Travel agencies recommend “flexible packages” for booking tourist holidays

Officials at tourism and travel agencies stressed the importance of adopting flexible options when booking tourist holidays, which allows them the ability to modify dates or refund the reservation value in the event of any emergency or change in travel plans.

They told Emirates Today that this type of reservation gives the traveler greater comfort and reduces financial risks, stressing the importance of carefully reviewing the reservation conditions before completing the payment process, especially with regard to cancellation and refund policies.

They pointed out that some travelers still prefer inflexible options due to their low prices, but they may face a partial or complete loss of the reservation value if their flights are affected by cancellation or postponement. They said that the financial loss in restricted reservations extends to hotel rooms, tourism programs and other activities.

They also advised travelers of the importance of avoiding crowded schedules between flights if booking a “transit” flight, because any slight delay may affect the entire itinerary.

Flexible options

In detail, the CEO of Al Rayes Travel Company – Al Rayes Group, Mohammed Jassim Al Rayes, stressed the importance of adopting flexible options while booking tourist holidays, to avoid any potential losses, pointing to the operational conditions that may occur to air traffic in the region, as well as the operation of a limited schedule of flights, which must be taken into account when planning travel.

He added to “Emirates Today” that “customers who choose travel packages or flexible tickets have the advantage of refunding the full value of the reservation, or modifying the trip dates without significant costs, in the event of any changes beyond their control,” stressing that “this type of reservation gives the traveler greater comfort and reduces financial risks.”

Al-Rayes pointed out that “some travelers still prefer inflexible options due to their low prices, but they may face a partial or complete loss of the value of the reservation if their trips are affected by cancellation or postponement.” He said: “Travel companies and tourism agencies are currently advised to carefully review the reservation conditions before completing the payment process, especially with regard to cancellation and refund policies.”

Restricted reservations

For his part, Executive Director of STS in the Dubai Link Group, Salah Mansour, said: “In light of the fluctuations that may affect air traffic, it has become necessary for the traveler to put the element of flexibility at the top of his priorities when booking, as flexible options allow refunds or modification of flights without significant losses, unlike restricted reservations that may result in a high financial cost in the event of cancellation or change.”

He explained: “The difference in price is often small, but it provides a great deal of safety and reassurance to the traveler,” pointing out that inflexible reservations may seem attractive in terms of price, but they carry risks, especially in the event of any emergency, as canceling and modifying them entails a major financial loss.

Mansour agreed that the flexible options give the traveler greater freedom, whether by amending travel dates or refunding the reservation value, which provides effective protection for spending, especially for families or high-cost trips, noting that the traveler may lose large sums of money in restricted reservations, extending to include hotel rooms, tourism programs, and other activities.

Mansour stressed the importance of avoiding crowded schedules between flights if booking a “transit” flight, because any slight delay may affect the entire itinerary, pointing out that choosing direct flights or airlines that provide quick alternative options can greatly alleviate the challenges that may arise.

Differences in reservations

In the same context, the CEO of “Sherif House” Tourism and Travel Company, Sherif Al-Farm, said, “Flexible booking is an ideal option for families, or for those who have work commitments, or even in peak periods and seasons, where the possibility of change or cancellation increases.” He explained that the differences between flexible and restricted bookings are not limited to cancellation only, but also include the possibility of easily modifying dates, while in “restricted” the change may not be possible or expensive. Flexible bookings also allow a full or partial refund. Restricted items are often non-refundable.

He added: “We notice that an increasing segment of travelers prefer to pay a small additional amount for peace of mind, rather than risk losing their reservation,” stressing the importance of reviewing the reservation details before completing it, because some promotional offers are attractive in price but are highly restrictive.

Muhammad Jassim Al-Rayes:

. Some travelers still prefer inflexible options due to their lower prices, but they may face a partial or complete loss of the booking value.

Salah Mansour:

. We recommend avoiding crowded schedules between flights, if booking a “transit” flight, because any slight delay may affect the entire itinerary.