Issue with Delta Airlines!!!!

[CarolA]

Just another thought.

A good TA will have an after hours number. You should have it on your documents in case of a crisis. (Now, considering what I have read on the DIS about AAA I am not going to gurantee they fall under the category of "good" I don't ever intend to use them based on the horror stories I have read. If I have to do all the work, then why bother with a TA?)

 

[bicker]

If only AAA can touch the reservation, then they should have assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Only the travel agent can/should touch the reservation prior to check-in for the first flight in the itinerary. Some travel agents offer 24/7 service; some don't. Whether they do or not sometimes affects how much extra you pay them extra for their services. It isn't an automatic requirement for travel agents to provide that.

 

[bicker]

Yes, customers should count on businesses to do the right thing.

The "right thing" is providing the customer precisely what the customer purchased. In this case, passage from city to city on a specific day. Nothing more, nothing less.

 

[CarolA]

Only the travel agent can/should touch the reservation prior to check-in for the first flight in the itinerary. Some travel agents offer 24/7 service; some don't. Whether they do or not sometimes affects how much extra you pay them extra for their services. It isn't an automatic requirement for travel agents to provide that.

However, I am not going to use one that doesn't provide this service. Issues that need TA assistance often arise AFTER five or on WEEKENDS....

(If your TA is not providing service, why are you using them?)

 

[bicker]

Different TAs offer different levels of service (and different prices). Not all of them find offering 24/7 service to be a benefit to them.

I don't see much value in using a TA for a WDW trip regardless.

 

[NancyIL]

They can change it from a non-stop to a flight with 2 stops if they choose and you have no recourse.

If the airline makes major changes to your flights, you can call and ask them to put you on flights that work better. If they won't do that, you can ask for a refund.

 

[bicker]

As long as the changes are "significant" (which varies by airline -- for some, it requires a two hour difference, for others, four hours)

 

[justplaingoofy]

Different TAs offer different levels of service (and different prices). Not all of them find offering 24/7 service to be a benefit to them.

I don't see much value in using a TA for a WDW trip regardless.

I am a home based travel agent and have been able to save clients alot of money in addition to being available until 8pm and on weekends. Not all clients know about different discount codes, and keep up to date on their flights. I usually offer a client if they do want to book their own airfare I will keep an eye on it for schedule changes and pricing. I notify them if there is a reduction in fare for them to receive a credit or, change in schedule.

I also ask clients what type of other memberships they have incase I find other discount codes whether it be for lodging, cars, etc...AAA, bj's, sams, costco... and again, check pricing for them constantly. If the price goes down I book it, and cancel their old reservation.

I work really hard for my clients and to make a living. So I think if you can find a travel agent that will be available for you, and you establish a great relationship together why would you not use a travel agent?

 

[justplaingoofy]

oops...forgot to mention....

If you are flying out of Bradley in CT I believe the only non stops are Delta and SouthWest.

 

[disneyldwjr]

I am a home based travel agent and have been able to save clients alot of money in addition to being available until 8pm and on weekends. Not all clients know about different discount codes, and keep up to date on their flights. I usually offer a client if they do want to book their own airfare I will keep an eye on it for schedule changes and pricing. I notify them if there is a reduction in fare for them to receive a credit or, change in schedule.

I also ask clients what type of other memberships they have incase I find other discount codes whether it be for lodging, cars, etc...AAA, bj's, sams, costco... and again, check pricing for them constantly. If the price goes down I book it, and cancel their old reservation.

I work really hard for my clients and to make a living. So I think if you can find a travel agent that will be available for you, and you establish a great relationship together why would you not use a travel agent?

Good question. And for me, the answer is, because I can do everything you do and it is fun to do it myself.
Not trying to drum you out of your lively hood, honest. Most TAs are NOT like you, they work their scheduled hours and that is it.
Kudos to you for caring.

 

[VAgal76]

I think if you are a first timer to Disney it could prove to be beneficial to get an Authorized Disney TA to help book your travel. If you book a package, some Disney TA's offer promotional disney dollars just for booking with them. You can't get that direct with CRO. The downside is if you are a control freak it's going to be hard to hand over the reigns. It's hard not to be able to pick up the phone with CRO to ask about different resort options, tweeking this and that. I use a TA that I have a relationship with. She knows I'm a control freak and deals with me. Sometimes I poke around and ask CRO questions instead of calling the TA. If it makes sense I shoot her an e-mail and ask her to make the changes. That cuts down on the running the TA ragged thing. I don't know about using AAA. I believe you can get the discount without booking through them. I agree - I like someone that is more accessible. I typically book my room only reservations myself which is more so now that I'm an AP holder. CRO isn't open 24 hours/7 days a week either. People here probably know more about Disney than AAA also. JMO - it's good to get someone that knows something about Disney. Of course, you have over 100,000 experts, um, I mean people here that are always willing to lend a helping hand.