Why Booking with an Online Travel Agency Beats Flight Search Engines

Which is better - To make a reservation with an online travel agency or do self-booking on flight aggregators? This is a crucial question to ask rather than using a flight search engine. How recently have you given a call to a travel agency? It may have been a long time, if at all. Everyone is so accustomed to clicking away and saving money with online flight aggregators, right?

However, did you realise that using travel agencies has become more common in recent years? Following COVID-19, many required assistance in navigating travel limitations. Travel agents were there to assist. When booking flight and hotel, travellers learned that using a travel agency could result in lower prices and offer ease.

It is quite handy to book group travel with an agency because they are well-versed in group travel and can provide helpful advice and savings. Travellers who are making their first trip particularly value our travel consultants' guidance because they are familiar with all the locations and routes.

Online Flight Booking

Yes, you may purchase airline tickets using sites like Skyscanner, Kayak, Kiwi, and others. Will you, however, really save money? Online travel aggregators no longer provide the best deals despite the fact that they used to be able to offer some amazing deals. That's why there are still travel agencies in existence!

Flights that are Private, Unlisted, or Unpublished Available with Travel Agency

Most people visit aggregators because they're looking for inexpensive tickets. You might be surprised to learn that travel agencies have exclusive access to unpublished airfares, sometimes referred to as private or unlisted pricing.

What are unpublished airfares specifically? Unpublished airfares are those that are not available for booking through the airline and are not published online. You must speak with a travel agency in order to purchase one of these fares. The airlines sell their wholesale fares to travel companies, often known as consolidators, who then resell them to you.

Expert Knowledge

Using an agent to handle your travels has the benefit of their extensive travel experience. They can help with vehicle rentals, airline reservations, and itinerary suggestions. Travel agents are knowledgeable about airport operations, airlines, and locations because it's their day job. You'll have access to the most recent information and won't need to spend hours browsing travel websites. Do you require a special dinner? They'll arrange for it. Do you want to be picked up at the airport? They will make the reservation. Are you in need of ideas for things to do when you get there? They will be aware!

Availability of "Secret" Search Engines

Global Distribution Systems (GDSs) are used by travel brokers to find flights. A GDS is a global reservation system (GDS) for travel, lodging, cruises, and other services. It helps our agents find airfare discounts and make the lowest reservations.

These systems make searching for tickets considerably more efficient—only one of the reasons why travel agents are more adept at it! As you are accustomed to, you will still receive your e-ticket via email and check-in online.

Even the Itinerary and E-ticket Are Still Available Online

You may notice a minor difference in the booking procedure from what you are used to, but don't worry; everything will still be accessible online. Your e-ticket will be sent to you, and you can check it out online.

Save Money and Time

According to ASTA research, customers who use travel agents save $452 on average for each trip (when looking at the whole cost of the trip). That's all the money you save off the price of the ticket. What about the time you've been looking for? You could be earning money or engaging in fascinating activities during the few hours you spend searching for the greatest offers.

Constant Assistance from a Genuine Person

Travel agencies provide round-the-clock phone help when making a reservation through an online travel agency as opposed to using a flight search. In other words, they provide assistance prior to, during, and following your journey. This is ideal for both solitary and group travellers, particularly for those taking their first international trip.

Customised Itinerary

Would you like to stop and spend the day in Amsterdam? Your travel agency can arrange that!

A travel agent can assist you in determining the best route and pricing if you wish to alter your plan. This comes in particularly handy when planning a complicated multi-city journey. Do you know what open-jaw flights are? Your travel agency can also arrange for this other kind of airfare. You could take a plane from New York City to Paris, for instance, and then go from Rome to Chicago! The agents are especially skilled at locating discounts for such multi-city journeys.

Additionally, the agents are able to plan your airport transfers, vehicle rentals, and hotel reservations. In actuality, booking through a travel agency gives you access to 24/7 free services. You can get phone support prior to, during, and following your journey.

Dependable and Confirmed

How can I tell if a travel company is trustworthy? The existence of sincere client evaluations is among the first indicators that a business is reliable. Check out the verified reviews that are a must-read—possessing an A+ rating and belonging to various travel associations, including ARC, IATAN, and ASTA.

Last-minute Travel Arrangements

Many individuals think they may get a fantastic last-minute deal if they wait until the very last minute. This was accurate many years ago, though. These days, flights booked at the last minute usually cost more. Airlines are aware that last-minute travellers, particularly business travellers, will spend anything to get where they need to be.

One advantage of using an online travel agency rather than a flight search engine is that the agent can assist in locating the best offers during last-minute changes. Even a few hours before takeoff, the agents can reserve you the very last seat on an aircraft because they know where to look.

So Is It Better to Utilise an Online Travel Agency Rather than a Flight Search Engine?

Indeed!

Making a phone reservation is more work than making one online, but the advantages far outweigh the inconvenience. Keep in mind that your travel agent represents you, not the other party! They can save you money and arrange your unique trip!