Travel arrangements for your guests??

[lshaef]

I was just wondering if most of you are having your guests book through a TA?  We have our wedding code for our guests to obtain the discounted rate at the resort which we have posted on our wedding website.  All they need to do is call the 800 number and book it and also book their flight.  I'm just wondering if we are asking everyone to do too much on their own???

[JanineA]

I don't think its asking everyone to do too much. We posted our discount code on our website for the hotel and airline and ask that people in their own time call and book. Unfortunately it didn't work out that way, instead everyone called me and gave me their CC info and asked me to book and though I have tried putting the responsibility back on them it just hasn't worked so I have been busy planning the wedding and booking everyone's travel arrangements. I'm just not firm enough. 

[lshaef]

Wow.  You must be very busy booking all of your guests.  I can't believe they are calling you to do it.  I can see my grandparents and maybe my mother asking me to do that but not everyone.  Good luck!!  Were you able to get a discount with the airline??

[JanineA]

Yes I have been completely frazzled! It started with just my mom, but then she told my Aunt who then called and asked me to book for her and so on and so forth till eventually I had friends calling me asking me to just call and make the arrangements for them. I think because everyone knows I don't have a conventional 9-5 (I'm a massage therapist), they figure I have more time on my hands. I did get a discount with the airline, I called AA's group reservations number and got a 5% discount code, so each person gets 5% discount on each leg of their travel. I didn't do a TA because the one I checked with needed us to all leave from the same airport on the same day and that was not possible. Are you using a TA?

[eholt]

I am using a TA but essentially they are just calling her and working out the details of their trip.  The discount codes are okay to give, but people may feel inclined to speak directly with you versus the actual hotel.  People have responded well to my TA and they find her very helpful.  I've made it clear that I will NOT be assisting with travel arrangements.  I say just get one.  It doesn't cost you anything. 

[JanineA]

I think a TA is a great way to go. I wish I could have gotten one but there wasn't one that was able to coordinate things the way we needed, but then again I didn't really make it a point to search for one. I tried three different ones and when they couldn't do it I gave up. I would definitely advise all future brides to get a TA it is worth it!

[lshaef]

 

 

Originally Posted by JanineA 

 

Yes I have been completely frazzled! It started with just my mom, but then she told my Aunt who then called and asked me to book for her and so on and so forth till eventually I had friends calling me asking me to just call and make the arrangements for them. I think because everyone knows I don't have a conventional 9-5 (I'm a massage therapist), they figure I have more time on my hands. I did get a discount with the airline, I called AA's group reservations number and got a 5% discount code, so each person gets 5% discount on each leg of their travel. I didn't do a TA because the one I checked with needed us to all leave from the same airport on the same day and that was not possible. Are you using a TA?

 

My FI said he called Continental and they will not honor a discount.  I didn't go with a TA since we had negotiated everything with the resort ourselves so now we can't use a TA.  Hopefully my guests will be ok booking on their own.  The older guests who are not computer savvy I am sure I will be helping but everyone else I expect to be on their own.

 

 

[wendyjd]

I used a TA for this very reason.  I don't want to be responsible for booking anyones trip except mine and FI.  My mom called to ask when I was going to do it... my response, I gave you the phone number for the TA, you need to do it yourself.  I can see her missing the flight and then trying to call me to fix it.  So my lovely mom dumped it on my brother's FI who will be travelling with her!! 

 

Good luck to you ladies booking for your guests!

[cookiemunchkin]

I tried working out group rates without a TA, and then tried with a TA and if I had to do it all over again I would use a TA right from the start!  If you find a good one, they know about all the promotional offers that we may not know about and can usually end up saving you some money on the actual travel costs as well as having the contacts to deal with directly at the airlines and resorts.

 

The key is finding a GOOD travel agent though.  A mediocre one can be more stress!

[MaryPregomay]

well...in regards with Travel arrangements, specifically transportation and accommodations, may be the initial concern of your friends and family members when you tell them about your plans for a destination wedding.