‘Everybody’s having a crisis:’ Travel agents slammed as many flights delayed, cancelled

Freezing temperatures and stormy conditions are causing delays and cancellations of Saskatchewan flights and keeping travel representatives glued to their phones.

Terry Kaszas, general manager of travel service for CAA Saskatchewan, said travel agents are extremely busy trying to deal with all of the issues as best they can. To do that, he said they’re working collaboratively with each other and reaching out to suppliers in their efforts to help affected travellers.

Caryl Allen, office manager of CAA’s Saskatoon East Travel Consultants branch, said in an email that all representatives at her branch have been locked to their phones, largely waiting on hold with airlines on behalf of their clients, often for hours at a time, trying to help sort out the problems.

Travellers experiencing problems with their holiday destination plans should stay in contact with their travel agents, check for updates on their flights and stay tuned to relevant websites and apps to ensure they have the latest information, Kaszas recommended. Those stuck at airports should be sure to speak with destination representatives, too.

“Make sure they’re staying in contact with us as much as they can, so that we also know what’s going on,” Kaszas said.

He explained that CAA Saskatchewan’s travel representatives are working to keep their clients up to speed on the latest developments around delays, possible compensation and trips getting cut short.

“Stay patient, wherever you are,” Kaszas advised. “You’re having a crisis? Well, everybody’s having a crisis right now, too.”

Kaszas said there are certain routes travel agents can follow to get the best possible outcomes for their customers.

“The people that do book with us, we’re able to look after them right from the get-go,” he explained, adding that situations like these exemplify why booking vacations with a travel agent is always the best option.

“Stay patient, and everybody’s going to get you to where you need to go,” he advised. “We’re here for you, absolutely, all the way.”