Do All Travel
BackLocated on 18th Avenue in Brooklyn, Do All Travel has operated as a local travel agency for a considerable time, reportedly serving some clients for nearly four decades. It presents a hybrid service model, combining a traditional, agent-assisted approach with an online booking platform aimed at empowering customers to manage their own arrangements. This dual approach caters to a wide spectrum of travelers, from those who prefer a personal touch to tech-savvy individuals seeking convenience. The agency garners a generally positive reception, reflected in a high aggregate rating, but a closer look at individual experiences reveals a more complex picture with significant highs and troubling lows that potential customers should carefully consider.
The Service Experience: A Tale of Two Opposites
One of the most consistently praised aspects of Do All Travel is its customer service, at least from the perspective of its loyal clientele. Multiple long-term customers describe the staff as wonderful, courteous, pleasant, and highly accommodating. This positive feedback often centers on the agents' willingness to assist with complex requests, such as securing specific flights or processing cancellations without hassle. For travelers who find the process of booking international flights or coordinating multi-leg journeys daunting, this level of personal support is a significant advantage over faceless online booking engines. The presence of a knowledgeable and friendly team that can be reached by phone provides a layer of reassurance that many still value in the tourism industry.
Furthermore, the agency's website is frequently cited as a major strength. Patrons have described it as fast, simple, and easy to navigate, even for those who are not particularly comfortable with technology. This suggests Do All Travel has successfully bridged the gap between old-school service and modern convenience. The goal, as stated on their site, is to combine the ease of internet shopping with the expert advice of a travel agency, and for many, it seems they achieve this. This seamless integration allows clients to research options independently and then call in for support, creating a flexible travel booking experience.
However, the narrative around customer service is not universally positive. Several highly critical reviews paint a starkly different picture, alleging serious failures in support and accountability. One customer reported being overcharged by a significant amount on tickets to Israel and claims their concerns were met with indifference. A promised callback to resolve the issue never materialized, leaving the customer feeling that the agency prioritized profit over client satisfaction. An even more severe allegation from another traveler details being sold standby tickets without disclosure, leading to being denied boarding at the airport. The subsequent attempt to resolve the matter allegedly involved long hold times and an eventual cancellation of the entire reservation by the agency, leaving the traveler stranded. These accounts stand in sharp contrast to the glowing reviews and raise serious questions about consistency in service quality and ethical practices.
Pricing and Value Proposition
A core claim of many tour operators and agencies, including Do All Travel, is offering the best prices. Indeed, some satisfied customers assert that after shopping around, they inevitably return to Do All Travel for the lowest fares. One reviewer, a customer for nearly 40 years, stated that they no longer compare prices because they consistently found the best travel deals here. This indicates that for certain routes or through specific partnerships, the agency can provide genuine value and competitive pricing on flight tickets.
This claim, however, is directly challenged by other clients. One pointedly asked what benefit a travel agent provides when they found a better price for the same flight directly on the airline's website. This critique gets to the heart of a modern traveler's dilemma: when does a middleman add value, and when do they add cost? The conflicting feedback suggests that prospective customers should not take the promise of "best prices" at face value. The prudent approach would be to use Do All Travel as one of several resources, comparing their quotes against both airline direct pricing and other online travel agencies before committing to a purchase. The value may lie less in a guaranteed lowest price and more in the service component, which, as noted, can be inconsistent.
Specialization and Target Audience
While the agency offers a broad range of services including hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages, there is strong evidence to suggest a specialization in travel to Israel. Both positive and negative reviews frequently mention bookings for this destination. An agency with a niche focus can be a tremendous asset, offering deep knowledge of specific airlines, routes, and local arrangements that a generalist might lack. For those planning trips to Israel, Do All Travel's experience could be a significant advantage, potentially providing access to better itineraries or consolidator fares. However, the most severe complaints also stem from trips to this region, indicating that even within their apparent area of expertise, the execution can falter. This makes it a high-stakes choice for travelers on these routes.
Operational Considerations
The physical office operates on a schedule that is largely standard for weekdays but has very limited weekend availability. Being closed on Saturdays and open for only a two-hour window on Sunday mornings (10:00 AM to 12:00 PM) could be a significant inconvenience for clients who handle their personal planning outside of the typical work week. While their website is available 24/7, those needing to speak with an agent for urgent matters or detailed planning during a weekend will find their options severely restricted.
Conclusion: A Calculated Decision
In summary, Do All Travel emerges as a long-established travel management company with a deeply divided reputation. On one hand, it is lauded by a loyal customer base for its personable and helpful staff, a user-friendly website, and competitive pricing, particularly for those who have used their services for years. On the other hand, it is condemned by others for critical service failures, questionable billing practices, and a lack of accountability when things go wrong. The experience a customer has seems to vary dramatically.
For a potential client, choosing Do All Travel requires a careful calculation. If you are planning a trip to Israel, their specialization may be beneficial, but it comes with documented risks. If you value the ability to speak with an agent and appreciate a simple online interface, it could be a good fit. However, it is imperative to independently verify pricing and to be prepared to advocate for yourself vigorously if any issues arise post-booking. The agency has the potential to be an excellent partner in planning your travels, but it also carries the risk of becoming a significant source of frustration.