Booking flights, hotels or car rentals may bring with it unexpected fees that can catch you off guard. While these charges are not necessarily unreasonable or misleading, not being made aware of them during the booking process may leave an unpleasant surprise in its place.
Good news is there are ways to avoid them! One option is finding a travel agency without additional service fees or markups; another way is reading through all fine print carefully when booking tickets – many hidden fees are included within them and could easily slip past you without your notice!
Online travel agencies (OTAs), are an easy and convenient way to book your next vacation. These websites aggregate all available travel options and prices into a single convenient place, making it simple for you to find a fantastic bargain on your vacation. Unfortunately, however, some OTAs have started adding service fees which increase the total cost of booking; such fees could range anywhere from several dollars up to 10% of your travel costs.
Be wary of airline baggage and seat selection fees. Some airlines include them within their ticket prices; it is therefore crucial that you read carefully the fine print prior to booking your ticket. In addition, additional upgrades such as priority boarding or extra luggage allowance may incur extra fees.
Though most guests want to avoid hidden fees entirely, data shows that travelers are willing to accept some charges. 63% of travelers accept fees up to 5% of their booking cost; this varies by type of property as higher-end properties can often justify higher charges due to their reputation for providing luxury experiences.
Some travel agencies are starting to crack down on sneaky charges. For instance, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has taken measures against airlines and travel sites that separate fees separately, citing violations of regulations requiring that quoted fares state the full price charged. In 2001 alone, seven companies were fined by the DOT for breaking this rule by failing to include fuel surcharges when setting their ticket prices.
Travel management companies (TMCs), such as BCD Travel, AMEX or CWT can help your organization optimize and manage business travel more effectively while offering seamless booking experiences, cost analysis and duty of care reporting. In addition, these travel companies are familiar with local laws and regulations so your team travels legally.
Full-service travel agencies may charge fees, but can provide peace of mind and an effortless booking experience. Your ideal agency will depend on your individual situation; many are happy to offer free consultations or referrals from colleagues and friends so you can find one who suits you!