Is it Cheaper to Book with a Travel Agent?

The cost of using a travel agency is usually minimal, as they make money from hotels and tours. According to Seaton, booking through a travel agency usually won't cost you more. While some agents may charge a nominal planning fee, many agencies don't charge anything extra for their services. So, is it cheaper to book flights online or with a travel agency in India or elsewhere? This is one of the main questions that travelers have and the answer may surprise you. Booking with travel agents is usually more affordable than booking online, as they have access to amazing money-saving deals.

With their knowledge of the secret prices of airlines, travel agencies book dozens of airline tickets every day and can easily tell you if the price of the flight you found on the Internet is reasonable. This is one of the main benefits of booking flights through travel agencies. Instead of relying on a professional, Internet technology has allowed travelers to make any of their plans on their own if they prefer. According to Expedia, Americans spend nearly 23 hours on travel websites six weeks before booking a vacation. Many of these situations occur when a person has a strict budget, but some hidden charges can ruin it and affect travel in general.

Travel agents can help you take advantage of airline discounts, codes and coupons that would normally be inaccessible to you. There are many advantages to doing it yourself online, which has become much more feasible for travelers in this era. It happens due to lack of knowledge and experience, but travel agents know everything about the reservation and the charges to be paid, so you can avoid these conditions and travel safely. Despite having access to unpublished rates and secret systems for booking airline tickets, the process will still end with a confirmation number when booking with a travel agency. From hotels and tour groups to cruises and adventure itineraries, travel agents will book anything for you.

However, your experience booking online with these websites will be different from that of using a classic travel agent; so make no mistake, you will still be booking online. This may not be the experience of all guests who use a travel agency, but the overall concept must be consistent. People love to book with travel agents for the no-intervention experience, but don't expect to get too out of step. While travel agencies usually get most of their revenue from the other party to the transaction, charging fees to hotels and airlines, you may pay a fee for their services. Definitely, the job of a travel agent is to work for you and make sure you have an incredible vacation, but the truth is that they are not inside your head and they don't know exactly how you like to travel. A travel agent is an expert who specializes in planning trips for his clients and acts as an authority in accommodation, transportation, excursions and destinations in general.

As for hotels, they can book at travel agency rates that may be lower, offer more advantages and amenities, or have other advantages. In conclusion, booking with a travel agent can be cheaper than booking online due to access to incredible money-saving deals. They also know everything about the reservation and the charges to be paid so you can avoid any hidden charges that could ruin your budget. Despite having access to unpublished rates and secret systems for booking airline tickets, the process will still end with a confirmation number when booking with a travel agency.

Sebastián Vanbebber
Sebastián Vanbebber

Hardcore coffee enthusiast. General internet maven. Extreme travel evangelist. Avid twitter expert. Subtly charming beer advocate. Extreme food fan.