Um… you want a quote for a flight from Calgary to Montreal? Why? Is your computer broken? No seriously. I don’t think there are many travel agents out there any more who actually sit down with a client and research the best flights into Montreal, Halifax or whatever. Air Canada and Westjet have done an excellent job of taking that task off our shoulders.
Of course we book domestic flights for our clients who are booking other arrangements with us – that special China package with flights out of Vancouver or that drop dead deal for Turkey that includes flights out of Toronto. Got to get the people out of Calgary for that connection and that’s part of the service. But that flight to Victoria that you want to book to go and visit your cousin? I don’t think so.
I like to tell people right up front so there is no awkwardness – kind of like telling the guy on your first blind date… Um I do have two kids and um I am kinda unemployed at the moment…but I make a mean meatloaf! So when we do have people come in (and we do have a lot of seniors in our area) I usually like to ask them if they have a computer or a son or daughter who can help them on their computer to book the ticket.
But then we will get the Extremely Clever People. I do my little spiel about the ticketing fee. Mr E.C.P. will then say “sure that’s fine. So can you check all the flights from Calgary to Halifax with stops in Ottawa on the way from now until Christmas and let me know which day of the week it will be cheaper.”
(pause for breath)
Certainly sir. Will that be debit or credit? In advance. Like now. Yes before I look.
