Fox World Travel – Greenfield Office Now Merged with Brookfield
BackFor travelers in the Milwaukee area, the name Fox World Travel at 4973 S 76th St in Greenfield was a familiar one. However, anyone attempting to visit this location will find it permanently closed. The operations of the Greenfield office have been officially merged with the company's Brookfield location, a significant shift for a travel agency that had a long-standing presence. This consolidation leaves behind a mixed legacy of customer experiences, ranging from highly praised to deeply disappointing, painting a complex picture for potential clients now directed to the Brookfield branch.
A look back at the Greenfield office's performance reveals a notable inconsistency in service quality, which seemed to hinge almost entirely on the specific travel agent a client worked with. On one hand, the agency garnered a solid 4.5-star rating from a substantial number of reviews, with many customers offering glowing praise. Agents like Diane Czeczot were lauded for providing fantastic, prompt, and friendly customer service. Similarly, agent Jaquie was commended for her professionalism and skill in arranging a complex Mexico vacation for an eight-person family group entirely online. These positive accounts highlight a team capable of excellent travel planning and delivering memorable vacations, with some clients appreciating value-added services like pre-arranged airport transportation.
On the other hand, a significant portion of reviews tells a starkly different story. One customer described their experience as "Horrible!!", citing an unwelcoming atmosphere where staff seemed disinterested and unhelpful. The process to even set up an appointment was reportedly difficult, leading the client to walk out twice after feeling completely dismissed. This suggests a systemic issue with customer reception and internal processes that failed to make potential clients feel valued.
Another detailed account outlines a severe service failure with a different agent, Jennifer, when planning a trip to Costa Rica. The client, who had a previous positive experience with the same agent for a Jamaica trip, was met with a complete lack of engagement. The agent allegedly failed to inquire about budget or preferences, ultimately quoting a price far exceeding the client's expectations for a simple room and flight. The proposed hotel was over $500 a night, a detail the client had to discover on their own. The agent's lack of knowledge about the destination was also apparent, as she needed to consult another agency, the "Costa Rica Experts," and failed to do so in a timely manner. The promised follow-up never occurred, leading the client to book a superior, fully personalized itinerary with the other agency for half the price. This experience underscores a critical failure in the role of a travel consultant, losing not only the client's business but also that of five potential referrals.
The Merger and the Future at the Brookfield Office
With the Greenfield location now shuttered, all business is directed to the Fox World Travel office in Brookfield, located at 95 North Moorland Road in the Brookfield Square Mall. This move centralizes their Milwaukee-area operations. For former clients of the Greenfield office, the crucial question is whether the high-performing agents have made the transition and if the service inconsistencies have been resolved. Reviews for the Brookfield office indicate that highly regarded agents, including the praised Diane Czeczot, are indeed serving clients there, with one customer calling her "the true gem of Fox World Travel." This suggests that clients can still access top-tier talent.
Fox World Travel is a large, third-generation, family-owned travel management company established in 1960. They offer a wide array of services, including vacation packages, corporate travel management, and planning for meetings and incentives. Their offerings cover everything from all-inclusive resorts and cruises to guided tours and custom independent travel. This broad scope means they are equipped to handle diverse travel needs, from family vacations to specialized luxury travel.
What New Clients Should Consider
For those considering using Fox World Travel's Brookfield office to book a vacation, the history of the Greenfield branch offers valuable lessons. The key takeaway is that the quality of your experience may heavily depend on the individual agent you work with.
Potential Positives:
- Experienced Agents: The company employs highly knowledgeable and responsive agents who can expertly manage complex travel arrangements.
- Comprehensive Services: As a large agency, they offer a vast portfolio of travel products, including cruises, guided tours, and destination wedding planning.
- Established Reputation: Fox World Travel is a long-standing company with a significant presence in Wisconsin and beyond, even securing major contracts like with the UW System.
Potential Negatives:
- Service Inconsistency: As the Greenfield reviews show, the quality of service can vary dramatically from one agent to another.
- Communication Issues: Some clients have reported poor follow-up and a lack of proactive communication, which can be frustrating when planning a significant trip.
- Booking Process Concerns: While some find the process easy, others have noted frustrations with new reservation systems, describing them as time-consuming. BBB complaints also show issues can arise with package details, such as the inability to use airline miles for upgrades on bundled fares.
Ultimately, the closure of the Greenfield office and the consolidation into the Brookfield location marks a new chapter. While the legacy of the former branch is a mixed bag, the strength of the Fox World Travel brand and the presence of its top-rated agents at the new location offer a promising outlook. Potential customers would be wise to be proactive, clearly communicate their budget and expectations, and perhaps even request an agent who comes highly recommended.