I have booked two trips throug STA Travel through both the Southampton and Portmouth branches. What I can't understand is how they are listed in the 'best travel agencies' hitlist- my only assumption is that ratees haven't booked through other agents and so don't know what service an agent should be providing.
On both occaisions I have been lied to in order to make the sale- including fibs such as 'I don't get paid commission'- info VOLUNTEERED by the agent, not questioned by myself! (which I've since found out is a load of rubbish). Also vaurious details about what is included and where the money goes to for the i-to- projects they sell. They will say anything.
STA Travel are effectively a booking agent. No other service provided. Expect to pay more at STA Travel (try last minute.com or other online retailers for cheaper flights), expect to look up info yourself (such as flight details, check in times etc) and expect to book airport pickups and organise dates of arrival with tour companies yourself.
They WILL NEVER ring you back - unless you are thinking of booking something, in which case, expect a call at least once a day - and they will expect you pay a balance with less that 24 hours notice.
If you haven't double checked everything individually with the companies and airlines you are travelling with, expect problems whilst your abroad (adds to the adventure I guess!). Greyhound coaches in OZ- STA had booked a leg of the journey without telling me (they had to by default) which caused a delay and problems abroad after I had to delay by a day to get to the office in Cairnes to rectify. They also had booked us on the wrong flights- flights that were 20 mins apart and other flights where we were seated 10 rows apart!
Book things yourself- it's less hassle!
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Advantages: All the benefits of STA (good prices, well-travelled and helpful staff etc) combined with no queues, you can take your time Disadvantages: You might not get an expert in the region you're travelling to; some innacuracies in their information system?
nikeair 24.01.2001 ·
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Review of STA Travel
Nov 8th, 2007
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