Pitfalls of booking my own flights

I'm sorry if this request is in the wrong place - I couldn't find where a new post should be entered!

Does anyone know if West Jet is a safe (ie money protected if it goes bust) airline for a flight to Canada?

Anything complicated, I use Trailfinders. They're pretty good.

Don't forget the travel insurance! We had to cancel our first planned trip Down Under because of a family bereavement. We had booked by phone through an agent (now defunct I think) and it took a long time to get our money back - we were insured so at least we got it in the end.

Oops, Trailfinders!

I use Travel counsellors: www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/gb/leisure

This is because I used to travel with my mother who lived to be 100 and the agent/counsellor comes to the house, uses his computer, and calls up options. This meant that my mother could participate in the planning and I knew that everything we had done was covered by their insurance.

Also at the time there was the ash cloud problem and I wanted to have someone in the UK who's job it was to get us back home.

Now my mother has died I still use the same counsellor but if his hotel prices are too expensive I get those on line myself.

They do charge more for credit cards and there is an implicit service charge if you look at a simple trip to Dublin say on Ryan Air, there is about £30 added. However he always prints out my boarding cards for going and coming on a 2 week holiday. And in Marrkesh this year I was happy to be sitting in my group waiting for the the transport to the airport and not to be the couple who found they had not got their boarding cards and were then off to an internet cafe to download and print them!!!!

I too am thinking of travelling to BC as I have friends in BC, Victoria and a Godmother (aged 96, bless her!) in West Van. We've done a package trip (Canadian Rockies and Vancouver) a couple of times with Newmarket, but as I want to travel independently now I'll definitely try trailblazers. Good advice, thanks to everyone on this page.

I would recommend Trailfinders too. They are also endorsed by 'Which'. Enjoy your holiday.

Friends of mine use a company called Trailfinders. Their travel plans are usually quite complex and they thoroughly recommend them. Also, they are always careful to get a bargain so I think they must be value for money.

I have two cousins in Canada - both have been there a long time . (1960s)
They visit UK and all over the world quite often.
I could ask them how they do it if you need.

gosh. Thank you Howjado for posting this question. I also have a sister in BC (Victoria) who I'm thinking of visiting, next Spring. I've read all the responses. How helpful everyone has been. Thank you all.

Great ! But please remember that you don't need to go to Trailfinders in person. (We never have!) You can do absolutely everything on the phone. And they have a helpful website. Good luck!

I used to be back and forward to Copenhagen/Aarhus when DH was still working and always booked online. Once I managed to misspell my surname and of course it was picked up at check-in. Luckily the girl assumed it was their fault and I was able to fly!

Every letter is double/triple checked now.

Thanks for all you comments and thoughts Grans. I have just checked and there is a Trailfinders in my nearest town. That is where I am heading next.

When I took 2 of my kids to Oz for 5 weeks I was tempted to book it all myself but chickened out and got a travel agent to sort out my complicated itinerary. She found that if I chose a more expensive flight out (Quantas) I got all my internal flights free saving me far more than I thought I was saving by booking myself with oojimaflip airways! Definitely best to go with an agent if there is any chance that things might go awry.

Like Stella, I cannot speak highly enough of Trailfinders. Last year DH and I used them (Manchester branch) to plan/book a three-month-around-the-world-trip and they were brilliant. The price they quote is the price you pay, with no nonsense and no extras. We've always found the staff to be professional, knowledgeable, patient, understanding, and courteous. They will answer any questions and deal with your concerns. (And no, we don't work for Trailfinders or have any connection with them, other than as customers!) Unlike some of the major airlines (e.g. American Airlines), Trailfinders will accept payment by credit cards with no extra charges. They are ABTA registered, so you can book with confidence. You can phone them, chat, ask for a quote, then go away and think about it - no pressure to buy or to commit. Our only child (and family) live in California, so we fly over there nearly every year. We used to book our own flights, but it has become such a hassle that we don't do this now - we find that it's well worth asking for help from an experienced and reputable service like Trailfinders. (And a lot less stressful!)

Rozina - I assume that you did not see the investigation by Channel 4 dispatches on Flight Centre. They charge what they think you will pay based upon your responses. Their staff are under severe pressure to meet targets. This is something about it.
www.travelweekly.co.uk/articles/61397/channel-4s-dispatches-investigates-flight-centre

Trailfinders can always get the best prices available from the airlines. Other 'lower prices' are simply the headline figure before the extra charges. It's easy to end up paying more than you would if you went to a trust worthy company. I have been using Trailfinders for over 20 years. I am pretty savvy about travel, but their people (who are extremely well trained and well travelled) invariably tell me something useful that I didn't know. They will be able to sort out your transatlantic and internal flights.

I always book my flights online making sure that I go with an aircraft of that country or at least a connecting one on a long haul having booked a through flight. I have never had any trouble at all maybe I am lucky
After watching the programme about Flight Centre I would be so reluctant to book with them.

Hi Howjado

I always use Flight Centre, worth spending the extra and they will produce an itinerary for you.

If you're flying to Vancouver, I would go for a direct flight.

Unless you really want to spend a few days looking at Toronto/Niagara Falls/Ottawa/whales, the hassle of stopover is surely a horrific waste of time and nerves, even if the direct flight is slightly dearer.

Inland flights in North America are reputedly very cheap.

If your connecting flight is with a different airline no one has responsibility for you. For example, I had two connecting flights on Continental. The first one arrive PhD late at Houston but before I even left the plane I was handed a ticket for a later connecting flight. If the second plane had been with a different airline I would have had to make my own arrangements.
Regarding Jalima's comment, if you change planes you have to go through immigration at your first place of call, collect your luggage and then hand it back in as you leave baggage reclaim. I have had to do this in both USA and China so think it applies everywhere. If you have bought anything in duty free, remember to stick it in your case before you hand it back in.
Travel safe and have fun.

I remember last year I think, on the news, a lady thought she was on her way to Granada in Spain and was chatting to the person sitting beside her and realised she was on her way to Grenada in the Caribbean. The airline were helpful and flew her back so she could catch the correct flight! I think it depends on how computer savvy you are and how confident. DH is good at this but I would be a bit nervous .

Also if your entire journey is on the one ticket this can provide benefits such as booking your luggage directly through to the destination even if different airlines are used.

That is a good point; the travel agent could also book connections if you have to change airports too.

I look on line and find the best price or long haul with one connection. Then go to the local co-op travel where they often match the price. They often can make a valuable suggestion and are there if I later have a question.

Also if your entire journey is on the one ticket this can provide benefits such as booking your luggage directly through to the destination even if different airlines are used. Also is easier should a first flight be late for a connection. And you pay only once for an extra case I.e. not for both flights as you would if they are booked separately.

I like to have the back up of an ATOL registered travel agent.

I rarely book my own flights as my trips are often to weird places plus complex itineraries. I always use Trailfinders. Brilliant service. They also often come up with alternative routings that are much better than the thoughts in my own head.

Have a great trip.