Best way to book? Online, in Thomson shop, or other TA?

[postcardswansea]

Just looking for thoughts on the way most people here make their bookings to get the best balance of price / customer service / availability / options, etc.

 

In all honesty, we'd probably just go with the best price, but would consider paying a little extra if there was a perceived advantage.

 

I've started looking at a Cuban Fusion & Pride of Panama cruise this winter and I've a sneaky feeling I might know where the 'just looking' stage could lead! (all too easily)

[WeeCountyMan]

I'm not sure if it's still the case, however acouple or so years ago Thomsons shops started charging £25 to make bookings in store.

 

I've never had any issues doing online reservations.

 

Other TAs will quote, so you can shop around.

[SausPud]

Not allowed to mention TAs on this website, I hinted and got told off.

[Pensioncruiser]

I think it varies depending what's on offer, just best to research your holiday first on line then check with all suppliers.;)

[ormy]

Got to be Tui Shop every time - any problems and they are there to sort them - no premium phone charges to worry about and questionable customer services, worth £25 to us.

[Jim The Scot]

Get your best online price,then pop into TUI shop and an indepenent TA and see what their price is.Always found an independent TA cheaper

 

Last week saw what I thought was a good deal/ price for a 14 night cruise in TUI shop window.Priced it on TUI online when I got home and it was £150 cheaper

[Malleykatt]

Hi......watch the prices online. We went in store to book as we wanted multiple cabins for our summer cruise from Corfu and wanted them close to each other. TA priced it all up.....shock ...£940 more than I had looked at online half hour before. She asked how I had got that price and as I had printed it off gave her the quote. Needless to say it was matched. We've used Tui/ Thomson for years but very few discounts out there.

Didn't get charged £25 though.

[WeeCountyMan]

Not allowed to mention TAs on this website, I hinted and got told off.

 

Likewise.

 

However, my understanding is that this prohibition is only on naming specific TAs, not the profession as a whole, as the former is assumed to be a commercial recommendation.

[SausPud]

Likewise.

 

However, my understanding is that this prohibition is only on naming specific TAs, not the profession as a whole, as the former is assumed to be a commercial recommendation.

 

And that is why the post that was mentioning the company by name and number has been removed and the posts not being left.

I didn't feel the need to edit my original post but thanks for bringing it up.

[WeeCountyMan]

I didn't clock your removed post, so I can't comment.

[WeeCountyMan]

Got to be Tui Shop every time - any problems and they are there to sort them - no premium phone charges to worry about and questionable customer services, worth £25 to us.

 

Whenever I've had to call Thomsons/TUI it's always been a standard UK landline number, never come across a Premium rate number.

[Reina del Mar]

Local TUI shop will match online price but charge admin fee of £30.

 

They input passport details and print out boarding passes for this princely sum.

[jono mono]

Look at a cashback site,just the same as online but a % off !!

[Jayneykul]

We have just booked our 1st cruise with Marella online for Explorer 26.5.18 it was £320 less each than in the shop. They did offer to price match subject to a £35 service charge

[Pensioncruiser]

Look at a cashback site,just the same as online but a % off !!

Still waiting my topcasback after ten months[emoji15]

 

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[WeeCountyMan]

Look at a cashback site,just the same as online but a % off !!

The cashback sites link and redirect you to the regular TUI website and track your booking for future payback.

 

TopCashback is slow to do so in my experience, but Pensioncruiser's case seems out of order.

 

I recently booked a TUI hotel package via Quidco - waiting to see how long before cashback.

[Pensioncruiser]

I feel in my case they will not pay until I have paid the balance. But I have used them again for next year fingers crossed.

 

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[WeeCountyMan]

I feel in my case they will not pay until I have paid the balance.

 

Gotcha, thanks, all is now clear - I had taken it that you were still waiting ten months after settling the whole cost.

[Jim The Scot]

Companies linked to cashback sites have T&C

 

Eg,I have booked and paid in full for an overnight hotel stay at airport and 15 days parking but wont receive cashback until 30 days after our stay

[jono mono]

Still waiting my topcasback after ten months[emoji15]

 

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Waited ages from Quidco,gave them a nasty e-mail and they banned me ,completely forgot about it ,two years later an email saying it was in my account and it was, £20, (took it out sharpish lol ) yes there is a wait ,yes it's slow ,but if it is the same price what;s to lose ! :)

Edited March 29, 2018 by jono mono
spelling

[A Man called Hoss]

Just booked for the Explorer March 3rd Caribbean, TUI shop price matched the online cost, there was £73 pp difference.

Flying from Newcastle, so have taken the plunge now as too few flights from N/castle to Barbados.

Not sure if prices fluctuate much later on. It's our first time with Thomsons since Island Explorer about 12 years.

We enjoyed it but have done Pando ever since. Grats and drinks prices a bit high now, so we thought we'd give marella another go.

[Pensioncruiser]

We kept our on on the prices last year and in the main they increased.

 

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[postcardswansea]

Thanks for all your replies. I know there's no one-size-fits-all answer, but it's great to hear how you all book things.

 

I'm currently keeping an eye on the online price, and will see what the TAs can come up with.