During my travels yesterday, I was sitting in the Miami Airport when I heard more than one frantic couple approach the gate agent trying to figure out what they could do for their cancelled flights. One couple stood out to me. They started to panic about their hotel reservation and transportation in Barbados. One traveler was calling the destination while the other traveler was trying to figure out the flight situation. American Airlines could not get them on a flight until today. They needed to find a hotel for the evening in Miami. The gentleman was on hold for over an hour before he got through only to find out he needed to call the third party vendor he booked with. He was frustrated at the destination when he hung up. He then called the third party vendor and I heard him tell his wife there was a message that due to the high call volume his call will be answered within a 90 minute window. He was furious and made it known to the entire lounge we were sitting in.
Now you may be asking yourself, why am I telling you this story? Well the number one reason is traveling is not as convenient as it used to be. Consumers are experiencing flight delays, missed connections and cancellations. Resorts are not re-opening on time and travel restrictions are changing daily. Hold times for vendors are the highest they have been in years.
While I admit it is easier for my clients to change their flights at the airport with a gate agent, one call to me and I would have made a hotel reservation for the evening and sent them to check in. While they are on the way to their hotel for the evening, I would have called the vendor to adjust their check in date and rearranged their transportation. I would then send them an updated itinerary. Many people do not realize my services are at no additional cost to you. As a consumer you will often pay the same amount for your vacation through me as you would if you booked directly with the destination.
At Grand Luxe Destinations we not only help families create memorable customized vacation experiences, we also handle every last detail from start to finish and everything in-between. In emergency situations we are just a call away to assist you.
Contact your favorite Grand Luxe Destinations agent to begin planning your next adventure!
