This page has been robot translated, sorry for typos if any. Original content here.

What does the travel agent hide?

7 вещей, которые может скрыть от вас турагент

Imagine you came to a travel agency to buy a ticket. Of course, you want the manager to generously give you time, listen carefully and choose the rest to your taste.

In fact, you and the agent share a huge gulf called “tour search system”. The agent falls into this abyss and gets out the information that he considers necessary. You do not know how the manager is looking for a tour, where he clicks and what he sees. What does he offer - what you need, or what he needs?

Remember, an employee of a travel agency has its own goal - to make a sale. Therefore, he may conceal some information so that you have less doubts about the purchase.

1. The number and variety of tours.

The manager is guided by his experience, his ideas about recreation and, of course, his financial interest. He can hide tours cheaper and actively offer those that sell poorly.

2. Tour operator.

The agent imposes an operator who will give a greater commission or encourage a tour for good sales. It is not always a proven and reliable company. There is a risk that you will fall into the hands of a dealer. In this case, all issues are resolved through many intermediaries. To make changes to the tour or find out the latest information is almost impossible.

3. Hotel.

When buying a tour at an agency, you need to make a quick decision. The manager will not wait while you study the tourist forums and re-read hotel reviews. You are lucky if you get to an experienced agent who has been on promotional tours and knows about hotels not only from catalogs. The incompetent manager at best will fail to say, at worst - he is making up to sell the tour. In any case, you rely on the opinion of a stranger, and this is a certain risk.

4. Fuel surcharge.

It happens that the agent until the last moment does not show the cost of the fuel surcharge and takes more than necessary, or "plays" in his favor with the exchange rate.

5. Flight.

Departure time, airline and airport - agencies disclose this information on the eve of departure and even more so do not give you the opportunity to choose a convenient flight.

6. Availability of tickets.

When you call the travel agency manager will not disclose information about the availability of tickets. Even if they are not there, he will say that there are a lot of proposals, and promise to “pick something up”. All in order for you to come to the office and not leave with empty hands.

7. The final cost of the tour.

The agent may not show the final cost of the tour. Already at the checkout you will learn that the price does not include, for example, fuel surcharge or transfer.