.  

Senator Conrad was very receptive to all the information that we presented to him, regarding changes in the travel industry, not only for travel agents, but also for the consumer.  The Travel Agents Association of Fargo-Moorhead is working to make traveling more consumers friendly.  Consumers who use travel agents do so for the customer service they receive.  The personal service is something you cannot receive from an internet site.  We want to be able to present to our clients the best rates, as well as the best customer service we can give, without having to compete with the very airlines that we are selling tickets on for fares.  Senator Conrad has promised to turn over the information that we have presented to him to the proper people for review and monitoring.

TAAFM would like to thank Senator Conrad for his time and consideration.

 ** Travel agents still book the majority of all airline ticket because that’s what the consumers prefer **

March 21, 2002 –As the airlines move to eliminate travelers’ choices in how they purchase their tickets, the services a travel agent provides are more valuable than ever. In addition to making travel arrangements, travel agents provide value-added services in the form of up-to-date answers to the often confusing questions travelers face about e-ticketing, security regulations, time requirements and baggage restrictions. 

With all of the recent changes made by government agencies, airports, airlines and cruise lines, travelers need a trusted source of information. Travelers have always preferred the services of travel agents, and recent events have made our role even more important. 

By eliminating travel agent commissions the airlines might be trying to get consumers to bypass agents, but the traveling public knows that the airlines will never provide the same kind of service we can and do, In addition to giving our clients information to make their trip go smoothly, we work hard to find the best value for our clients’ money. We provide clients with accurate information on the latest deals and special promotions. We explore all available options for the best arrangements to meet their needs.

Consumer studies show that consumers will most likely pay more for airline tickets by going direct to airlines than if they purchased their ticket through a travel agent. While our travel agencies are forced to charge service fees, we, unlike airline reservation desks, provide current information on the ever-changing rules at airports, train stations, cruise ship terminals and attractions, we find our clients the best value and we offer the following benefits:

Consumer advocacy - Travel agents don’t stop working for the client once the trip is booked. If problems arise along the way, agents act on their clients’ behalf and ensure restitution is made.

Convenience - Agents save consumers time and money by preparing every aspect of their client’s itinerary and making all necessary reservations and phone calls.

Expert guidance – Most agents have been to the destinations they sell, so they know the best places and those to avoid. In addition, agents have access to a variety of travel options and quotes from a host of suppliers and can find clients the right travel products. They know when to go where at the best prices, which can make a significant difference in travel costs.