Hurricanes have travel agents proving their value all over again
Travelweek.ca. Kathryn Folliott
Not only are travel agents now re-booking travellers in the wake of Irma and Maria, during the height of hurricane season they were pulling off near-miracles to help their clients – and sometimes, complete strangers.
As Irma made its way up to the U.S., one Vision Travel agent posted on his Facebook page that he was a travel advisor with access to an airline booking engine. He helped two families he didn’t know get out of Florida just one day before Irma hit.
One TPI travel agent said she had clients in destination and impacted by Irma who were sent home early, “and they were e-mailing and messaging me asking what they should do and what changes were being made to their plans. I also had numerous clients departing on the days the storm was hitting who were very unsure of what to do and were constantly seeking advice. I felt like I was a travel advisor, therapist, friend and miracle worker all in one last week.”
Luckily the airlines, tour operators and resorts “went above and beyond in every case to help clients, even bending the normal policies to accommodate requests to get clients rebooked. It was encouraging to work with our suppliers and feel like we all wanted what was best for the client.” FULL STORY