Getting cheap fares through agents

While booking online is increasingly the norm for Aussies, we are still behind Europeans and Americans when it comes to booking travel this way.

Many Aussies still prefer to book through an agent (just see the amount of agencies in almost every suburb). This is still a great option, and can still be cheaper than the online alternative so as long as you shop around.

Most people will find a price online and challenge an agent to beat the price.  Aside from price matching agents can be great for more complicated itineraries, especially for round the world tickets.  For more on choosing an agent versus booking online see: Booking online versus using an agent or Travel agents: am I being ripped off?.

If you have decided on an agent try the following tips.

When dealing with an agent it’s important to be clear and confidant regarding what you want

Statements like “it’s my first time away and I don’t have a clue about flights”, will almost certainly have an effect on the price you are quoted.   If the agent knows you have shopped around, and have a decent idea of current prices you will far more likely to get the cheapest price first up.  Agents are taught to find this sort of thing out. So try be confidant with what you want.

The surest way of getting the cheapest ticket is to shop around

While obvious this is the key. Starting out with a variety of websites (listed in finding the cheapest fares online) is the best way to begin.  If not online be sure to ring around or visit some different agencies (even within the same companies). This way you will know if an agent is trying to rip you off, no matter how genuine they seem.

Flight Centre advertises “the lowest prices guaranteed”, but this does not mean you will get the cheapest quote first up.  If their advertising has you believing they are always the cheapest and you don’t shop around, then you might end paying far more than you have to.

By the same token agencies that advertise cheaper flights for students (STA, Student Flights) may not always be the cheapest if you are planning on using your student status for a cheap deal.  See  Student flights for more on this.

If you are ready to book, try to do this shopping all on the one day.

Shopping around for weeks for flights does not really work, as things in the travel industry change quickly.  Have a look online or ring around in the morning; keep a print out of the cheapest flights you have seen and then head to the nearest mall or high street where you can see a few agents.

Agencies which may offer a guarantee of the cheapest seats certainly are not by default the cheapest way to go, at least initially.

Don’t show the price you have before getting a quote!

If the agent has a fare that is dramatically cheaper than your quote chances are they will just match the price you have (maybe with a nominal amount off) making more off you in the process (this is pretty normal).  When price matching keep this in mind!

For this reason bringing in quotes to match can sometimes work against you: it’s better to know what’s around from a few places and keep that price in mind when speaking to a new agent.

Once you have the cheapest price take it to another agent and see if they can beat it for you (maybe one with a price guarantee).

If you are ready and have the money, try to book and pay in full

Airline taxes do fluctuate (usually on a Tuesday), and you will have to pay any difference if the tax goes up between deposit and full payment.

There are credit card fees involved booking through all travel agencies in Australia (from 2% upwards) so be prepared to pay cash or have your daily limit increased on your savings account to avoid any unnecessary charges (which can usually be done in an instant over the phone with your bank).  Most savings cards only have that $1000.00 limit; just try to plan ahead!.

If you are not paying in full be sure as to exactly when you are due to pay the balance, as late payments can mean paying for a higher fare.

The date of final payments is also an area where many travel agents make mistakes; airlines can change final dates of payment without notice, or send through obscure messages (say while the agents are away for a few days).

The agent will have to cover the cost of any higher fares, but you might end up flying at a different time if there are no seats available.  Paying in full is really the best way to take out any hassles down the track.

Agents will rarely want you to pay the balance of a fare more than a week or two after deposit; commissions are collected monthly so they will most likely pressure you to pay by the end of the month you have booked.

It’s also important to consider is if you are comfortable with the agent you are using, it might be worth the extra $50 to book with somebody you are more comfortable calling should you get into trouble with your flight.

While this guide might seem long, getting the best deal is really just a matter of being a little savvy with current pricing before you book.  Shop around and be ready to pay in full when you find the cheapest deal.

As with booking online, always check the conditions of the ticket before you purchase.  A good agent will be able to explain quickly and easily what the cancelation/date change fees are on your ticket.  The cheapest tickets will be the most restrictive, might be non-refundable or cost a small fortune to change the dates.

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