Problem with Travel Agent 5 days before trip!!!!

[mistydoodles]

So we are 5 days before our trip and I have a problem with the travel agent.

I sent her an e-mail in regards to not receiving our Disney Magical Express tags yet. ( I have been after these for over 2 weeks now and she keeps saying they are coming.)

Anyway, shortly after sending this e-mail to her I get a call at work. It is the travel agent. She talks to me about the DME tags then proceeds to tell me that our party of 9 still owe her $1300.+ .

I asked her how can that be. She said when we were in to make our final payment they miss calculated something and undercharged us. She said that with all the changes I made, (I only asked for one change and that was to change my package to the discounted one that came out in October from Disney World), there was some confusion and they deducted our paid airline twice from the total package.

She then proceeds to tell me that the much lower price should have been a red flag to me that this total she was giving me was incorrect and therefore I am responsible for this mistake.

I was just outraged.

I told her that I don't know what we were going to do but I highly doubt that anyone would be able to come up with this money especially since we are just 5 days away from the trip.

She told me to talk to everyone and call her back. I spoke to my husband and my mother (I don't dare tell my sister about this right now) and they both agree that this isn't our fault. We have receipts stating we are paid in full and now it is up to her.

So I sent her an e-mail saying that I didn't know how we could take care of this and I really don't understand how this happened. I told her it was highly unlikely that we would have that kind of money by the end of the week. I also asked her why it took her 50 days to realize this error.

She said that we could come in and sign something stating we would pay her when we returned or she could cancel our dining package.

Well that just set me on fire!!!!!!. I asked why she would think we would want to cancel our dining package? If we didn't have the money to pay her how did she think we would then be able to pay for our meals??? I told her that they need to take the blame on this and rectify it. Not us.

My question to everyone is, We will be okay at Disney? My husband called and confirmed with the airline that our airfare has been paid for but he is unable to confirm anything with Disney. They are saying that this info has to come from the travel agent.

Are we going to get there and have our reservations be no good? and do you think we should be held responsible?

 

[WebmasterAlex]

I would speak to the owner or manager of the travel agency. Most likely that agent knows they will be in trouble if their boss finds out. If a reputable agency makes a mistake like that they will eat it or at least comprimise. I am assuming you have paperwork to document all of this.

 

[robinb]

Misty:

I am very sorry that you're going through this 5 days before you're to leave . Hiring a travel agent is supposed to save you from this kind of stress!

Honestly ... I think you are screwed. Sorry to be so blunt. Your TA holds all the cards to your reservation and she can, and will, cancel your dining so she will not take a loss. Yes, she made a mistake. Yes, she should have caught it ealier. Yes, you have a piece of paper that says you are paid in full. I don't think that means a darn thing. Have her send you an itemized accounting and double-check it with Disney. My guess is that the new accounting is correct and you do indeed owe the remaining amount. If you want your vacation to go forward, you'll have to sign the promisory letter that says you will pay her when you get back. Sorry . At least it's less than $100 per person.

ETA: Do what Alex says first. He is closer to TAs than I am. I never use 'em if I can help it. I like to be in control of my own destiny .

 

[mistydoodles]

I would speak to the owner or manager of the travel agency. Most likely that agent knows they will be in trouble if their boss finds out. If a reputable agency makes a mistake like that they will eat it or at least comprimise. I am assuming you have paperwork to document all of this.

I would be willing to comprise. She just seemed so quick to blame me that I hit the roof. I would be more than happy to split the mistake and then make payments when we return.

I better call the District Manager and see what we can do.

Thank you for your input.

 

[minnie56]

Let me tell you...
This happened to me in August and I am a TA!

I paid in full for my Disney package with the Consolidator...for myself, DH, DD and another couple.

Bought Hotel, Air, Magical Express, Tickets and the Dining Plan.

One week prior...I get a call from the Supplier telling me I was quoted incorrectly and owe $1,000! Not happy....I ask my options?? I am told I may cancel...or pay up. So...not wanting to re-arrange it all....I paid the shortage.

Your TA will not be short the money. They will cancel what they consider not to be paid in full for. Trust me...there is very little commissions these days and most agencies will accept the loss of repeat business rather than make up the shortfall.

Good Luck..I know first hand it's a major inconvenience.

 

[mistydoodles]

Misty:

I am very sorry that you're going through this 5 days before you're to leave . Hiring a travel agent is supposed to save you from this kind of stress!

Honestly ... I think you are screwed. Sorry to be so blunt. Your TA holds all the cards to your reservation and she can, and will, cancel your dining so she will not take a loss. Yes, she made a mistake. Yes, she should have caught it ealier. Yes, you have a piece of paper that says you are paid in full. I don't think that means a darn thing. Have her send you an itemized accounting and double-check it with Disney. My guess is that the new accounting is correct and you do indeed owe the remaining amount. If you want your vacation to go forward, you'll have to sign the promisory letter that says you will pay her when you get back. Sorry . At least it's less than $100 per person.

ETA: Do what Alex says first. He is closer to TAs than I am. I never use 'em if I can help it. I like to be in control of my own destiny .

This is what I was so afraid of. We better try to get this resolved before we leave. I don't want any problems when we get there.

Next time I am booking this trip on my own. I am with you on controlling your own destiny.

 

[mistydoodles]

Let me tell you...
This happened to me in August and I am a TA!

I paid in full for my Disney package with the Consolidator...for myself, DH, DD and another couple.

Bought Hotel, Air, Magical Express, Tickets and the Dining Plan.

One week prior...I get a call from the Supplier telling me I was quoted incorrectly and owe $1,000! Not happy....I ask my options?? I am told I may cancel...or pay up. So...not wanting to re-arrange it all....I paid the shortage.

Your TA will not be short the money. They will cancel what they consider not to be paid in full for. Trust me...there is very little commissions these days and most agencies will accept the loss of repeat business rather than make up the shortfall.

Good Luck..I know first hand it's a major inconvenience.

Oh boy. I guess I will check my e-mail at work tomorrow and see what she has to say. If nothing good maybe I can talk to a manager and see if we can meet some kind of comprise.

Everyone is so looking forward to this trip. I don't want to have to cancel it.