Survey Shows Increased Reliance On Travel Agents Since Sept. 11 Attacks
ORLANDO, Fla.--Oct. 11, 2001--Seven out of ten adult leisure travelers say they will rely as much or more on the advice of travel agents than they did before the events of September 11, according to a survey released today by AAA, the largest leisure travel agency in North America.Seventy-six percent of survey respondents said that given the current travel environment they are just as likely or more likely to seek the services of full-service travel agents.
The national survey, conducted by Opinion Research Corp. between Oct. 5 - Oct. 8, sampled the opinions of 506 U.S. adults who had taken a leisure trip in the past 12 months. The margin of error for the survey is plus or minus 4.3 percent.
Among those planning to take a trip by airplane in the next 12 months, 84 percent of those surveyed said they would be just as likely or more likely to consult a travel agent.
"Whether you speak with a AAA travel agent or an agent of another company, I can't recommend strongly enough seeking advice from a travel professional before you take a trip in these uncertain times," said Sandra Hughes, vice president of Travel, AAA. "This is especially true of air travel since schedules can change on a moment's notice these days," she said.
During the current travel environment, other advantages to working with travel agents include:
| -- | Advising you about last minute airline schedule changes and layover times, finding the best fares, issuing tickets and reserving seats. |
| -- | Updating you on the latest airline and airport security requirements. |
| -- | Reserving and keeping you informed about tour package and cruise line schedule changes, as well as booking car rental and hotel reservations to meet your specific travel and security needs. |
| -- | Explaining and recommending travel insurance. |
| -- | Advising you about weather conditions and recommending what to pack. |
| -- | Providing passport and visa forms, information on inoculations and updates on official travel advisories if you are traveling outside of the United States or Canada. |
With the holiday travel season just around the corner, it makes good sense, according to Hughes, for people who may not regularly check with a travel agent before traveling at Thanksgiving to do so this year.
"Despite the tragic events of September 11, many people will be going home to family this Thanksgiving holiday," Hughes said. "Even people who don't regularly check with a travel agent each Thanksgiving may want to give extra thought to it when making plans this year."
AAA has more than 1000 accredited, full service travel agency offices serving 44 million members and the public. Travel services include worldwide air, cruise and rail tickets, tour packages, hotel and car rental reservations and a variety of travel insurance programs.
