Travel Agent Errors
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A study by Topaz Enterprises, a Portland, Ore.-based air fare auditing firm specializing in business travel cost reduction, reviewed the errors made by travel agents in second-quarter, 1994, audits. The most costly mistake when booking domestic flights was not suggesting an alternate airport. Errors are defined by the policies of Topaz’s corporate clients.
Type of agent error: Average cost to traveler
Alternate nearby airport not offered: $154
Route selection resulted in higher fare: $150
Airline selection resulted in higher fare: $141
Fare break point resulted in higher fare*: $139
Capacity-controlled discount not offered: $125
Agent did not wait-list for a lower fare: $123
Advance-purchase discount not offered: $108
Frequent-flier discount not used**: $89
Failure to offer negotiated air fare: $78
Calculation error by travel agent: $57
* A cheaper ticketing option existed, such as when two separate tickets cost less than one through a hub.
** Delta Air Lines offers some first-class discounts for frequent fliers.
Source: Topaz Enterprises Inc.
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