bartl
07-18-2007, 07:20 PM
There is an advantage with working with travel agents: you have somebody to go after if things get screwed up. And, at least the travel agents I've worked with, have some muscle with the clients. Of course, securing with Amex helps, as well.
My wife and I had to travel to Chicago in the late 1990's. My wife, being a New Yorker, had no driver's license. We decided to go along with my ID and our marriage certificate. Our travel agent promised to intercede for us if we had trouble getting on the plane.
I typically use a computer service to get the price, then a travel agent to book the tickets.
Also, while traveling, note that except in cases where the city is packed, hotels are often very willing to bargain on price. My wife and I typically make reservations, arrive early, visit a few hotels, and haggle. We've gotten major upgrades for the same price, or discounts ranging from 10% to 50% that way. Worst case? We get the room we reserved.
My wife and I had to travel to Chicago in the late 1990's. My wife, being a New Yorker, had no driver's license. We decided to go along with my ID and our marriage certificate. Our travel agent promised to intercede for us if we had trouble getting on the plane.
I typically use a computer service to get the price, then a travel agent to book the tickets.
Also, while traveling, note that except in cases where the city is packed, hotels are often very willing to bargain on price. My wife and I typically make reservations, arrive early, visit a few hotels, and haggle. We've gotten major upgrades for the same price, or discounts ranging from 10% to 50% that way. Worst case? We get the room we reserved.