Can Travel Agents Book Flights?
Remember when booking flights used to involve calling an airline directly or walking into a travel agency? Well, guess what – travel agents can definitely book flights, and they might just be your secret weapon for scoring better deals and having way less stress. In fact, with all the chaos in air travel these days, using a travel agent for flights is making a huge comeback!
Whether you're wondering if travel agents still exist (they absolutely do!) or trying to figure out if they can actually save you money on airfare, our guide breaks down everything you need to know about booking flights through a travel agent!
Do Travel Agents Actually Book Flights Anymore?
The short answer? Absolutely yes. Travel agents can book flights, and they're really good at it. While you might think online booking has killed the travel agent industry, the truth is quite the opposite. Travel agents have adapted and now offer services that go way beyond what you can get from clicking around on booking websites!
Here's what's really cool – travel agents don't just book any old flight. They have access to something called unpublished fares or private fares that regular consumers can't see. These hidden deals can be 20-60% cheaper than what you'd find on airline websites or booking platforms like Expedia.
How Travel Agents Can Save You Money on Flights
This is where things get interesting. Travel agents work with airline consolidators – think of them as flight wholesalers who buy tickets in bulk at discounted rates. These consolidators then sell those tickets to travel agents at lower prices than what airlines offer directly to consumers.
Here's how the money-saving magic works:
Travel agents have relationships with multiple consolidators, each specializing in different routes. One might offer amazing deals to Europe, another focuses on Asia-Pacific routes, and yet another specializes in premium cabin discounts. Your agent knows exactly which consolidator to call for the best deal on your specific route.
For international flights, you can expect commission rates between 10-22%, while domestic flights typically offer 0-5% commission. This means agents are especially motivated to find you great international deals since that's where they can actually make money.
The Real Talk on Pricing
When you book through a travel agent, you're typically not paying more than booking direct. Travel agents earn their money through commissions from airlines and hotels, plus service fees for complex bookings. For flight-only bookings, expect to pay around $40 for domestic flights and $60 for international flights as a service fee.
When You Should Definitely Use a Travel Agent for Flights
Not every flight booking needs a travel agent, but there are definitely times when they're worth their weight in gold:
Complex Multi-City Trips
If you're doing something like New York to Paris to Berlin to Bangkok and back to New York, a travel agent can navigate the complexity and find connections that actually make sense. They know which routing will save you time and money.
Group Travel
Booking 20 people from Miami to Hawaii for an event? That's travel agent territory. They can coordinate group bookings, secure group discounts, and handle all the individual preferences without you losing your mind.
Last-Minute Business Travel
When you need to fly somewhere tomorrow and don't have time to hunt for deals, travel agents can quickly find options and handle the booking while you focus on work.
International Travel with Complications
Flying somewhere that requires visas, has specific entry requirements, or involves multiple carriers? Travel agents know the ins and outs of international travel regulations.
When Things Go Wrong
This is huge. If your flight gets cancelled or delayed, having a travel agent means you have someone advocating for you instead of waiting in those endless customer service lines. They often have direct contacts with airlines and can rebook you faster than you could manage on your own.
The Advantages of Booking Flights Through Travel Agents
Access to Unpublished Fares
Travel agents can access fares that literally don't exist anywhere online. These negotiated rates with consolidators can offer significant savings, especially for international travel or premium cabins.
Seat Holds
Unlike booking sites, travel agents can actually hold seats for you while you make decisions. This is perfect when you're coordinating with family or waiting for approval from work.
Personal Service
You get a real human who knows your preferences. Once you work with an agent a few times, they remember that you hate middle seats, prefer aisle seats, and always want vegetarian meals.
Problem Resolution
When flights get cancelled (which happens way too often these days), your travel agent becomes your personal problem-solver. They're already on the phone with airlines while you're still figuring out what happened.
Time Savings
Instead of spending hours comparing flights, routes, and prices, you tell your agent what you need and they handle the research. For busy people, this alone is worth the service fee.
The Potential Downsides of Using Travel Agents
Let's be real – travel agents aren't perfect for everyone or every situation:
Less Control
Some people love the process of researching and booking their own travel. If you're a control freak about every detail of your trip, working through an agent might feel restrictive.
Service Fees
For flight-only bookings, you'll typically pay a service fee since airlines don't pay much (if any) commission on tickets. This can range from $40-60 depending on whether it's domestic or international.
Limited Office Hours
Many travel agents work traditional business hours. If you love booking flights at 2 AM (no judgment!), online booking might be more convenient.
Potential for Biased Advice
Travel agents earn different commission rates from different suppliers, which could potentially influence their recommendations. Good agents will be transparent about this, but it's something to keep in mind.
