When going into a travel agents, can you ask for discounts?

Question

Going to be booking a holiday this weeked probably to the caribean, just wondering if I could be a little cheeky whilst in the travel agents by asking for a discount.

I will be paying in full there and then.

Answer 1

Most travel agencies do offer it, but don't volunteer to say it. Such offers can be for military personnel, state or federal employees or if you have a AAA card. Asking for discounts is to save money for more important things, like souvenirs and entrance to theme parks, etc. So, don't be afraid to ask. If they give you a hard time, then look for another agency. There are plenty out there that want your business.

You may want to consider looking at online booking. Sometimes, they tend be less than the travel agents. JetBlue is also a recommendation.

Answer 2

Of course! in fact the cheekier you are the higher the discount. Shop around and trade one travel agent off against the other if you have the time. An expensive and dare I say (jealously!) fantastic trip like this would be well worth spending an extra half an hour upon. I did this last year on a simple holiday, walking between 3 well-known high street travel agents and managed to get an extra £50 a relatively cheap holiday. You should expect to get discounts these days, it seems that the prices in the brochures are for the dummys of the World to pay. If they do price-match, 'bend' the truth a little (oooohhhh!) about the last price you got and GET IT IN WRITING even if it is hand written (a name of the person is essential) - have fun with it and enjoy the savings. Max

Answer 3

Travel agents always take a cut of your money so if I were you I would look at the holidays on teletext and you will save a fortune. Look on channel 3 and key 210 on your teletext button. All the holidays will come up. You wouldn't believe the prices. I have booked through teletext for the last 6 years. In 2001 I went on a 2 week full board cruise with a friend up the River Amazon and to some caribbean islands. It cost £550 each for two weeks. I don't think we will find a bargain like that again.

Answer 4

I'm not really sure if you can wheel and deal with a travel agent or not. Good question.
You can book your vacation through the Internet and do a lot of wheeling and dealing. Go through sites like expedia, orbitz, priceline, and quite a few other sites. Sometimes they have last minute deals and you could save quite a bit if your dates or destination is flexible. I suggest looking around on the Internet first...then perhaps give your travel agent an opportunity to beat the deal you found. Could be a great way to get a better discount.
Competition is always a motivate for any person in Sales.
Good luck!

Answer 5

Ask for a discount EVERYWHERE!

The worst that can happen is that they will laugh and say no!

The best? A reasonable discount.
Try watching 'Don't Get Done, Get Dom!'

Its a show that shows people being coached on how to get a discount and then actually getting one!
I've used the tips from the show quite a few times and have scored a good saving!

Answer 6

Absolutely - in fact tell them if they don't offer a discount then you will shop around more - actually you should shop around loads before you book anything. Remember travel agents make their money in commissions, so they definitely have scope to offer discounts by reducing their commission. However you need to give them a reason why they should give you a discount - repeat business, introduce others etc.

Answer 7

You can ask for the best price they can find on a Caribbean deal and they'll do just that, but don't expect them to fork over any money they'll be making on the deal. That's their job. That's their money. That's what they work hard for you.

I'd suggest buying it online yourself like I do, then you won't have to pay for a travel agent's fee. Plus, you get to see all the deals out there and you can search for yourself since you know what you really want anyway. I can usually find something with iBtraveling.com. Try that site and may be you'll find something too, or atleast you'll know what prices will be for something so you can print out the ad and bring it to your agent.

Wish you luck!

Answer 8

When I actually used travel agents before doing all my vacation booking online, I searched the papers for the best deals out there to decide on an agent. Then I found one I really liked and she always made sure to find the best deal possible for me.

Answer 9

Do yourself a favor and save some money. I use to use Travel Agents to avoid the headache of having to do it myself. My Fiancee and I enjoy Taking Cruises. Go to Ecruises.com and hit the 90 day ticker, you can get some great deals on last minutes Cruises. You can shop around for great deals on Air Flights also. Its really not that hard anymore, with a Computer at our fingertips.

Answer 10

holiday packages and airline tickets are mandatory for a normal discount to the agents as 10 percentage for holidays and 7 percentage IATA commission for tickets.usually travel agents used to split their commission with customers retaining 2 or 3 percentage as their profits.they may get extra incentives for the volume of sales and you can demand for a minimum discount of 5 percentage atleast with the tickets and 7 percentage for packages. some travel agents are shrewd enough to keep mum with their customers offering nothing unless they ask for it.you have to ask for a discount for any type of purchase and it is your right to demand a better price.they used to fix the prices including the profit share of the whole salers and retailers and don't feel hesitate to ask your genuine share of discount.