May 27 2009
Learn To Haggle For Travel
Are you negotiating your travel deals?
I am and it looks like I’m not alone. A survey of over 2,000 households conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, indicates that two-thirds of those sampled have tried haggling in just the past six months. Even more surprising perhaps is that of those who negotiated deals, more than 90 percent reported achieving a lower price on at least one item.
Here are some things I’ve succesfully negotiated recently:
- Reduced hotel rates (by calling or emailing properties directly).
- Additional services (better car, free driver, room and suite upgrades).
- Shopping (even on Tommy Bahama clothes at Macy’s Waikiki).
- Shipping. I needed to send some furniture between Hawaii and the mainland, and just negotiated a 35 percent reduction.
- Priceline. Here I’ve negotiated hotels (Hawaii Prince for example), and car rentals.
My tips to get the best negotiated travel deal:
- Remember that the on-line travel agencies charge hotels up to 30 percent of your total booking. This leaves a lot of room to negotiate by calling the hotel directly. For example, you may want to try for a 20 percent discount and the hotel still comes out ahead.
- Ask politely without being demanding. People will be more willing to listen to you. Sometimes I’ll start with, “forgive me for asking.”
- If in person, try to negotiate without other people hearing.
- Be reasonable. Have a fair negotiation in mind that will likely be acceptable. Bidding for travel is a great place to see what others have successfully negotiated on Priceline.
I’m looking forward to hearing about your negotiations.
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on-line travel agencies charge hotels up to 30 percent of your total booking- I didn’t know the % was so much. Thanks Jeff
The $149 Diamond Wailea Spa and Resort deal is still available by following the Travelzoo link.
Hi Bill,
That’s what the hotelliers tell me, and it is consistent.
Aloha, Jeff