80 Pax Multi-Leg Booking

[exceladdict]

Hi All

I wanted to lean on the collective wisdom of AFF for a colleague who is responsible for a multi-leg booking of about 80pax, to the tune of about $1300pp. Traditionally, they use a travel agent to arrange flights and insurance. As far as I can see it, the travel agents are probably taking a fair commission, but I'm not sure if this is a large enough number to engage airlines (and then a corporate insurer) directly.

As far as I'm concerned, TAs are just middlemen anyway, and don't have much power to provide a value add other than reducing bother.

If you're a TA, please don't be offended, I'm looking for you to prove me wrong!

Thanks and keen to hear the board's collective thoughts.

 

[Mogul]

Ring the airline direct.

 

[Denali]

I know our PA has worked with airlines direct for approx. 15 people so well worth contacting them.

 

[gaz0303]

QF have a group booking service for groups of 10+. Qantas Flights | Make a group booking with Qantas

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Hi All

I wanted to lean on the collective wisdom of AFF for a colleague who is responsible for a multi-leg booking of about 80pax, to the tune of about $1300pp. Traditionally, they use a travel agent to arrange flights and insurance. As far as I can see it, the travel agents are probably taking a fair commission, but I'm not sure if this is a large enough number to engage airlines (and then a corporate insurer) directly.

As far as I'm concerned, TAs are just middlemen anyway, and don't have much power to provide a value add other than reducing bother.

If you're a TA, please don't be offended, I'm looking for you to prove me wrong!

Thanks and keen to hear the board's collective thoughts.

I would say the only option is to do it through the airline direct. The airline will be happy to deal with you because they save on travel agent commission, and I'm guessing you might be able to negotiate an overall reduction on the fare based on the numbers.

I suppose a travel agent will have the advantage of collecting all the monies and simplifying all of that side things?

 

[Hvr]

I guess one thing to be aware of is how flexible will the airline be with name changes?

I can guarantee that with 80 people you will have multiple name changes and without flexibility to change then there will definitely be tears before bedtime.

Basically you would want to book 80 seats and provide names at the latest possible time. If people want to travel they pay their money and if they cannot attend then they lose their money unless someone else takes the seat. Make sure the booking person isn't liable for shortfalls in numbers.

 

[smit0847]

Send the quote request out to a few travel agents and then compare with what the airline direct is offering you - every travel agent in the world would be salivating at the thought of this commission and would work 24/7 to help you. There's an excellent TA I know if you want a recommendation.

 

[Flying Fox]

Make sure you collect all the money and then pay on your credit card.

I'm happy to collect the money and pay on my CC if you prefer

 

[exceladdict]

Thanks very much everyone. I and my colleague appreciate the advice.

Flying Fox, appreciate the offer, I'll just have to fight off everyone else wanting those bonus points on Qantas spend!