Pulaski travel agents and Goldrush Getaways travel agents should all join Orbitz for Agents. The first five hundred agents to join will make additional commissions through March of 2011. The platform is easy to use and eliminates many of the issues for home based agents in confirming that they can assist their friends and families in booking travel and competing with online agencies.
This does not replace your ability or need to book directly with preferred vendors or providers. This option does not maximize saving for your customers or maximize your commissions. It also does not eliminate issues or drawbacks of booking with an online agency. I must remind you of the increased flexibility and ability to resolve issues by booking directly with travel provider or through our preferred vendors.
This is a tool to put in your travel agent toolbox for use when a client brings you a package put together by Orbitz utilizing multiple vendors. I am recommending that you sign up but be very familiar with the terms of use, rules and restrictions BEFORE utilizing the site.
Three rules that stand out:
1) Orbitz for AgentsSM rates, information, and taxes are subject to change without notice. PRICES ARE NOT GUARANTEED UNTIL THE PRODUCT OR SERVICE HAS BEEN PAID IN FULL, AND YOU RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION E-MAIL MESSAGE THAT THE RESERVATION HAS BEEN COMPLETED.
2) Orbitz for AgentsSM packages are NON-REFUNDABLE, NON-CHANGEABLE AND NON-TRANSFERABLE. For hotel reservations, suppliers may charge fees when you change or cancel a hotel reservation. Trip Insurance may be available and is NON-REFUNDABLE, NON-CHANGEABLE AND NON-TRANSFERABLE
3) All airline tickets will be issued as electronic tickets. Name changes are not allowed. All passenger air transportation is subject to the terms and conditions of the tariffs, contracts of carriage, regulations, polices, terms and conditions (including Warsaw Convention notices) of the operating airline. Minimum check in times may apply. In the event of a delay or cancellation, the airline is solely responsible for determining and providing compensation, if any, to the passenger(s).
The new site does allow agents to book and assembly custom packages for clients and add a service fee and mark ups. Where this tool may prove valuable is combining air and car or hotel and car packages with vendors that do not have an existing partnership.
The one tool that is missing is the ability to search and book air only. The ability to book air and add a service fee would add value to this site as a tool for agents. I have requested such an option from Orbitz for Agents.
