Does anyone work in a Travel Agent's?

[chelsea girl]

I have recently taken voluntary redundancy from a bank and now have the chance to work part time as a Foreign Exchange Cashier in a large Travel Agent's. The big drawback however is that it will involve some weekends and I will have to give up my beloved football.

Before I decide if I should put in the application does anyone know what sort of staff discount scheme they would offer on holidays, as this joy may soften the blow.

Many thanks

Debbie

 

[BONZO]

I'm sure that we did have although I can't remember the name of the person.

Off for a think.....

 

[UKDEB]

Kazzie works (worked?) in the Foreign Exchange department of Thomas Cook. I think she's still there.

 

[Loftus]

As its only Chelsea I'd take the job

Now if it were a proper team......

 

[kazzie]

Hi Deb and fellow Chelsea fan!

Well remembered Deb I'm still working in the foreign exchange at Thomas Cook (but am handing in my notice in two weeks!) I work part time and it works really well as unlike travel you get to walk out on tme when you've worked your hours.

I can tell you the discount for Thomas Cook although I'm sure the 'perks' vary with the different travel agents.With some of the companies they own eg Style and Neilsons,I'd get 20%.With JMC the main summer sun holidays it was 20% but is now only 14% if you book early (as I like to/have to do) or 20% if you book much closer to the departure date.For other operators eg Virgin and Thomsons it will vary between 8 or 10%.You will get your foreign currency at better rates than the public.But because in my branch our rates aren't very competitive although I get a better rate it is not as great as it could be! I think you'll agree the 'discounts' are no great shakes as a perk.

Because the people on travel are always busy/short staffed ironically even though I work in a TA you can't get much help if you want to enquire about or book something.That might be more to do with some envy in my branch though?

If you leave you have the staff discount from any holidays not taken,taken from you which I think is disgusting.This will happen to me when I hand my notice in

If thers anything else in particular you'd like to know,just post or PM me

Good Luck

 

[chelsea girl]

Thanks for you help guy's.

Kazzie your information is much appreciated as you say no great shakes - the company is Holiday Hypermarket who I believe is owned by First Choice so I guess the discounts would be with them. As the pay was also pretty low I think I will stick with the football. A proper Premier League team Loftus!!

Thanks again for your assistance.

Debbie

 

[kazzie]

Debbie,

Because I am leaving and so have had enough of where I work I hope I didn't come across as all negative and put you off working in a travel agents/foreign exchange? I was quite OK there for 18 months and only recently have things got me down.

Perhaps the discounts/perks are better at Holiday Hypermarket?

Good Luck with whatever you do