Everybody has a holiday story to tell, but travel agents have plenty before you have even left the country. It can’t be easy for travel agents having to book holidays, surely with some degree of jealousy, so they really don’t need any more hassle. But sadly for them that’s what they get. Take a look at these true travel agent stories, and the next time you book a holiday check out your facts.
The Customer is Always Right
A man called to complain about not having an Ocean view during his stay in Orlando, Florida. The travel agent tried to explain that Orlando was inland and was not beside the coast, “Don’t lie to me,” the irate caller replied, “I looked on the map and Florida is a very thin state.”
Another call was from an American woman saying she wanted to book a holiday in Cape Town. The travel agent diligently talked her through prices, flight times and hotels when the woman said, “I don’t want to make you sound stupid, but Cape Town is in Massachusetts, not South Africa.” The travel agent replied, “That’s Cape Cod madam, Cape Town is in South Africa.” The caller hung up.
Fortunately travel agents also get calls from people who are a little more blasé about their mistakes like the lady who called and said: “I need a flight from Pepsi-cola on one of those computer planes.” The puzzled agent replied “Do you mean you want to fly to Pensacola on a commuter plane.” The caller replied, “Yeah, whatever.”
Then there was another American woman who wanted to make a reservation aboard a plane “from Chicago to Hippopotamus, New York,” she said. The confused agent replied, I don’t know of a Hippopotamus in New York. Are you sure that’s the name of the town?” “Yes, what flights do you have?” replied the customer. “I’m sorry, ma’am, I’ve looked up every airport code in the country and can’t find a Hippopotamus anywhere.” The customer retorted, “Oh don’t be silly. Everyone knows where it’s in New York. Check your map!” So the agent looked at his map of New York and quizzically asked, “You don’t mean Buffalo, do you?” “That’s it!” the woman replied, “I knew it was a big animal!”
Young Travelers are the most Naive
A young girl phoned wanting to book a flight from Washington DC to Seattle and when she was asked her reason for flying she said she was planning to fly domestically so she could get more stamps on her passport.
But it’s not just American women phoning travel agents who are not very bright, the English are as bad. One woman wanting to book a flight to Spain asked for an aisle seat because she didn’t want to mess her hair up by sitting near the window.
Another British woman had booked a flight online from London to Cape Verde but was told she had to change in Lisbon. She later phone up the tour operator and asked “Why do I need to change my clothes in Lisbon?”
Then there was the caller who asked, “Instead of paying for my ticket, can I donate the money to the Cancer Foundation.” It’s a nice thought, but no!
So if you think you have a tough job and have to deal with irate customers and stupid people, spare a thought for travel agents.
It’s hoped that you have enjoyed these true stories from travel agents. This is an article sponsored by e-rentals, why not book now from a large range of car hire/rental options all around the world.
