Travel Agent OBC Question

[Rambler5678]

I booked a place holder reservation before the new policy took affect. My agent says I am grandfathered in but she reduced OBC by $150. Other agencies would pay the higher OBC but they said if I transfer to another agent DCL reduces the commission thus reducing OBC the could offer? I hate to loss the $150.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I booked a place holder reservation before the new policy took affect. My agent says I am grandfathered in but she reduced OBC by $150. Other agencies would pay the higher OBC but they said if I transfer to another agent DCL reduces the commission thus reducing OBC the could offer? I hate to loss the $150.

Since you are moving your reservation from one TA to a different one that constitutes a cancel and rebooking. The new booking is subject to the new policy (since it's past 10/22/15).

Sounds like your current TA is taking advantage of the new policy by saying that you're grandfathered, but they won't honor the grandfathering.

 

[Rambler5678]

What would happen if I asked her to release the reservation? Would I also loss the $200 that DCL is offering for the 7 night cruise?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

What would happen if I asked her to release the reservation? Would I also loss the $200 that DCL is offering for the 7 night cruise?

Just a guess, but I would think not. That OBC is tied to the onboard booking, the reservation still stands, but not with the original TA, if you ask them to release it. One note, some TAs charge a cancellation fee if you take the reservation from them. Ask whether yours does before leaving.

 

[lanejudy]

My agent says I am grandfathered in but she reduced OBC by $150.

I'm not sure what you mean by the above. DCL changed their commissions paid to TAs. The TAs determine if and how much OBC to offer. So if your TA's agency has decided to "grandfather" earlier reservations but your agent is refusing to, that's something to take up with the manager or owner of the agency. If your TA's agency is not able to offer the full OBC due to reduced commission coming from DCL, I agree it's disappointing but there's no grandfathering to occur.

Yes, you can ask your current TA to release the reservation back to you. You will only be able to then transfer it to another TA if you made the OBB within the past 30 days. Another TA may or may not offer more OBC, many TA's offer lower OBC for transferred reservations. And as mentioned by PP, there could be a cancellation fee from your TA. It sounds like you are currently getting $200 for the OBB plus some amount from your TA. If you drop the TA, you'll only get $200 from the OBB. I'd stick it out.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[Rambler5678]

You are correct other agencies offer half of there direct booking OBC for transfers. With that in mind its better to stick with the original agent. I am still within 30 days of when I booked the onboard reservation. I just hate being put over a barrel.