Booking Your Travel Online Can Have Drawbacks

With the recent bankruptcy declarations of Aloha Airlines and American Trans Air, many travelers who purchased tickets on their own through internet websites are simply "out the money."

News reports nationwide reported frustrated and stranded travelers. Thousands of disgruntled ticket holders were left without reasonable options.

More and more travelers are booking their own trips on the internet, without realizing the possible risks.

"As the owner of a local travel agency, specializing in Hawaii travel and cruises, we received numerous calls from people who booked their own travel through a variety of websites, including both the Aloha Airlines and American Trans Air websites," said Debra Storrs, the owner of Del Mar-based World Class Vacations and a Rancho Santa Fe resident. "We had people calling who had paid by debit card or airline credit card and were told by their bank they would have to go through the airline's bankruptcy process to recover their money."

This unfortunate situation could have been avoided.

"Clients purchasing their tickets through our licensed travel agency were protected with full refunds or a rebooking on the airline of their choice," Storrs explained. "We were able to reschedule 80-plus clients successfully over an eight-day period. We had clients who booked their hotel packages with our agency, but purchased their air travel on line. Many were stranded and unable to reach their destination. Had the air travel been booked through us, our wholesaler would have guaranteed their air travel on another carrier."

There are additional benefits when working with a licensed travel agency.

World Class Vacations offers its clients assistance in overcoming flight delays and other unexpected travel issues, as well as, planning the entire vacation travel experience.

"We have a staff of 10 travel associates," said Storrs. "We have personally visited nearly all popular destinations. We can custom design the travel plan and help avoid unpleasant surprises. And if problems arise we are only a telephone call away."

The internet is not an effective alternative to using an experienced, licensed travel agency.

"The internet can be a valuable resource for ideas and information," concluded Storrs. "But from what we have recently seen, it can lead to disastrous consequences. We will work hand-in-hand with your internet research and create a true 'World Class Vacation' that will be as memorable and enjoyable as you deserve."

For more information contact Debra Storrs at World Class Vacations. Telephone: 858/755-3599, e-mail: worldcls@aol.com