George's Journal: a Collection of Articles Airlines vs Travel Agents
In December of 1997 I wrote an article titled the Changing Face of Travel in which I explained the historical arrangement within which the airlines and the retail travel agencies operated. I detailed the fact that there was a "definite division between suppliers and sellers. The airlines and tour companies provided distinctive product and the travel agents provided you, the consumer, with the interpretation of what was being offered and made the arrangements for you. Agents were paid for this service in the form of a commission from the supplier." I further advised you that the airlines "have chosen to voluntarily destroy the close working relationship within the industry to the point that it is now adversarial and confrontational between the two formerly friendly segments." As I write this article today, based on what has happened in the travel industry over the last week, those of us who are considered professionals in the travel industry are under attack again by the airlines and it is you, the consumer, who is expected to pay for it. Just as our governments promise "no tax increases" and then institute service fees and user fees, the airlines are again lowering the commission paid to travel agents and expecting you, the consumer, to pay service fees to your agent. This way you take a double hit by first, not getting a reduction from the airlines by the amount now not being paid to the agency, and second, by having to pay the agency service fee. With the travel agent now only earning a 5% commission (less than half of what it was in 1997) they are now providing their service to you at a loss. Travel agencies absolutely must charge a service fee as none of their costs, such as rent and taxes, are dropping and to stay in business to service you, income must be earned. What is most important to you, as you plan your next trip or vacation, is that you receive unbiased information on which airfare is the best for you and which airline offers the best routing. Obviously no airline is going to advise you to use another airline. Only a professional travel agent and preferably one that is a member of the Association of Travel Agents of B.C./Yukon will counsel you best. Find one, trust one, and book through one for your own peace of mind. If you don't, you could wind up paying more for your trip or even losing all of your money due to supplier bankruptcy. In B.C., only by booking through a B.C. registered travel agency is your money protected by the Travel Act and this is most important as prices are lowered and the resulting bankruptcies increase. In no case are you protected when booking direct with an airline or through a travel agency outside of B.C. It has never been more important for you, the traveller, to develop a quality relationship with a travel agent you can trust and who will work for you. These words are still valid today and we counsel you to heed them. Protect yourself. And now onto something lighter and happier. Next year is the 25th Anniversary of our company and we invite you throughout the year to celebrate with us by experiencing some very special tours and cruises that we have planned at very special prices. How about ending this century by joining us on our final Christmas in Victoria programme of this decade? We'd love to have you with us. George Bell, |
Bell Travel Services- Providing Custom Travel Services for
24 Years.
Toll-free: 1-800-665-8488 Vancouver: (604) 535-2587 Fax: 604-538-6646 info@belltours.com
12894 - 16th Avenue, White Rock, BC, CANADA V4A 1N7