Vent about my TA

[Christine]

if you do decide to go with another TA, TA Jill got married in Cancun and would be a great choice to help you out.

[Dez921714]

Thanks! There's no doubt that if I change TA's it will be to use someone from this forum!!!!!

[Bride010101]

Just wanted to let you know I'm in a semi-simialr situation. A Jan 2009 brides w/ no real rates to give our guests.

 

However our difference might be that we are not doing the group rate - so maybe its a different situation.

 

We and our guests are waiting until June/July to book anything per our TAs recommendation. Apparently then more vendors are open and rates should be cheaper. Right now most hte rates are directly through the resort which are pretty high. I was nervous that my TA was putting us in the wrong direction - but one of the wonderful TAs on the site told me it was the way to go!

 

But as I said... no group rate... so probably not that helpful! Good luck! And if you aren't getting answers - I would defintely suggest the TAs on the site. They have been very helpful!

[MissyR]

I hear you on everything here! My TA is the worst business person I have ever met - useless, stressed out (umm hello this is your job!), disorganized, unhelpful etc etc etc. Essentially I have done all the planning arranging, assisting guests etc. we used her becuase she OWNS the travel company my FI's mom work's part time at - NIGHTMARE. Our package flight is now sold out - yeppers - eight months out. So now we are looking at a second option.

 

In terms of rates, do not panic as this is totally normal and we went through the same thing this year and last year with FI's best friend who got married in Mexico too. We bugged our TA for 6 months - she kept saying 6-8 months before while in reality we got our rates in mid-January for a November 27 wedding.

 

When I look on line I can book trips up to December 17 of this year - I would guess that by May there should be rates appearing - ours haven't fluctuated much from last year or since they were first released!

[JenniferSS]

As much as I would love to have you use one of the TA's here on the forum I have to let you know that it seems to be an epidemic across the board for January 2009 and beyond group prices. The resorts have been extremely slow in getting back to our suppliers with rates....as are the airlines.

 

For group rates I use several suppliers and see who is offering the best rates and value for my brides- I have several quotes out for pricing for my January 2009 brides and I am getting the same answer from all of them- a couple of days, a couple of weeks..... I've never had it take this long!

 

Another thing that I am noticing is that the prices that are coming down the pike for group rates are higher than one would expect. Depending on resort/ time of travel and group policies it may be an overall better value to do individual reservations as opposed to a group. You may want to ask your TA to check into it so that you can compare.

 

I know how hard it can be to be patient when you have guests chomping at the bit and calling you but it sounds like your TA is really doing all that she can and is on top of it.

[Dez921714]

Thank you everyone! It makes me feel better to know that I am not the only bride experiencing this (FI will feel better too when I tell him).

 

It also makes me feel better hearing it from a TA. I know our TA is embarassed that she has to keep telling me she doesn't have prices yet. Next time I talk to her, I'll let her know it's not just the company she uses.

[Betsy]

WTF? I think you are being so calm about this! I would've switched TA's already! Why can't she give you a price? That doesn't make any sense to me - that was the first thing we got from our TA. I think you should call her and tell her you need a group price TODAY or you are switching - and don't feel bad - that is her job and if someone else isn't holding up there end of the deal she needs to figure something out! Sorry I am mad for you!!