booked his flight through an agent and was able to get it changed to fly within 48 hours. The other man booked online and although the agent was able to find him an alternative flight the online Portal refused to change it and he actually flew to Egypt 3 weeks later only to meet his long lost friend as they passed in the airport, one arriving one departing.

The second incident was a business man who chose to make his own bookings online although most of his company booked through an agent. He booked a car rental online to pick up in one city and drop off in another. He didn’t check all the details and didn’t speak to an agent and when he turned the car in found that he had incurred a $800 drop off charge he wasn’t aware of. Needless to say his company was extremely upset over the expense and he now books his travel through an agent.

These are just a couple of examples, there are many more. If you get stranded due to weather conditions, or have a changed meeting were you need to fly out earlier or later it is much easier to know an agent can resolve these issues for you rather than trying to do it all yourself.An agent can work on upgrades with your mileage points a tedious task trying to get through yourself. Use your time wisely and use an agent to take the hassle out of your travel.

The Internet is a wonderful tool, but when booking travel do your research if you must online but leave the actual bookings in the capable hands of a trained travel agent. Its costs no more to use an agent and it gives you peace of mind knowing there is someone to take care of any problems should they arise.