Travel agencies defended

Travel agencies defended

The recently announced agreement between the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and Travelocity, the internet giant, urging AARP members (seniors over the age of 50) to replace their local retail travel agent and make all of their bookings over the Internet via Travelocity could have a serious negative impact on seniors who presently rely on the special services and safeguards that local travel agencies provide.

Furthermore, contrary to the "use Travelocity" pitch that AARP is promoting, local retail travel agents have the ability to provide AARP members and other seniors with virtually any and all of the special AARP member and other discounts available from travel suppliers on the Travelocity site.

The tremendous advantage of using local retail agents in preference to Travelocity is that local agents provide personal services and are in a position to offer advice and assistance to their clients, not only in obtaining the best price but also in their ability to help determine which travel service would be best for each individual client.

As millions of travelers learned the hard way immediately following the 9/11 disaster and the launching of the war in Iraq, anytime something goes wrong with an airline ticket or when flight changes are required, it has been proven time and time again that a local travel agent, not an impersonal Internet booking machine, is in the best position to be of help.

Because senior citizens often require and need more assistance, it is truly a disservice for AARP to suggest that they stop utilizing the services of the local travel agent who has taken care of their travel needs over the years.

For the best rates and service, we urge you to continue to depend on your local travel agent.

Tom Merkens, owner

Village Travel

Westlake Village