Need TA recommendation for flights out of Toronto

[Disney Addicted]

We are going on a cruise in April with friends. This was booked almost 2 years ago. For many reasons, not of my choice, flights were not purchased when they were cheaper...

Now he wants us to book flights through a TA.

This afternoon I tried phoning Flight Centre in my town (who is open) but was forced to leave a voice message.

I then phoned Marlin Travel (again, here in town) but the lady I spoke with kept insisting the Air Canada prices her system was showing were correct. After 20 minutes she found the 15% off sale and cheaper prices. This did not make me confident to book flights with her.

I tried phoning CAA in Oshawa and was also forced to leave a voice message.

WHAT are the benefits of booking through a TA anyways? I have only ever booked one flight and did it direct with JetBlue. The only reason I can think of is if something happens at the airport, hopefully I can reach the TA and they can fix the flight. My friend thinks the TA can come up with cheaper flights then we can direct through the airlines.

Can anyone recommend a TA in Clarington/Oshawa area you deal with regularly who is honest?

 

[Cinderelly911]

We are in Whitby. We always book direct through airlines. TA's have more experience searching all the options through website but don't have access to better deals to offer you. As long as you are comfortable on the internet searching you can book yourself - call the airline direct if you are more comfortable speaking to a human. Don't forget extra costs like baggage/picking a seat/refundable (as opposed to the cheaper non-refundable seats).

 

[mjhtvchick]

Really the only benefit that I can see with a travel agent is that you have someone to call to do the work for you if something goes wrong. Personally, I have yet to find it to be a worthwhile experience. I have tried a few times over the past few years and have gone back to just booking them online myself...very straightforward if you are even slightly internet-savvy.

 

[KCMA]

Interesting both of you are so close to me.. I am in Bowmanville... I have used Flight Centre in Oshawa and Break-away travel in Oshawa (on Taunton Rd)... but both of those were over 5 years ago.. I personally just use the airline site.. the last few times I have flown down it has been WestJet.. best price and no connections

 

[isabellea]

My TA once told me that it was actually more expensive to book flights only with her because she needs to charge an additional fee. I always buy our flights on the airline website when not using airmiles.

 

[starvenger]

Like others I prefer to book via the airline website or my travel points website which has the same rates.

I will say that a good travel agent can be an advantage if you must (emphasis on must) make a multi-leg journey as they can probably find the best travel routes for you, but this is not something you couldn't do yourself with a little patience. But at this point in time and for a cruise (which I'm assuming you can get a direct flight) you're probably better off booking on your own. If your friend is insistent on getting the same flights, coordinate which flights you want ahead of time and you can book separately.

And since it is a cruise, make sure you get there at least a day in advance. After all, you don't want to miss the boat.

 

[drag n' fly]

Try Google flights to see when the cheapest time to fly is. You can also go the Priceline route which is what I did. Download the Hopper app to track flight prices. It notifies you the best time to buy.

 

[Ahmne]

It's usually cheaper to book the flights yourself. TA's done have cheaper prices and they do often charge an additional fee (usually 20-50/ticket).

You still have time before April for a sale. Ive seen good discounts for now until March. We have sometimes found it work it to fly in/out a day or two earlier and get a hotel to save on airfare.

Google flights and trip Central have good flexible date calendars for checking prices

 

[Lesverts]

My process when booking flights.

Step One: Use Expedia to search for the options available and compare between flying out of Buffalo or Toronto
Step Two: Check SouthWest prices
Step Three: Pick the option that suits me best. Sometimes it is Buffalo, sometimes it is Toronto, sometimes it is Southwest.
Step Four: Book the flight if I am comfortable with the price, or watch the flight if I am not.

I've had bad experiences using Expedia and FlightCentre in the past and refused to book with either of them anymore. I will use them to shop prices, but I generally will always book myself directly with the company I choice to travel with. The middle-man issue has caused a lot of problems. Plus I like control. I do not like having to rely on someone else to represent me.

Expedia: airlines generally have a policy that cancellation fees are taken out of the value of the ticket and the remainder is a credit with a one year expiry. Expedia charges you the cancellation fee directly.
FlightCentre: booked flights to Miami. In the time from me booking the flights to them getting the confirmation from Air Canada, the price of the flight had jumped up over 300 dollars. So I have the first confirmation with the flights I picked at the price I paid, and they send me e-tickets for a completely different flight. It took over 2 weeks and me putting a complaint in with TICO for Flightcentre to issue me with the e-tickets that match the original confirmation e-mail I received.