Agents deliver less aggravation than internet
When a television news station in St. Louis tested whether it was cheaper to book over the internet or use a travel agent, travel agents won — sort of.
The test involved two trips — one to New York and another to London.
For New York, Orbitz had the highest bid of $1207. The travel agent was much lower with a bid of $972, but that was slightly more than Travelocity. The winner, Expedia, found a price of $862.
For London, Orbitz again was highest at $1,915. Travelocity came in at $1,689. Expedia was $1,676. The travel agent, which was Damar Travel and Cruise, tied for the lowest price. That price included the agent’s fee.
The catch for the non-travel agent bookings: some of them were considerable distances outside the cities.
The television reporter, Ann Rubin, also said she was at times bumped from the internet and that it had wild price swings.
“We will save you time and we will save you aggravation,” agent Marsha Schuman of Damar Travel told the television station.
Report by David Wilkening
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