Jump to content

My TA is killing me!


jk1101

Recommended Posts

There have been threads about DestinationWeddings.com and I have not really said much because my TA has been ok.

 

She got my guests what seemed to be a good price for a 4 night stay at the resort and even volunteered that it would be cheaper for my guests to book their own travel on Air Jamaica. It bothered me that they'd have to do this, but I thought it was nice that she was giving me "inside" advice.

 

So now my friend went to talk to the AAA TA we used to book our DR trip last year, and she quoted her a price $400 less PER PERSON for the same amount of nights!!!!!

 

And found out that we could fly Continental rather than Air Jamaica (a lot of us have enough points to fly free) as they are flying DIRECT from our closest airport 3 days a week. But the fare is about the same if you pay for the tickets.

 

Seriouslyhuh.gif?

 

I emailed her last night with all of the details and asked her how she intended to handle this because she is going to lose all of my guests. She wrote back that she would see what she could do.

 

PLUS I could probably get my trip cheaper and it's already booked through her and I have 10 rooms held at the hotel?

 

I seriously walked in the door from vacation to this and to finding out I didn't get the job I interviewed for and with PMS so I was bawling...

 

Anyone have any advice on how to handle?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm so sorry for you, this is never a good situation to be in. As for the TA situation, although your trip is booked I will stay on top of her to see if she can offer the better deal to your guests and also ask if there is anything she can do to adjust your trip as well. In the meantime grab a bowl of your favorite ice cream and a heating pad and watch a good chick-flick to keep your mind on other things. I hope everything works out with the TA situation and that another job comes your way that is even better!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please keep in mind that travel pricing is fluid and changes daily - when she provided the original quote it may have been higher and now there may be a sale. Sorta like when you purchase a gallon of milk at the store- you buy it at one price then they run a sale a week or two later and it's half the price.

 

Also the airlaines add new routes all the time ( and don't get me started on how ofdten th eprices change for flights) - then they cancel them or change them if they are not selling like they should. Sometimes they are the same year after year- more often though they tweak the weeks each year.

 

This year has been a strange one- pricing is all over the board- sales are rampant but sporadic-which at times means our suppliers haven't quite caught up with getting everything loaded and unloaded in their systems!

 

Unfortunately as TA's we don't have a crystal ball to say what will happen & when (I would love it if I had one though-woohoo-believe me I'd be traveling all the time!). We can only provide advice based on years prior.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Quote:
Originally Posted by TA Maureen View Post
It sounds like you signed a group contract if you have 10 rooms blocked off? If you sign a group contract you are agreeing to pay that price for those rooms. I try to explain to brides all the time that it is not always best to get locked into group rates but they iften insist since they have a group they want that group rate. It isn't always the best deal. yeah you may get the 26th passenger free or something like that but that's not really a big deal if your group can book individually an take advanatge of sale rates going on at the time of their booking. i can often get individual bookings adjusted and get the sale rate for my clients but a group contract often is binding.

Hopefully your TA is one of the good ones and she will look into it and see what can be done and maybe there is something that can be done.
She did tell me that the price was locked as that it wouldn't go higher but if it went down she could get the lower rate. But now that I'm reading the contract over, that is not stipulated in there. I'm going to lose money if everyone books through the other TA, but I can't stop them if it saves them money...and now FI is involved which I was trying not to have happen. this is awful.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Geez... $400 less is a lot to save for each guest. Plus, the fact that some guests can travel for free... I hope that agent can help out. I do agree that travel rates change so often sometimes from one minute to the next- Im sure it wasn't done on intentionally - it's just a chance we take.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I worked with DW.com too and had the same thing happen with Mexico and the swine flu. DId you already pay in full? If not, I would say go ahead and lose your $150 deposit and cancel with them and rebook the cheaper route. That is what I wish we had done.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

FI was so good about letting me do whatever I wanted with the wedding, but I have to say he was awesome about calling the TA and telling her what was going on, etc. Definitely had one of those "this is why I love him" moments!

 

She's gotten the price within $20 of the other TA - I'm waiting for her to send it in writing, and it also cuts a lot of $$$ off of our 10 day trip.

But she did accuse the other TA of lying....what a cut-throat business this is....

 

SIGH.....

 

Thank you everyone for your support.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ok, so Monday afternoon she told FI she'd get us this information. I emailed her this morning and he called her this afternoon and we haven't heard anything. I don't know if I'm being inordinately impatient, but I feel like even a quick email back (I know she has a blackberry) would be in order, especially when she knows that we're unhappy. On the website they have an email address and phone # for a manager - I think I'll be contacting her tomorrow.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Quote:
Originally Posted by jerseykitten View Post
She did tell me that the price was locked as that it wouldn't go higher but if it went down she could get the lower rate. But now that I'm reading the contract over, that is not stipulated in there. I'm going to lose money if everyone books through the other TA, but I can't stop them if it saves them money...and now FI is involved which I was trying not to have happen. this is awful.
have her try to negotiate the rooms currently booked at the lower sale rate. i am usually able to do this without a problem as well as book new reservations at the sale rate as long as the promotion is running, then after sale ends go back to the contracted group rate.

I haven't had an issue yet with the resort not crediting that reservations booked at the sale rate as part of the group.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


  • Best Destination Wedding Sponsors



    Facebook Pinterest Google+ Twitter
  • Posts

    • Hi everyone! I have been doing lots of research on various wedding venues all around Mexico, my fiance wants a destination wedding and I am happy to have a wedding wherever so long as the vibe is right and guests are happy!  I have been seriously looking at Cabo Azul and was trying to find potential costs for them, but only found a page about their wedding costs from 2010. Does anyone have any updated information on costs / reviews they would like to share of this venue? Or advice in general, anything helps. Thanks so much, happy wedding planning to all!
    • Hello everyone, I am dreaming of a wedding in Costa Rica and was wondering if I could get any help with venues and wedding planners. I am thinking Tamarindo because a close friend of mine lives there and I've been in town more than a couple of times, she's being helpful but is at a loss when it comes to this subject really so I was wondering if anyone here had recommendations. I am not closed to other town suggestions either, if I happen to find a good place and staff somewhere else. These are the places I have so far, has anyone had any experience with any of them?  Stay In Tamarindo Luxury Villas in Costa Rica Luxury Villas Pinilla Tropical Homes of Costa Rica The Point Luxury Villa Thank you so much for your help!
    • Have you ever considered having a wedding inside a bubble? With the current global situation, many couples are looking for unique and creative ways to celebrate their special day while keeping their guests safe. A wedding inside a bubble could provide a whimsical and intimate setting for your ceremony and reception. Imagine saying your vows surrounded by a beautiful bubble filled with twinkling lights and flowers, creating a magical atmosphere for you and your loved ones to enjoy.
    • Adult only resort or not? Let's discuss the pros and cons of choosing an adult-only resort for your honeymoon. While some couples may appreciate the peace and quiet that comes with an adults-only environment, others may prefer a more family-friendly atmosphere. What are your thoughts on this? Have you had any experiences at adult-only resorts that you'd like to share? Let's hear your opinions and recommendations!
    • When it comes to planning a wedding, one of the most exciting parts is choosing the perfect wedding favours for your guests. These small tokens of appreciation are a great way to thank your loved ones for being a part of your special day and to make them feel appreciated.
  • Topics

×
×
  • Create New...