Okay, I just got word we're streamlining with the rest of reservations and charging people $10 pp to do a booking over the phone. This really bites because it'll turn away customers. It also makes me wonder about whether or not it'll affect our jobs here.
Booking through a call center.
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In November we were charged $5.00 to book over the phone instead of online.
Yeah, they upped it to $10/person now! 🙁 And being that I do vacation pacakages, it's unheard of for us. We're charging for stuff you can do online now too.
BuffaloJoe
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It really sucks for the people that don't have a computer or the people that refuse to use their credit card online. I have a friend that bought something online and her card number got out. She till this day will not do it ever again. She says its not worth all the crap that she must do being something that she was not in control of. Then a person goes to a travel agency and get charged a fee, due to the airlines not paying out like they used to. Sometimes I wonder if Computers are worth all it should be.
At least it's still $5 less than that crappy United Airlines who charges $15. I've never called to book a revenue ticket but I have had to call several times to book award tickets because united.com sucks.
I think Delta charges $10 but I've paid that only three times in the last two years since their website actually works, and two of those times were situations where I needed to book a flight leaving ASAP, so it's really just once where the website wasn't performing as well as the phone reps.
I've called Southwest only one time, not because the web site wasn't working (since it always does), but just to see if they answer the phone, which they do promptly. 🙂
I think Delta charges $10 but I've paid that only three times in the last two years since their website actually works, and two of those times were situations where I needed to book a flight leaving ASAP, so it's really just once where the website wasn't performing as well as the phone reps.
I've called Southwest only one time, not because the web site wasn't working (since it always does), but just to see if they answer the phone, which they do promptly. 🙂
Seriously. I really love the feature of one-use credit card numbers. I fully support those, and love CC companies that use that. I like the fact that you can lock it to one vendor too.
BuffaloJoe
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I will inform her about that. I know all the frustration she went thru. Thanks for the suggestion.
Flying Titan
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I don't think this will necessarily drive many more people to the website, which is the SandCastle's stated goal. Under the law of unintended consequences, I would imagine that this will drive a certain percentage of people to airlines that don't charge this much OR back to travel agents, since this fee is close to what many agencies are charging for a ticket. Of course, a travel agent has no reason to just put customers on US...so some of what would have been US pax will be lost to other carriers.
I totally agree. It would discourage me from calling in. Soon we'll be charging to make assign seats. (sarcasm) Why am I working here? I thought it was to provide customers with the knowledge and support I have with international destinations. I feel this has the potential to turn our customer base away.. the customer base that pays my paycheck.
US1YFARE
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Well, I can sort of see a non-elite getting charged to make a reservation over the phone, but only if the website actually worked!!!!!!!!!!!!! And, it doesn't, so the rule is stupid.
Are you saying that if you book a USAirways Vacation over the phone, you are now paying a booking fee? I think you will lose some people, particularly since you sell a lot of lower end hotels.
I'm shocked you are surprised. This airline is getting more trailer park everyday.
Oh, by the way, what do you tell them about Canada and Mexico (you know, the HP international destinations).... 😉 sorry, couldn't resist
ROFL. Well, we get a LOT of Calgary / Toronto PAXs going to LAS. I'm just surprised because I never thought management would stoop this low. We are trying to make revenue for the company, if that $10 fee cost us a $2000 booking, we're not making anything.Well, I can sort of see a non-elite getting charged to make a reservation over the phone, but only if the website actually worked!!!!!!!!!!!!! And, it doesn't, so the rule is stupid.
Are you saying that if you book a USAirways Vacation over the phone, you are now paying a booking fee? I think you will lose some people, particularly since you sell a lot of lower end hotels.
I'm shocked you are surprised. This airline is getting more trailer park everyday.
Oh, by the way, what do you tell them about Canada and Mexico (you know, the HP international destinations).... 😉 sorry, couldn't resist
Luckily I'm involved with International destinations like Europe, Caribbean and Mexico (lol) and even Hawaii! (GRIN.. must be INT'L cause we go over water??)
XUS
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Allegiant Airlines is ramping up to fly out of Greensboro, NC to 2 Florida destinations. They charge $11 per passenger, per segment, for assigned seats.
BuffaloJoe
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CynicalResAgent
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The sad thing is that I believe a national shoe store got their computer hacked and they stole the credit card numbers of people who bought stuff in person at the store. So it's not so much online purchases but almost any purchase where your number can be stolen.
Travel Agents typically charge a $25.00 service FEE. US Airways 10.00 Reservation FEE when calling in and our $20.00 ATO FEE is inline with OAL. Considering that DIVIDEND MILES award tickets can not be issued at the ATO you have to either do it online or call Perferred Desk, last I heard Plat and Chairmen did not pay for ticketing just Gold and Silver.
EXCOP
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