I got screwed over by a Travel Agent

aqua111

Mr_Wang wrote: »

Funny you should say that, I was in a meeting just yesterday that was to discuss "science fraud" whereby people people attempt to get work published that isn't their own, or they 'fudge' results. So absolutely yes there are dodgy people in my area of work.

The issue is that TA's work at point of sale and I question the integrity of anyone who sits opposite someone looking to pay for their holiday weekly (so obviously not well off) yet they get charged to sit together, get convinced they need more baggage, food on a 2hr flight etc etc. I know that it's all part of business and something similar happens when you buy a TV in Currys. But in regards to TA's there is a fine, yet very clear line between business and ripping someone off (i.e selling them or up-selling them something they don't need, or at a premium they really shouldn't be paying)

Read this: http://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/what-travel-agents-dont-want-you-to-know/story-e6frfq80-1225826275544

Just to add on a personal level - I have known you on these forums for some time, and I have never thought of you as anything other than a kind, helpful poster. Quite obviously you are the exception and my comments are not aimed at you, or those like you

What do you think of this Mr Wang?
Booked a Package Holiday with Teletext Holidays as previous to them taking over the whole Company(They used to advertise on behalf of several Travel Agents) we have had value for money.
As my Partner is recovering from a recent operation, we were persuaded to pay £80 extra for a bigger more comfortable and conveniently placed room.
When we arrived we asked for a room with a bath as the one allocated had only a shower.
We were told all rooms were identical in every way and none had a bath.
We asked why we had paid £80 for a Bronze Room.
They said they had never heard of a Bronze Room and all rooms were also identically priced.
They advised us to complain to Teletext

CruisingSaver

Nick_C wrote: »

I took two cruises last year, one with Celebrity, the other with Azamara (both Royal Caribbean brands). Bolsover Cruise Club gave me a better price than I could get from Royal Caribbean.

I always buy an "open passage" on board. Twice last year, I had to phoned RCCL to get my booking transferred to my TA. Each time, they tried to get me to book direct, but they couldn't beat my TA on price.

Really? I've never used Bolsover but have booked cruises direct and via Cruisekings, Liverpool Cruise Club amongst others and whilst in the past we've got a better price through a TA, the last few years there haven't been any discounts on offer.


Great if you're getting a discount though!

zagfles

aqua111 wrote: »

What do you think of this Mr Wang?
Booked a Package Holiday with Teletext Holidays as previous to them taking over the whole Company(They used to advertise on behalf of several Travel Agents) we have had value for money.
As my Partner is recovering from a recent operation, we were persuaded to pay £80 extra for a bigger more comfortable and conveniently placed room.
When we arrived we asked for a room with a bath as the one allocated had only a shower.
We were told all rooms were identical in every way and none had a bath.
We asked why we had paid £80 for a Bronze Room.
They said they had never heard of a Bronze Room and all rooms were also identically priced.
They advised us to complain to Teletext

That's always the problem using a third party - they'll blame each other and you'll get into a p**sing contest. If you book direct with the hotel, you can take up any discrepancies direct with them and if your room isn't what you booked you sort it with them, locally, instead of trying to deal with a TA maybe several thousand miles away.

aqua111

The Hotel was excellent but I was shown the price list by the Manager and all rooms were the same price. (Also online)
The Managing Director of the Hotel chain told us that Teletext knew that all the rooms were of an excellent standard and all the same price.
He felt this lie reflected badly on them
Teletext did not blame anyone but sent several Emails saying they were investigating and would contact us shortly.
Five weeks later and no call.
Lesson learned and we will never use them again.

PompeyPete

zagfles wrote: »

That's always the problem using a third party - they'll blame each other and you'll get into a p**sing contest. If you book direct with the hotel, you can take up any discrepancies direct with them and if your room isn't what you booked you sort it with them, locally, instead of trying to deal with a TA maybe several thousand miles away.

There a forum on Trip Advisor dedicated to Travelling with Disabilities. It's got an excellent 'sticky' as the opening thread. The check-list is v.comprehensive, and well worth a few minutes to read through. Here it is...

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g1-i12336-k4150249-Accessibility_Checklist_for_Hotel_Accommodation-Traveling_With_Disabilities.html

travellite

Mr_Wang wrote: »

yet they get charged to sit together, get convinced they need more baggage, food on a 2hr flight etc etc. I know that it's all part of business and something similar happens when you buy a TV in Currys.

Last time I checked, these are charges set by the airline and not by the TA.

FBaby

And for cruise holidays, you will almost always get a better deal booking through a TA than going direct to the cruise line. TAs get lower prices by block booking, or will share their commission with the customer.

Certainly not my experience. I always book directly as my experience has also been that I do a much better job doing so myself than going through a TA. However, least year, I noticed that via my employer, I was entitled to a 5% discount going via a particular TA so decided to go through them. I should have known better though though...

The TA was all happy to let me know that she was getting me a very good deal...coming out more expensive than if I'd booked directly with the company online. When I told her so, she suddenly became much less friendly, but said that as a favour (!!!) she would match the price. When I asked if she would add the 5% discount to it, she said that she would but needed to see the evidence that her company offered that discount. I booked, paid the deposit, and then emailed her the link confirming the discount. She ignored my email twice and only responded after I politely requested she got back to me to finally do so in a very rude way stipulating that as she had already offered me a discount, I was greedy to expect another 5% off!

I booked another cruise this year, no need to say that I didn't go through them again!!

Nick_C

Just checked my last cruise booking. It was in April 13 for a holiday in December 13. The direct price with RCCL/Azamara would have been £2393 pp. Bolsover Cruise Club gave me a discount of £216.50 pp.

Things may have changed since then.

I prefer to make my own arrangements and book direct, but if I can get a better deal by going through an Agent then I will.

I've always found Bolsover to be very good. Once you have booked with them once, they store your details. They know who I am from my phone number when I call them, and the booking process is quick and easy. I've never found other TAs quoting at the same price, but never cheaper.

Haven't booked a holiday this year. We are moving house, so need to be careful with money till it all goes through.