Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - TA and cruiseline flight reservations

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TA and cruiseline flight reservations

We're flying from Connecticut to Alaska in 3 weeks for Princess land tour and cruise from Seward to Vancouver. We chose to book the flights through the cruise line because it was the cheapest option, just adding a day before and after. So I asked my TA (who I'm not too thrilled with) if she would do seat assignments for our flights. She responded that she works for a cruise agency, not a travel agency, so she doesn't do that. I guess the distinction is new to me... So do I have to go on the Delta web site and get my own seat assignments? Anyone else get a response like this? I might as well have done the whole transaction online with an online agency if I can't get basic service. Or am I just being cranky?

Sonia, just call the airline and ask for a seat assignment.

I can't believe that you TA was so rude. I am a TA, and doing seat assignment would take her no more than 5 to 10 minutes. I would complain to her manager. I won't let my clients leave my agency without seats assigned. It is lazy people like her who give my trade a bad rep.

Hi Sonia, Could be that Delta is not offering seat assignments in advance for your flight and you have to get the assignments at check-in. Call Delta 1-800-221-1212 and give them your flight number and name. Good luck, Paul

Thanks for the input. I'll try the manager there: if he's not more helpful, then they have lost a customer for future cruises. I enjoy planning and making my own arrangements for some trips, but sometimes a TA is just what I need. But a GOOD one!

Best to talk with the owner of the agency. Usually, there are some exceptions, he/she has traveled extensively. Paul

Sonia, I am a former TA, and it certainly was her job to get your seat assignments...after all, that is part of you cruise vacation. She's just being lazy. If Delta was not assigning seats in advance of these particular flights, than she should've told you that, but that doesn't seem to be the case, since she said that's not her job. If you let her know how annoyed you are with her, I'm sure next time she'll be extra attentive to you, not wanting anymore problems.

It only takes 7 keystrokes or less. Lazy agent.

True, but it does not make sense to me. All it takes is a phone call by the agent whether it is a cruise agent or a travel agent. After all a cruise agent also arranges the air. Puts me in the twilight zone. Strange. Maybe you missed something. Ask again. Paul

Wouldn`t it just be easier to call the airline and book your own seat? Wouldn`t take any time at all. Not worth stressing about IMHO.

Fodor's is doing it again- I replied last Friday and they took it off! How dare that agent not get you seats! If she is unable (Delta holding X # of seats), she SHOULD tell you so you don't think she is being lazy. She is the type that is giving agents a bad name! She is lucky to have an Alaska booking! And if you booked air through the cruise line, she is making commission on that, so she needs to do what she can for you! (And if you booked an outside cabin or better, there should be a bottle of wine in your cabin! Or an onboard credit! Something as a thank you!) Make sure she puts your frequent flier number in the reservation. If you are not signed up with that airline, make sure she signs you up. BUT, keep ALL boarding passes from the flights in case she does not. That is the only way to get FF miles after the fact. (Any decent travel agent would do all of the above for clients, so don't let her tell you she does not handle FF miles.) Good Luck!