6 Reasons your travel agent Drinks.

 

The 6 Reasons your travel agent Drinks. Many times we as travellers book our flights / tours and believe we are on our ways.  However after we have purchased our passage and perhaps even issuance there may be some lingering concerns. Here are six requests that travel agents get most often. Even though the traveller should have been informed. These are the 6 reasons your agent drinks. With a couple of additions.

The flight status link

The flight status notification link that is a great tool. As soon as you have your tickets go to the airlines website, find the flight status notification link and sign up. It will alert you immediately of any schedule changes. It is available for every airline and for all travelers to verify their flight status. A good practice is to check it 3 days prior to your departure date. Also, It is advisable to check the status of your flight 24 hours prior to departure to ensure that the scheduled flight is on time. At this time you can also check in online and print your boarding pass.

 

There is an “APP” for That.

The flight status link can be used through an “App” on your smartphone. In most cases the traveller will use the “App” from the carrier on which they are flying.
Every travel agent advises at time of booking the flight status, length of flight, baggage and any other pertinent information. It is up to the travelers to listen to it. This information is also available if you are using an agent or booking online. When booking online be certain to read all of the information included with your tour package.
Each airline, internationally will have this information available to the traveller. Very often what happens is traveler hangs up before they hear the information or feel they understand it.
Ultimately the traveller will call the agent and insist this information was not conveyed at the time of booking.

The First Gin and Tonic!

Ensure you know which carrier you are Flying.

The traveller calls, they are booked on Air Canada, and can not check in. The actual carrier is operated by United. You must check in with the operating flight. In this case it is United . Check your ticket and use all the tools available. See above.
Second Gin and Tonic!

Checking in Prior to 24 hours.

Passengers checking in prior to the 24 hour check in window for their flight. You can only check in or print a boarding pass 24 hours prior to your departure time.
Agents constantly have to remind the traveller of this. This information is available on the flight status link. Travellers are not utilizing the tools at hand or they do not understand that they have these tools. Another of the 6 reasons your agent drinks.

Tequila Time!

Changing their flight after they have already booked in.

In this case it is advisable for the traveller to proceed to the airport, and pay a flat fee for the new flight.
In many instances the request is to have the travel agent make this change for them. Because they have already checked in, this process is very lengthy. The previous ticket must be cancelled, a new ticket and boarding pass must be issued and the traveller will need to go through the check in procedure one more time. In most cases the time necessary to complete this task can be lengthy. The best procedure is to change your ticket at the airport in person and pay the flat airline change fee. The agent will also charge this fee, as it is the airport that is collecting it. Add this to the list of 6 reasons your agent drinks.

Double Tequila, no lime!

 

Airline(er) restrictions

Children, babies, and small infants under 2 years of age are free as long as they sit on the parent’s lap. Once they occupy a physical seat they must pay up to 10% of the flight. Children between the ages of 2 and 12 must occupy a seat and they pay 10% of the adult fare ( at the time of writing). Adults are considered from ages, 15 or 16. Each carrier has different stipulations so it is best to check with them.
Unaccompanied minors, is 12 years old but you again you have to check with each individual airline as it varies.

Pets

Not all airlines allow pets in the cabin. You must contact your travel agent or airline before you book your flight to ensure your pet is permitted in the cabin. Certain airlines only allow 1 or 2 in the cabin. You must be you must adhere to the carriers regulations otherwise they will need to check in as cargo.

Everything Else

Larger cargo such as bicycles you have to check what the airline as requirements may vary from carrier to carrier. In some cases additional fees may apply. Ensure that you arrive at the airport earlier than usual as you will need to check you bags and then check in with the cargo department. If there is any doubt ask the representative at check in. In large international airports the cargo gate can be quite a distance from your gate, so give yourself ample time.

Is the worm still in the bottle of Mezcal?!

 

Doing a basic environmental check

We have the tools to help ensure that the travellers arrive at the airport. Check in times are to be adhered to 60 minutes for domestic, 90 minutes for transporter and 2 to 3 hours for internationals due to security reasons. Airlines cans deny boarding 45 minutes to 60 minutes sometimes even 90 minutes prior to check in. Show up late and you could be SOL.

 

Secrets to arrive on time

Are there any other ways that can help them get to the airport on time? Yes, simply look out your window or check local weather reports. If there is a torrent storm and your flight is still on time give yourself extra time to get to the airport. Unfortunately, if you call your agent after you have missed your flight there is absolutely nothing that person can do for you. You will have to buy another ticket or if you are lucky pay the airline fee for the next available flight if there is one. Avoid this cost and frustration at all times. This policy may vary between carriers.

Just leave the bottle! 6 reasons your agent drinks.

There is no ideal solution and the agents try there best to keep the traveller informed. However the traveler too has some responsibility. If you are unclear about anything ask your Agent, they are there to help make your Escape the best it can be.

 

If you have any comments, concerns, question please let us know in the comments section below.

As always thanks

Your Vacation, Your Escape.

VTE