Booking package on Apple Vacations vs. Booking with travel agent who then books through Apple?
#1
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Booking package on Apple Vacations vs. Booking with travel agent who then books through Apple?
Is there any benefit to using a travel agent for booking an Apple vacation when you can book the same trip on the internet yourself? I've always used an agent, but I just realized (duh) that I can do it myself on the internet. Does the agent get me anything I cannot get myself? Thanks for your thoughts.
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A travel agent is like insurance - it helps when you have a problem. If the cost is the same, it is apparently worth it. If there is a cost, you have to decide if it is worth it. Generally, I make my own reservations.
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Typically I'll get a price from my agent then compare it to pricing on various websites. Usually my agents pricing is lower than Apples (and most others) and I believe it is b/c she does not charge as high of a commission.
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The agent could get a better price. For my last trip to Jamaica, I checked with Air Jamaica Vacations directly. They couldn't get me on the flight I wanted. Not only was an agent able to get me on that flight but the price was much better than the one quoted by AJ directly.
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Traditionally, Apple never had online booking - you had to deal with an agent. I see that has changed and frankly it's about time.
The only "theoretical" advantage to having an agent is if things go bad mid-trip you have someone at home to call to talk with. However, since this isn't particularly common - I'd just book online.
The only "theoretical" advantage to having an agent is if things go bad mid-trip you have someone at home to call to talk with. However, since this isn't particularly common - I'd just book online.
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The only thing I'd add here is that, since Apple Vacations is relatively new to direct-selling, you might be more likely to get what you want if you book through a travel agent. Since Appple still pays commissions, agents normally won't assess a service charge to book their packages, so there's usually not a price advantage in booking everything yourself. Plus, you have an advocate in case something goes wrong, which sometimes happens.
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germanblonde
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Jan 28th, 2004 01:34 PM