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Should you use a travel agent for booking flights? Pros and cons

ByBen Posted on Reading Time: 4 minutes

Do you use a travel agent for booking flights?  Perhaps you should. While many people choose to book flights online through airline websites or third-party platforms, some still prefer the personalised touch of a travel agent. 

Travel Agent Expertise and Personalised Service

One of the primary reasons people turn to travel agents is their expertise in the industry. Travel agents have a wealth of knowledge about various airlines, routes, and travel regulations, allowing them to provide tailored recommendations based on your specific needs and preferences.

Pros:

  1. Personalised Recommendations: A travel agent can offer customised flight options based on your preferences, such as preferred airlines, layover durations, or specific flight times.
  2. Expert Knowledge: Travel agents have insider knowledge about the best routes, potential disruptions, and how to navigate complex travel regulations.
  3. Stress Reduction: A travel agent can handle all aspects of your flight booking, saving you time and reducing the stress associated with planning travel.
  4. Ongoing Support: Travel agents offer ongoing assistance throughout your trip, including handling any flight changes or cancellations, ensuring a smoother travel experience.

Cons:

  1. Additional Cost: Using a travel agent may involve an added fee, either as a commission or a service charge.
  2. Limited Options: Travel agents may have preferred partnerships with certain airlines, potentially limiting the range of options they present to you.
Should You Use A Travel Agent For Booking Flights?
Photo by John Matychuk on Unsplash

Online Booking Convenience and Flexibility

The web has made booking flights online popular due to its convenience and flexibility. Online platforms offer a wide range of options, often at competitive prices.

Pros:

  1. Ease of Use: Online booking platforms are user-friendly and accessible 24/7, allowing you to book flights at your convenience.
  2. Price Comparisons: Online platforms enable you to compare flight prices and options from multiple airlines, ensuring you find the best deal.
  3. Instant Confirmation: Booking online provides immediate confirmation, so you can secure your flight without waiting for a travel agent’s response.

Cons:

  1. Lack of Personalised Service: Online platforms may not offer the same level of personalised service and expert advice as a travel agent.
  2. Responsibility: When booking online, you are responsible for managing your flight arrangements, which may be stressful for some travellers.

Maximising Savings with Travel Agents

Travel agents can sometimes help you secure better deals on flights due to their industry connections and access to special promotions.

Pros:

  1. Access to Exclusive Deals: Travel agents often have access to promotions, discounts, and exclusive deals that may not be available to the public.
  2. Group Bookings: If you’re travelling with a large group, a travel agent can negotiate better rates and coordinate complex bookings.
  3. Package Deals: Travel agents can bundle flights with other travel services, such as accommodation and tours, potentially saving you money.

Cons:

  1. Less Flexibility: Travel agents may push specific deals or promotions, potentially limiting your options and flexibility.
  2. Potential Bias: Travel agents may be incentivised to promote certain airlines or products, potentially influencing their recommendations.

Ultimately, whether you should use a travel agent for booking flights depends on your personal preferences, budget, and travel needs. If you value personalised service, expert advice, and ongoing support, a travel agent may be the ideal choice.

However, if you prefer the flexibility and convenience of booking online, then booking directly through airline websites or third-party platforms might be more suitable.

Flights from London

DestinationDeparture atReturn atAirlineFind tickets
Aberdeen1 February 20245 February 2024EasyjetTickets from GBP 70
Acapulco17 January 202424 January 2024AeromexicoTickets from GBP 836
Lanzarote21 February 202425 February 2024EasyjetTickets from GBP 85
Adana14 December 202330 December 2023Wizz AirTickets from GBP 300
Addis Ababa26 December 20238 January 2024Wizz AirTickets from GBP 651
Adler/Sochi20 January 202427 January 2024Wizz AirTickets from GBP 170
Agadir26 December 202330 December 2023Wizz AirTickets from GBP 207
Malaga13 December 202315 December 2023Wizz AirTickets from GBP 47
Auckland20 May 20249 June 2024China Southern AirlinesTickets from GBP 634
Almaty11 January 202418 January 2024Pegasus AirlinesTickets from GBP 266
Alicante23 August 20244 September 2024EasyjetTickets from GBP 118
Algiers10 December 202316 December 2023Tickets from GBP 208
Amman1 January 20242 January 2024Wizz Air MaltaTickets from GBP 258
Amsterdam21 April 202423 April 2024EasyjetTickets from GBP 72
Anchorage22 January 202428 January 2024Wizz AirTickets from GBP 770
Ankara16 April 202417 April 2024Pegasus AirlinesTickets from GBP 183
Antigua20 December 202328 December 2023British AirwaysTickets from GBP 1 059
Athens24 January 202426 January 2024Wizz AirTickets from GBP 58
Atlanta26 January 202428 January 2024PlayTickets from GBP 461
Abu Dhabi23 January 20247 February 2024Wizz AirTickets from GBP 142
Austin12 December 202319 December 2023British AirwaysTickets from GBP 519
Antalya28 December 20233 January 2024Turkish AirlinesTickets from GBP 933
Bahrain19 January 202421 January 2024Pegasus AirlinesTickets from GBP 310
Baku19 January 202430 January 2024Wizz Air MaltaTickets from GBP 143
Barnaul27 December 202326 January 2024Wizz AirTickets from GBP 504
Barcelona2 February 202411 February 2024VuelingTickets from GBP 50
Bermuda22 January 20244 February 2024British AirwaysTickets from GBP 794
Belgrade22 January 202426 January 2024Wizz AirTickets from GBP 40
Berlin1 February 202411 February 2024RyanairTickets from GBP 61
Belfast14 December 202316 December 2023EasyjetTickets from GBP 40
Planning Your Travels
Photo by Christine Roy on Unsplash

Factors to Consider When Making Your Decision

To help you make an informed decision, consider the following factors:

  1. Your Travel Needs: Assess the complexity of your travel plans. If you have a simple, straightforward trip, booking online might suffice. For more complicated itineraries or group bookings, a travel agent could be beneficial.
  2. Your Budget: Determine whether you are willing to pay for the personalised service and expert advice that a travel agent provides, or if you prefer to seek out the best deals independently through online platforms.
  3. Your Time Commitment: Consider how much time you are willing to invest in researching and booking flights. A travel agent can save you time, but if you enjoy the process, booking online might be more enjoyable.
  4. Your Confidence: Evaluate your confidence in managing your travel arrangements. If you feel comfortable handling potential disruptions, changes, or cancellations, booking online may be more suitable. If you prefer the reassurance of a travel agent’s support, this option may be more appealing.

Making the Most of Your Choice

So, in summary then, it’s all about research, communication, and information:

  • Do Your Research: Whether you’re using a travel agent or booking online, it’s essential to research your options, read reviews, and compare prices to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal.
  • Establish Clear Communication: If you choose to work with a travel agent, communicate your preferences, budget, and expectations clearly to ensure they can provide the best possible service.
  • Stay Informed: Stay updated on travel regulations, airline policies, and potential disruptions, as this information will help you make informed decisions and handle any challenges that may arise during your trip.

In conclusion, the decision to use a travel agent for booking flights depends on your individual preferences and travel needs. Straightforward A to B flights don’t need an agent (although they may be able to get you a better deal), but more complex journeys can be arranged through an agent who can secure the best deal and the ideal route. 

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