Nine ways travel agents get even with Woman’s Day

Woman’s Day magazine readers are hotter than a summer heat wave over a story slamming travel agents in the recent issue.

Titled "Nine Things Travel Agents Won’t Tell You," the article insinuates that travel agents push customers based on commissions and perks they receive; are unable to book all airlines; recommend hotels and cruises they have never been on; do not suggest alternate dates or airports that have lower prices; push unnecessary travel insurance; don’t tell customers when rates are refundable; and don’t necessarily have the best prices.

The response was fast and furious. "I am sending your article to all of my friends and family and encouraging them to CANCEL subscriptions to your magazine," wrote Beth Edwards of Cruise Planners.

"I am constantly–CONSTANTLY–attending workshops, webinars, ship inspections, familiarization trips, and on-line certification programs in an effort to stay abreast of products introductions and updates, new resort features, and more.

"You will NOT find that at an on-line travel site. Also – I NEVER sell my clients based on a promotion."

Woman’s Day’s Meredith Bodgas responded, "As with any story, the expert sources can’t speak for the entire industry, and it was our goal to inform consumers of the practices they may–though are not guaranteed–to encounter."

But that wasn’t near enough.

More than 900 agents posted angry replies on the magazine’s website.

The American Society of Travel Agents "expressed its concern about the extensive misrepresentations in the article."

"Before publishing more stuff like this, get the facts," ASTA said.

The number of signatures on an online petition at Change.org asking the magazine to take down the article grew to more than 1,200.

Even Cruise Lines International Association slammed the article. CLIA said it "is very concerned by, and takes issue with, the unfair and negative depiction of travel agents" in the article.

In the end, Woman’s Day relented, and posted the following: "Helping readers find value is Woman’s Day’s main objective, and we recognize that travel agents provide valuable services that help women’s vacation dreams come true. We’re sorry if that didn’t come through in this article."

Woman’s Day vowed to highlight travel agent services in the October issue of the print magazine and in a story in December on WomansDay.com.

"We thank you again for sharing your expertise and doing the great work that you do. We’re looking forward to working with some of you closely on our December online feature story," it said.

To see the comments, go to http://www.womansday.com/life/travel-tips/should-i-use-a-travel-agent?click=main_sr.

A publication of Hearst magazines, Woman’s Day claims 20 million readers.

By Cheryl Rosen