Can Travel Agents Get Cheaper Air Fare?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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While you may be able to find cheap airfares by yourselves, booking flights using the services of a travel agent will prove to be a lot more cost effective. So how do travel agents book flights at cheaper rates than you?

They are able to do this because they have access to airline fares that ordinary travelers don’t

.

Are travel agents worth it 2021?

If you’re thinking about booking a vacation in 2021,

it’s a no brainer to book with a travel advisor

. Working with an agent can save you both time and money and in turn, reduce all the stress that comes along with travel planning.

Do travel agents get commission on airfare?

Commissions

Travel agents commissions used to be the bulk of their income but that has shifted.

Most travel agents who earn commission booking tickets on airlines earn 5% on domestic flights and 10-20% on international flights

. The commission rates are similar for booking hotels.

Is it cheaper to book flights online or with a travel agent?

Because

agents have access to much cheaper flight tickets than online booking sites

. Learn how to book flights with a travel agent!

How much do travel agents charge to book a flight?

Service fees could include a $25 to $50 fee per airline ticket, or

up to $500 for full itinerary design and booking

. Some agents charge by the hour, but not all agencies charge service fees.

How much do travel agents charge for airline tickets?

Usually, travel agents charge a

$10 to $25

fee for issuing airline tickets in amounts lower than $300. While, at first blush, this sounds harsh, clients do not balk at paying fees for service. Travel agents provide a level of service that clients simply cannot get directly from an airline or an airline’s web site.

Is using a travel agent worth it?


Travel agents are useful if you’re doing a very costly or complex trip, planning a honeymoon or something fancy, or traveling with a large group

. They have access to a number of deals and bulk buying options we DIY solo consumers don’t, especially when it comes to tours, high-end flights, and cruises.

Is it more expensive to use a travel agent?


They don’t usually cost extra

.

It’s a myth that working with a travel agent will automatically cost you more; most get paid via commissions from the hotel or outfitter.

Are travel agents obsolete?

The Bottom Line.

Travel agents are not going to become obsolete in the future

. In fact, the changing times have brought about some new opportunities for travel agents to capitalize on and grow.

How much more expensive is it to use 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. “We get paid a commission on the back end from the vendor, so that’s how we make our income,” she said.

What are the disadvantages of using a travel agent?

Cons:

Travel agents don’t always present the cheapest option

. If you are price sensitive, the best option is to book online directly with the service provider. While agents can add perks and value add-ons, they don’t come cheap (think service fee and commission margins).

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 pay a travel agent up front?

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.

How do travel agents get paid 2021?

Corporate travel agencies make money mainly from

service fees, net/private fares, and from airline commissions

. Travel agencies, depending on the airline contracts they have access to, are able to earn commissions on both domestic (typically 0-5%) and international tickets (10-22%).

Do travel agents get discounts on cruises?


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 .

Charlene Dyck
Author
Charlene Dyck
Charlene is a software developer and technology expert with a degree in computer science. She has worked for major tech companies and has a keen understanding of how computers and electronics work. Sarah is also an advocate for digital privacy and security.