The Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) is urging the traveling public to continue using travel agencies for their travel plans which it claims can never be replaced by any airline online service.

PTAA president Ma. Paz Alberto said the benefits of using the expertise of travel agencies far outweigh whatever promo and low priced tickets airlines can offer.

“Travel agencies can make the necessary adjustments with the travel itineraries of its clients. When booking online, an individual does not have options. Also, an airline’s website cannot help a person who has encountered a problem in their travel,” Alberto said

She also emphasized that airline web fare promos, although very much enticing in terms of supposed savings, is deceivingly priced at almost the same cost when coursed through a travel agency.

“There is really not much of a difference in terms of actual cost. A good travel agency can provide the traveler the same airline ticket with a 10 percent differential at the most,” Alberto said.

She added that a travel agency can also provide clients with a refund should there be a cancellation in the travel plans while online booking with airlines does not provide such option.

According to Alberto, the slight difference in cost is very much offset by the fact that a travel agency will continue to look after the welfare of its client long after the airline ticket has been purchased.

She said a travel agency can provide their clients with information to their destinations, book them with right hotel, assists in the passport requirements, and even process their visa needs.

“Travel agencies offer the total package. Airlines do not,” Alberto said.
The PTAA has been battling the online web fare promos of domestic and international airlines.

It has succeeded to persuade Philippine Airlines to enter into an agreement with them for the national carrier’s web fare promos to be aligned with the services offered by its members.

Alberto however said there is a growing perception among travel agencies that Cebu Pacific, which is very aggressive with its online web fare promos, is not prioritizing business discussions with them after initially having an informal meeting with them.