[unclebilly]

11 years ago was the last time I used a travel agent for personal travel. We had a 2 week vacation booked through France, England, Ireland and finishing up in Scotland for my SIL’s wedding. Then my mother passed away right before we were set to leave.

The travel agent was a ‘certified bish’ about making changes to our itinerary. From my perspective, cost was no object. In the end we only went to England, Ireland, and Scotland and the trip was a bit rushed.

For work travel, we either used a travel agent or had a girl in HR book our international travel. The travel agent really helped me out a few times, including the time I had to get home from SAN Antonio after my wife had a miscarriage. I got news from my wife at about 4:30 PM and was out of there by 5:00 PM. I made it home around midnight and was calling an ambulance for her a few hours later when she hemmhoraged. If I didn’t make it home, I’m sure she would have died that night (she needed 2 transfusions and in the end, the doctor pushed her into the OR on the stretcher in quite a panic).

When my brother and I had to go to Bangkok to rescue my father a few years ago, we flew Air Canada and dealt directly with the airline to change itineraries, etc. We knew when we booked our flights that the return date was going to change pending my dad’s condition. This worked out for the best as we had to deal with the medical department. They really took care of us.

So travel agents still have a place for some travel. YMMV.

I don’t understand why your travel agent friend would have recommended another agent and not helped you directly.