Travel Agent vs AI: The Smarter Choice
In a world where artificial intelligence can write essays, recommend restaurants, and suggest holiday destinations, it might be tempting to think you can plan your entire trip using AI. After all, AI can gather thousands of options in seconds — so why not?
The answer is simple: accuracy, reliability, and support when things go wrong.
AI Can’t Guarantee Accuracy
While AI can generate impressive-sounding travel recommendations, it doesn’t always work with live booking systems. That means the prices or itineraries you see may be out-of-date or simply unavailable.
For example, a recent test search for flights to London produced a tempting fare — around $1,000 cheaper than current market rates. The catch? It was a combination of two one-way tickets that could not actually be booked. The AI-powered platform let the user go all the way to the payment screen… only to fail at the final step.
A professional travel agent works with real-time systems and trusted suppliers, ensuring what you see is available and bookable — with no nasty surprises.
AI Doesn’t Vet Who You’re Booking With
When you book through a travel agent, you’re not just getting a product — you’re getting our guarantee that the suppliers we use are financially stable and deliver what they promise. We have long-standing relationships with trusted airlines, hotels, and tour operators, and we stand behind the products we sell.
AI, on the other hand, doesn’t apply human judgement. It can’t assess the reputation or reliability of a supplier. It can suggest a great-looking deal from a company you’ve never heard of — but will that company be there when you arrive? Or still be in business next month?
AI Can’t Rebook You in a Disruption
Travel disruptions happen — flights get delayed, schedules change, weather closes airports. This is where the difference between AI and a human agent becomes crystal clear.
AI won’t sit on hold with an airline for two hours to secure you a seat on the next flight. It won’t proactively reroute you through an alternative hub to make sure you get to that important meeting or family celebration.
In fact, some automated rebooking systems already used in the travel industry have failed dramatically — including one that recently booked a traveller to land in Auckland after their Auckland–Gold Coast flight had already departed. A travel agent would have spotted that in seconds.
AI Can’t Provide Personal Accountability
When you book through a travel agent, you have a real person who knows your travel preferences, understands your priorities, and will advocate for you if something goes wrong.
If your hotel room doesn’t match the pictures, your connection is too tight, or your luggage goes missing — you can call us. You can’t call AI.
Peace of Mind is Priceless
Booking travel is about more than just clicking “Buy Now” on a cheap fare. It’s about confidence — knowing you’ve got the right flights, the right accommodation, the right insurance, and someone in your corner if things don’t go as planned.
With a travel agent, you get:
Accurate pricing and availability
Financially secure and reputable suppliers
24/7 support during your trip
Expertise in creating smooth, well-timed itineraries
The reassurance of a human who is accountable for your booking
AI can suggest, but it can’t care — and when it comes to your travel, that’s the difference that matters.
Bottom line
AI is a powerful tool for ideas and inspiration, but it’s not a substitute for the expertise, care, and backup you get from a professional travel agent. When your holiday or business trip is on the line, nothing beats having a human expert on your side.
Or, as we like to say: Nothing beats a holiday booked by a real travel expert.