Being manager of a small independent travel agency is not easy. Reduced commission and the rise of direct-sell companies have contributed to the demise of the independents.
So when a decent booking like a short notice business class round the world comes along, we pull out all the stops to secure a good deal. But the day before travel we received a call from our client telling us that British Airways telesales had undercut us by £1,300.
After speaking to BA Rapport, it became apparent he had been sold a Oneworld Explorer fare which has a seven day advance purchase requirement.
We asked if we could offer our client the same deal but were refused.
We all know that rules are there to be bent occasionally but only if everyone has that opportunity otherwise it makes an uneven playingfield, making us look stupid and denying us the chance to make some decentcommission.
We’ve complained to BA and sent an invoice for the lost commission. Has anyone else suffered at the hands of the world’s favourite Airline?
Wallace Oram
Manager
L. Dens (Travel) Ltd
London