Airline booking agents are the best way to book a seat on your next trip, but they also come with some big risks.
Here’s what you need the most out of a booking agency, according to our experts.
1.
The airline you choose is the airline you want to book with 1.
How will your airline book?
The airline will determine the best option for you based on your personal booking style.
If you want a seat that you can get on the plane, book it through a booking agents like Delta, United, Southwest, or Virgin America.
If not, it may be best to book through an agent.
If that’s not possible, look for a cheaper, local airline that’s already booked for you.
2.
What’s your budget?
How much does it cost to book your flight?
The more options you have, the more you’ll be able to budget for.
You’ll want to look for airlines that offer the best fares and are a bargain when you book.
For example, you’ll want an airline with low fees, low seat assignments, and low cancellation fees.
If a flight is scheduled on the same day as your trip, you may want to go with a cheaper airline to make sure you don’t miss it. 3.
What happens if I cancel my booking?
You’ll be refunded the full cost of the ticket, plus any applicable taxes, fees, and surcharges.
The booking agency will also refund any additional fees and taxes.
4.
Can I book through the airline website or by calling the agent?
Yes, but it’s a good idea to call ahead to ensure you have the right agent to book you a seat.
5.
Will I get a refund for my cancellation?
Yes.
You can get a full refund, minus any applicable fees, taxes, and/or surcharges, at the end of your booking.
6.
What if I can’t find an agent who can book me a seat?
You can book a reservation through a travel agent, but you’ll have to pay the full booking fee (including the booking agent fee).
If you need an agent, you should call ahead before you book to see if the agent is available.
7.
Is there a fee for booking through an agency?
Yes!
If you book through a company like AirBnb, Expedia, or Orbitz, you will pay a fee based on how long the trip takes to fly and how many seats you book with each booking agent.
The fee can range from as low as $10 to as high as $100.
8.
Can a booking airline cancel my flight?
Yes (unless it’s for business reasons).
If the booking agency has already booked you a ticket for the same flight, they may not be able forgo the fee, but there’s no guarantee.
If they cancel the flight, you won’t be refund for the ticket and will be responsible for the fee.
9.
Can an agent refund my booking fees?
No.
If the agent hasn’t booked you for the flight yet, the booking fee isn’t refundable.
10.
What should I do if I’ve booked a flight that doesn’t work?
If you get an email saying the flight isn’t working, it means the booking agents you booked with didn’t call you back and didn’t give you an email with the correct information.
You may have to call them back or book another flight through their agent.
11.
Will the agent have my ticket or can I book my own?
If an agent is unable to book the flight you want, you can call them and ask them to do so for you, but the agent may need to book another airline if they haven’t already.
12.
Will a refund be issued if I’m late for a flight?
No, unless there are specific circumstances.
The ticket will not be refundable if the booking is not completed within 10 days of the booking.
13.
Can they refund my cancellation fees?
Yes they can.
If an airline cancels your flight and you’re not refunded, the airline will still charge you for a seat assignment.
The agent will need to contact you to cancel the reservation.
14.
How do I cancel a flight without booking a seat for the next flight?
If the flight is canceled, it won’t refund you the booking fees.
You will need another flight, and you’ll still need to pay for the seat assignment if you missed the scheduled flight.
15.
What do I do with the tickets I’ve purchased?
If your tickets are in good condition, you don’st have to worry about them going to waste.
They can be kept in the baggage hold, but if they are dirty, they can be used as disposable trash.
16.
How much will my ticket cost?
Prices vary depending on your flight type, type of seat assignment, and availability.
If your ticket is for a business trip