Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Entertainment | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

Choosing a travel agent

Travel agents today have definitely made holidays more fun. Here are some tips to keep in mind while choosing your agency:

* Ensure the agent has a licence. That will make it easier to deal with him in case something goes wrong. Some of the larger agencies offer to refund your ticket in case the plans don't work out, so check out the possibility.

* An airline will not volunteer all the cheaper options, and most definitely not their competitors' rates. Travel agents get heavily discounted tickets from airlines, and some even have promotional or complimentary tickets.

* While using your credit card, make sure the price quoted is what you have been billed for. If the agent has messed it up, he'll fight hard before he owns up his mistake. In case of differences, you'll have to be able to furnish details like time of call, name of agent or receipt. And make sure you find out about it before you use the ticket. And lodge your complaint immediately.

* If your tickets are being mailed, make sure they reach you well in advance in case you have changes to make.

* Check to see if the tickets are refundable. Prices may go up, and you could also be charged for cancellation. Also check for travel insurance.

* Don't forget to mention your special requirements — vegetarian or non-veg meals, window or aisle seats, smoking or non-smoking, or to cash in on your frequent flyer numbers.

* Brochure pictures will always look prettier than reality. Don't let your agent sell you a dream that's bigger than reality.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail