“Experts” Waste Over Four Hours Playing Travel Agent

Next time, tell the amateur experts to call a real expert. Despite “vast technological leaps and the convenience of online search and booking, planning a vacation is still a time-consuming proposition,” according to a survey of over 1,200 baffled consumers who subscribe to website Expert Flyer, which helps wannabes track fare class availability and upgrade space.

While a quick call or text to a professional travel agent would have had them on their way, 51% these hard-core DIYers reported spending a minimum of two to three hours over multiple days hunting down airfare deals. Nearly one-third spent in excess of four hours, over multiple days.

While 87% of respondents told Expert Flyer they take at least two vacations a year, and 81% said they value their vacation time as very important, 80% book directly with airlines, putting their travel plans at risk during strikes, storms and other disruptions. In the past year, professional travel agents have saved the day multiple times for clients while consumers who booked through OTA or booked directly were on hold or tweeting to travel help desks, stranded at airports and losing prepaid hotel stays.

The survey concluded, “A good relationship with a child doesn’t blossom out of thin air.  It requires time and family vacations are a great way to build that bond.”  At the same time it missed out on showing that consumers can maximize family time by turning their travel planning over to a trusted travel advisor.