Am hoping some others can give me information regarding Travel Agent booking fees.
Today I contacted Travelscene for friends who are travelling to Bali in about 10 days. I was reminded by someone yesterday about specials Travelscene advertised a few weeks ago with 8 nights at Suri Wathi for $50.
My friends are booked into Suri Wathi but have not been able to secure either Superior or Deluxe rooms as they are fully booked. I thought this may have been due to a wholesaler reserving those rooms for the specials on offer.
As it turned out this was not the case as there is a blackout period when they are travelling and the specials dont apply. The agent told me this special was for standard rooms inc breakfast. [This is contrary to what another person on this forum has been told so that in itself is confusing but not really relevant to my question].
While talking to the agent he informed me that with these particulars specials they made no commission and therefore there was a booking fee involved which is $110 AUD per person. I was quite shocked by the amount and he then explained this was the only way agents could cover their costs with such specials.
He went on to say that it has been the practice of many Agents for about 18 months. I have never heard of an amount like this being charged. For the last 3 years I have handled my own bookings both flights and accomodation.
Can anyone tell me if this is common practice with TA's these days?
Thanks for any replies...cheers :-)