Travel Agent Errors

A study by Topaz Enterprises, a Portland, Ore.-based air fare auditing firm specializing in business travel cost reduction, reviewed the errors made by travel agents in second-quarter, 1994, audits. The most costly mistake when booking domestic flights was not suggesting an alternate airport. Errors are defined by the policies of Topaz’s corporate clients.

Type of agent error: Average cost to traveler

Alternate nearby airport not offered: $154

Route selection resulted in higher fare: $150

Airline selection resulted in higher fare: $141

Fare break point resulted in higher fare*: $139

Capacity-controlled discount not offered: $125

Agent did not wait-list for a lower fare: $123

Advance-purchase discount not offered: $108

Frequent-flier discount not used**: $89

Failure to offer negotiated air fare: $78

Calculation error by travel agent: $57

* A cheaper ticketing option existed, such as when two separate tickets cost less than one through a hub.

** Delta Air Lines offers some first-class discounts for frequent fliers.

Source: Topaz Enterprises Inc.