Less Flexibility for Changes
If you book through an agent, making changes often means going through them rather than handling it directly with the airline. This can add an extra step if you need to make quick changes.
How to Find the Right Travel Agent for Flight Booking
Not all travel agents are created equal. Here's how to find one who's great at flight bookings:
Look for Airline Specialists
Some agents specialize in flights and have stronger relationships with consolidators. Ask about their experience with airline bookings specifically.
Check Their Accreditation
Look for agents who are IATA (International Air Transport Association) accredited or work with host agencies that have good industry connections.
Ask About Their Consolidator Network
Good flight-focused agents work with multiple consolidators and can explain which ones they use for different routes.
Get References
Ask for references from clients who've booked similar types of flights. If you're planning a complex international itinerary, you want to hear from someone who's done something similar.
What to Expect When Booking Flights Through a Travel Agent
Here's how the process typically works:
Initial Consultation
You'll describe your travel needs – destinations, dates, preferences, budget. Good agents will ask detailed questions about your travel style and any special requirements.
Quote Preparation
The agent will research options and typically present you with 2-3 different choices covering different price points, airlines, and routing options.
Seat Holds
Unlike online booking, agents can often hold seats for 24-48 hours while you decide, without requiring immediate payment.
Booking and Payment
Once you decide, they'll complete the booking and handle payment processing. You'll receive confirmation numbers and itinerary details.
Pre-Travel Support
Good agents will follow up with reminders about check-in, seat selection, and any travel requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Agents and Flights
Can travel agents get cheaper flights than booking online?
Yes, often they can. Travel agents have access to unpublished fares through consolidators that can be 20-60% cheaper than published online rates. However, this is more common for international flights than domestic ones.
Do I pay extra to book flights through a travel agent?
For flight-only bookings, you'll typically pay a service fee of $40-60. However, the agent's access to unpublished fares often means your total cost is the same or less than booking online.
Can travel agents book last-minute flights?
Absolutely. In fact, last-minute bookings are where travel agents really shine because they can quickly access multiple consolidator systems and find available seats that might not show up in online searches.
What happens if my flight gets cancelled when I book through an agent?
This is actually one of the biggest advantages of using an agent. They handle rebooking for you and often have direct airline contacts that can resolve issues faster than if you were handling it yourself.
Can I use frequent flyer miles when booking through a travel agent?
This depends on the agent and the booking. Some agents can help coordinate award bookings, but you might need to handle the actual redemption directly with the airline. It's best to ask your agent about this upfront.
Will I still earn frequent flyer miles on flights booked by an agent?
Yes, as long as you provide your frequent flyer number when booking, you'll earn miles just like any other ticket. The booking method doesn't affect mile earning.
Can travel agents book flights on low-cost carriers?
This can be trickier since many low-cost carriers don't work with traditional distribution systems. However, some agents have found ways to book these flights, though you might not get the same level of service.
How far in advance should I contact a travel agent for flight booking?
For complex international itineraries, contact an agent 2-3 months in advance. For simpler domestic flights, 2-4 weeks is usually fine. However, agents can also handle last-minute bookings when needed.
Can I make changes to flights booked through a travel agent?
Yes, but you'll typically need to go through your agent rather than handling changes directly with the airline. This can add a step to the process but also means you have professional help navigating change fees and rebooking options.
Are online travel agencies the same as traditional travel agents?
Not really. Online travel agencies (OTAs) like Expedia are automated booking platforms, while traditional travel agents provide personal service and have access to different inventory and unpublished fares.
Are Travel Agents Worth It for Flight Booking?
Here's the truth – whether a travel agent is worth it for booking flights depends on your specific situation and travel style. If you're booking a simple domestic round-trip flight and you enjoy researching options yourself, you might be fine handling it online.
But if you're dealing with complex international itineraries, group travel, or you simply value having a professional handle the details and be available when things go wrong, a travel agent can be incredibly valuable. The access to unpublished fares alone often makes up for any service fees, especially on international routes.
The travel industry has definitely changed, but travel agents have evolved too. They're no longer just order-takers – they're travel advocates who can navigate the increasingly complex world of airline booking, save you time and stress, and often save you money too.
In our post-pandemic travel world where flight disruptions are unfortunately common, having a professional in your corner who can quickly rebook cancelled flights and resolve issues might just be the best travel investment you can make. After all, your vacation time is precious, and sometimes it's worth paying a professional to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Whether you decide to use a travel agent or book flights yourself, the most important thing is choosing the option that gives you confidence and peace of mind for your upcoming trip. Safe travels! Become a Travel Professional today with us at MainStreet Travel and book your own flights and trips and get the awesome discounts and commission that goes with it! Work from home, make your own hours, help out family and friends!
