3 Reasons to Not Work with a Travel Agent

A common question on the topic of travel agency is something along the lines, “Oh, is that still a thing?” I get it. With the world of Google and online bookings, it can be easy to go the route of solo travel booking. I recently decided to blaze the travel trail without a travel agent. The experience taught me three reasons why someone should not work with a travel agent.

1. IF YOU ENJOY BEING ON HOLD FOREVER. I had a number of issues surface during the vacation planning phase. The process required I get on the phone to sort things out. I was bounced between different departments and different companies, each one trying to deflect responsibility. If you enjoy the hold music and repeating the same conversation for days in a row without having a go to point person on your side, travel without an agent is right for you.

2. THOSE OF US WHO ENJOY WASTING MONEY. Online searching presents us with an endless and overwhelming level of travel options. Each one promising the “best deal”, “last minute special” and “the price that can’t be beat!”. I quickly learned that the industry is not actually out there to save me money. Surprisingly, they want to take my money. The process included spending money on unexpected costs and small print fees. All of which would have been caught and addressed by a travel agent. 

3. THE ADRENALINE RUSH OF FEELING STRANDED. If you love the rush that comes over you when travel details don’t go as planned, travel without an agent is the route for you. After working out the issues on the front end and spending unnecessary money, I assumed we were in the clear. I did not expect to show up to our hotel and be given the wrong room without the promised amenities. Without someone to call on the homefront, I was left to unsuccessfully work out the details in the hotel lobby after a red-eye flight. If the adrenaline rush of travel upsets is up your alley, travel without an agent is right for you.

The greatest gift Time to Travel Tours provides clients is the role of travel advocate. You have an expert in the field, willing to go to bat on your behalf. We value a long-term relationship with you over a one time sale. And, we can be the one and only phone call you have to make in the travel planning process.

Premium Economy vs. Economy Plus

Booking an airline ticket used be pretty simple. Today you have likely noticed the many options to choose from. Different prices, different colored seats, some cost $50 to upgrade, others cost $150. It can be confusing and overwhelming. We’ve referenced the blog from Stefanie Waldek, “What’s the Difference Between Premium Economy and Economy Plus” as a helpful resource for your next flight. And as always, Time to Travel Tours is here and ready to help in the travel planning.

Economy Plus

Also known as: United’s Economy Plus, Delta’s Comfort +, American’s Main Cabin Extra, and JetBlue’s Even More Space. Whatever it’s called, the economy plus seat is actually part of the economy cabin. But what sets these seats apart from the rest is a few extra inches of legroom, priority boarding, a better location at the front of the cabin, free alcoholic beverages, and free meal service, depending on your specific airline.

WHEN IT’S WORTH IT. If you have status with an airline, you might be eligible for a complimentary space-available upgrade from regular economy to economy plus. If the upgrade is free—and you don’t get a middle seat—it’s almost always worth it. If you do travel with frequent flyer status, consider the exit row seat over economy plus - it still tends to have more leg room.

If you travel without status, it will cost you. For taller travelers, you will likely really appreciate the extra legroom. However, if you don’t feel too cramped in regular economy, it might not be worth the price tag for flights under four hours. For long-haul flights, however, the upgrade is likely worth it if you have the means—the extra legroom goes a long way when you’re sitting for six hours or more, and it’s not that much more money in the grand scheme of airfare.

Premium Economy

My husband and I recently flew premium economy on Air New Zealand. It set a new travel bar for the long-haul flights. We were really impressed by the seat size, seat recline and menu options (different from economy) Premium economy is actually a standalone cabin that sits right between business and economy, both physically and in terms of amenities and services. Here are some other names for premium economy:

• Aeroflot: Comfort

• Alitalia: Classica Plus

• British Airways: World Traveller Plus

• Delta: Premium Select

• JAL: Sky Premium

• United: Premium Plus

• Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Australia: Premium

Some of the top-rated premium economy options can be found on Singapore, Delta, Air New Zealand, Virgin Atlantic, Qantas, and Cathay Pacific.

A potential downside to premium economy is the cost—fares are oftentimes double that of economy. (Though, keep in mind that business can be six to ten times more expensive than economy, and sometimes even more.) Depending on the time of year and ticket demand, premium economy tickets can be surprisingly inexpensive. Check in with Time to Travel Tours before booking your next ticket!

The Bottom Line

Economy plus and premium economy are entirely different classes with vastly different price points and significantly different amenities. Economy plus is a slightly upgraded economy experience, while premium economy is its own cabin with elevated service on international flights. As airlines love to throw different names on their seats, be sure to check which class you’re actually getting before booking.

Credit Card Protection vs. Travel Protection

“Does my credit card protection provide enough travel-related protection?” You are not alone in asking this question. It can be a tough question to answer. Time to Travel Tours is quick to recommend all travelers take time to research how credit card protection compares to the offered travel protection.

Here are some questions to guide your research:

• Do I have trip cancellation insurance with my credit card? If I need to cancel or interrupt my trip, what covered reasons are eligible?

• Do I have enough coverage for my trip?

• Can I cancel if my traveling companion or family member gets sick?

• Is emergency medical/dental and evacuation included as primary coverage with no deductibles?

• Are pre-existing medical conditions covered?

• If my luggage is lost, stolen or damaged, can I be reimbursed?

• Can I be reimbursed for essential personal items that I must purchase if my luggage arrives late at my destination?

• If my flight is delayed overnight, can additional expenses like hotel stays, meals and taxi fares be reimbursed?
  

Time to Travel Tours is here and ready to answer any travel protection questions!