Can a travel agent get me a better deal on a cruise?

Travel agents can get access to lower cruise prices

It is not unusual for travel agents to discover special group rates that have lower pricing, lower pricing based on residency or occupation, or even special rates offered to a consortia of travel agencies .

Is it better to use a travel agent or book yourself?

Travel Agents Can Save You Time

A travel agent will take much less time to help you find what you’re looking for, Harris said. … Letting someone else book your trip for you frees you up to focus on packing and imagining the great time you’ll have.

Is it better to plan a trip with a travel agent?

At the end of the day this is the bottom line, the big win you get with a good travel advisor. They know more than you do, they are better connected, they have access to benefits you can’t get yourself, and they can match and often beat any prices you find. They plan a better trip and then provide a safety net.

How much does a travel agent get for booking a cruise?

Cruise lines pay a minimum of 10% and above on all cruises to travel agents. Based on reaching certain productivity levels, overrides up to an additional 5% to 8% are generally available from the cruise lines.

What are the disadvantages of using a travel agent?

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  • You’re Not The One Planning Your Travel. While not planning your travel is a pro to some, for other travelers, it’s a major con. …
  • You Add Another Person To The Equation. …
  • You Actually Have To Find The Agent. …
  • They’re Not Great For Spur-Of-The-Moment Changes.

Are travel agencies dying?

And lastly, travel agents are not a dying breed.

‘ The answer: Yes, and we still account for one-third of all travel booked in the United States,” insists O’Shaughnessy. It’s still a profitable industry in the United States and there’s no reason to believe the industry is dying off.

Is it cheaper to book a cruise through AAA?

An AAA membership can save you money on a wide variety of travel purchases, including hotels, rental cars, travel insurance, entertainment tickets, and cruises.

Why do most consumers buy cruises through travel agents agencies?

Travel agents are knowledgeable experts.

This consultative experience with travel agents is incredibly valuable to consumers because it allows them to combine their own research with the expertise of their trusted travel agent and ultimately feel very confident in their final decision.

What are the advantages of using a travel agent?

The Pros of Using a Travel Agent
  • They can find crazy deals. This is literally their job. …
  • They will be your advocate. …
  • They’ll take care of the little things. …
  • They’re true experts. …
  • They don’t usually cost extra. …
  • They’re not going to help with cheaper airfare. …
  • They’re not you.

How much does it cost to use a AAA travel agent?

Rating: 8.00 out of 10 (1 Rating)
Transaction Type Member Service Fees Non-Member Service Fees
Airline ticket (Domestic and International) $35 $50
Air associated with Cruise/Tour booking $35 $50
Air associated with domestic or international Group departure $35 $50
Air Refunds, Reissues & Exchange $35 $50
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Mar 21, 2016

What are the benefits of booking a cruise through AAA?

AAA Exclusive Member Cruise Benefits:

Savings on cruise bookings. Welcome amenities. Free onboard spending credit that can be used on gratuities, spa services, beverages and more!

How do I cancel my flight with AAA?

If you are unable to view, modify, or cancel your reservation online, please contact the AAA Travel at 1-888-AAA-TRIP.

Do you tip your AAA travel agent?

That being said, if you really feel your TA went above and beyond for you, by all means give a tip. Everyone likes to be appreciated for what they do.

Can AAA help with international travel?

International travel should be a dream, not a nightmare. AAA can help you travel with confidence. Visit AAA.com or work with your AAA travel agent for access to: AAA maps, Travel guides, TripTik® routings and TourBooks.

How do I plan a trip with AAA?

Visit a AAA branch to work with a specialist to plan your route and receive your personalized, printed, and bound TripTik. TripTik is available on the Auto Club App. Use the app to keep your planned trip at your fingertips along the way.

How do travel agents get paid?

A travel agent makes money by charging fees for separate elements of travel. For example, instead of charging a commission for booking tickets with airlines or hotel rooms, travel agents earn money by charging a service fee for each booked part.

Do you tip a Disney travel agent?

Is there anyone I need to tip when I’m leaving Walt Disney World? If you use the Resort Airline Check-In service at your Disney resort, you should tip the agent who tags your bags. These folks are not Disney employees. Consider them in the same way you would porters at the airport and give them a few dollars per bag.

How much do you tip tour operators?

The average tip amount for an outdoor or backcountry guide is between 10% and 20% of the tour cost per person. For example, if the tour price was $1,000 per person, then the acceptable tip should be between $100 and $200 per person depending on the level of service provided by the guide.

Is it cheaper to book with a travel agent?

Seaton says booking through a travel agent typically won’t cost you more. She says while some agents will charge you a nominal planning fee, many agencies like hers do not charge anything extra for their services. … She did say they sometimes charge a fee if it’s for a major complex trip with extensive planning.

Do travel agents get free trips?

In truth, most of the time, travel agents don’t get free travel although they sometimes get discounts or a chance to keep the commission they would get on their own travel plans. Convention properties give them a cheaper trip to let them learn about their property on a working vacation. …

Does it cost more to use a travel agent?

Not at all! The cost of using a travel agent is generally marginal, and oftentimes they won’t charge you at all. Much of their money comes from the hotels and wholesalers they do business with. Before you consult an agent, be sure you first inquire about fees.

What kind of discounts do travel agents get?

As a travel agent, you can save up to 75% on travel including hotels, resorts, car rentals, cruises, theme parks, and vacation packages … earn rebates on airline tickets … and get free upgrades to first class when you fly.

Do you have to pay travel agents upfront?

Many agents also charge clients a fee that’s separate from trip expenses, and that may range from $100 to $500 and up. That fee can be charged up front as a security deposit and can either be returned to you at the end of the planning process or, more commonly, applied to the cost of the trip itself.