Travel agent gone AWOL

[andrewh3]

I had not considered approaching AFF directly. I have always found posters and the forum generally really helpful and appreciate it is an open forum with no legal obligations. In retrospect perhaps I should have checked the agent’s credentials more carefully but had assumed such a high profile person, who seemed really nice, knowledgeable and helpful would be reliable too when problems arise. A classic case of ‘buyer beware’ but thank you for all the help and advice.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I had not considered approaching AFF directly. I have always found posters and the forum generally really helpful and appreciate it is an open forum with no legal obligations. In retrospect perhaps I should have checked the agent’s credentials more carefully but had assumed such a high profile person, who seemed really nice, knowledgeable and helpful would be reliable too when problems arise. A classic case of ‘buyer beware’ but thank you for all the help and advice.

By all accounts i think your initial assessment was correct. Madrooster has assisted many on AFF with very happy results.

So it’s strange what has happened here.

 

[SeatBackForward]

By all accounts i think your initial assessment was correct. Madrooster has assisted many on AFF with very happy results.

So it’s strange what has happened here.

I've had no issues across a number of years now. Agree that something strange is happening, or perhaps its a temporary situation?
But it's best left for them to answer or contact the OP directly.

 

[I love to travel]

It seems AFTA has rebranded! The search engine still shows AFTA, and the opening sentence is: The Australian Federation of Travel Agents Limited (AFTA) is the peak body for Australia's travel businesses and represents the majority of retail and corporate travel agents, tour operators, wholesalers and consolidators.

Although elsewhere they say ATIA was originally established as AFTA.

Disagree that it is nothing to do with the airline… the travel agent is the agent for the airline, not the passenger. The contract of carriage is with the airline. If the travel agent has gone AWOL, an airline should step up to help. And probably the right person in the airline could help… but that probably outside the scope of the call centre.

‘Just because’ airlines always refer you back to the agent doesn’t mean they can’t make exceptions, or that that’s legally binding.

If an airline requires ticketing changes but the agent has gone, the airline can’t perform its contract. So they have to be able to step in where required.

I must admit would have never occurred to me to check any travel agent for accreditation

 

[bam71]

I don’t mean to be a barer of bad tidings, but this reminds me of a situation of a friend some years back. She was an accountant, small business sole trader she worked from home. She became very very ill and was unable to respond to her client’s requests. Friends stepped in to answer her phone/emails etc and tell her client’s they needed to find another accountant.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Who does madrooster use to issue tickets with, he must have some affiliation with one of the home based agent networks or similar to access the GDS and issue tickets. They would be the person to go to. What's written on your e-ticket?