Yes, I would pay for the service (I believe I have answered that above). And as far as how much I would pay, that’s a preposterous question to ask – it’s one that I would have to negotiate with the individual that was considering offering the service.

The article was meant to highlight the myriad of aspects of things that folks look for in an agent and admittedly is not a list that one individual could fulfill. I have found agencies that, between the entire team, could provide that service, and I have paid them for it in the past.

Like any profession, there are niches where folks can name their price. And, as a hint to folks looking for good well-rounded service, even if its not as comprehensive as described above, look for an agency that also counts an international corporation (such as mine) as a client – they usually have seen, heard and done it all (or most of it).

Or find a retired travel agent with a soft spot for family, like my dad!

Do you expect this from everyone with whom you do business?

Unless you can state precisely in real dollars how much you are willing to pay for this service, I find your list of expectations preposterous in an industry where the compensation is so low.

You forgot to include your dad’s contact info! =)

I love this list. It’s not too much to ask of any service provider, actually.

Might I add a point? Perhaps a part b to your familiarity note.

I want a travel agent who knows when to take the kid gloves off If I’ve told you my passport number and frequent flier number by heart, might that be a sign to shut up with the travel 101: “You need to be at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight.” Ahhh!!

The willingness to pay for service was implicit – I’ve travelled enough to know that one has to pay for the privilege of using a travel agent. And, as my other colleagues have pointed out., in many ways using an agent SAVES you money in the long run.

As I’ve commented before, many folks operate on the assumption that they are special and gifted and they will have no worries, yet if any of the scenarios evolve that require the special services of an agent – a ticket re-issue, replacing a lost connection – an agent will often get it done at no extra cost, or with minimal fees incurred. If the traveler had to buy another ticket to replace a missed connection, they’ve already shelled out more than an agent’s commission in many cases.

Thanks for reading and I’m glad my list didn’t seem too onerous to many. I’m not as super picky as I thought!

When I say “almost”, what I missed in your list was your willingness to care and compensate this service excellence individual who will put all of your needs ahead of their own family and personal life requirements so that you may travel care-free. Experience, knowledge, flexibility, availability and the countless hours of research spent knowing you intrinsically will come with an investment and are you willing to invest as much in your Personal Travel Assistant and their livelihood as they are in you? If you are willing to invest, then wisely protect your investment. This includes not only thinking on a monetary basis, but a deep mutual respect as well as a practice of patience, consideration, appreciation and kindness.

Perhaps adding your “willingness to invest” as number 10 in your list will help find that which you so desire.