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

ByBen Reading Time: 4 minutes
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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
Aarhus31 May 20233 June 2023RyanairTickets from GBP 52
Aberdeen3 October 202325 October 2023EasyjetTickets from GBP 90
Accra23 December 202321 January 2024RyanairTickets from GBP 955
Lanzarote15 February 202422 February 2024RyanairTickets from GBP 107
Adler/Sochi4 January 202418 January 2024Wizz AirTickets from GBP 232
Agadir10 July 202323 July 2023EasyjetTickets from GBP 175
Malaga28 June 202316 July 2023RyanairTickets from GBP 70
Auckland23 August 20231 September 2023China Eastern AirlinesTickets from GBP 1 147
Almaty3 December 20235 December 2023RyanairTickets from GBP 359
Alicante6 July 202321 July 2023RyanairTickets from GBP 78
Algiers1 July 202331 July 2023RyanairTickets from GBP 404
Amsterdam15 September 202317 September 2023EasyjetTickets from GBP 97
Ankara10 July 202315 July 2023Wizz AirTickets from GBP 252
Antwerp15 September 202317 September 2023LuxairTickets from GBP 329
Antigua10 June 202317 June 2023Virgin AtlanticTickets from GBP 904
Ashgabat19 August 20231 September 2023Wizz AirTickets from GBP 903
Astrakhan18 June 20239 July 2023Wizz Air MaltaTickets from GBP 428
Athens29 September 20232 October 2023Wizz AirTickets from GBP 84
Atlanta11 September 202319 September 2023Jetblue AirwaysTickets from GBP 529
Aruba15 June 202329 June 2023British AirwaysTickets from GBP 759
Abu Dhabi5 June 202312 June 2023RyanairTickets from GBP 176
The Valley17 October 202324 October 2023EasyjetTickets from GBP 1 148
Armenia30 July 202325 August 2023Wizz AirTickets from GBP 1 285
Antalya15 January 202422 January 2024Wizz AirTickets from GBP 103
Bahrain14 June 202321 June 2023Wizz AirTickets from GBP 291
Baku25 June 20233 July 2023Wizz Air MaltaTickets from GBP 188
Barnaul1 November 20237 November 2023Wizz AirTickets from GBP 677
Barcelona24 November 202326 November 2023VuelingTickets from GBP 55
Bermuda9 October 202316 October 2023British AirwaysTickets from GBP 695
Brindisi26 June 20232 July 2023RyanairTickets from GBP 107
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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