Perkins Travel Corporation
BackEstablished in 1985, Perkins Travel Corporation is a long-standing travel agency located at 40 S High St in New Britain, Connecticut. With decades of experience, the agency has built a strong reputation, particularly in specialized areas that require a high level of coordination and expertise. It positions itself as a full-service travel management company, catering to corporate clients, leisure travelers, and large groups. This analysis weighs the publicly available information and customer feedback to provide a balanced overview for potential clients.
Core Strengths and Specializations
The overwhelming consensus from client testimonials points to significant strengths in handling complex and high-stakes travel. The agency appears to thrive where online booking engines falter, particularly in providing hands-on support and expert navigation of the travel industry's complexities.
Expertise in Corporate and Group Travel
A primary focus for Perkins Travel is corporate travel management. The agency was founded with the specific goal of serving small and mid-size corporations. This specialization is reflected in client feedback. Regular corporate clients praise the firm for its efficiency in booking flights, hotels, and car rentals, describing the process as "quick, efficient and painless." More importantly, they are lauded for their ability to manage unexpected changes, such as delays or altered plans, a critical service for any business travel agency. Their services include detailed travel policy management and reporting systems that allow companies to track expenditures, demonstrating a sophisticated approach to managing corporate travel budgets.
This expertise extends seamlessly into managing large and intricate group travel packages. The agency has a proven track record of arranging travel for non-profit organizations on mission trips, a task that often involves complicated logistics. For over a decade, clients like Medical Aid to Haiti have relied on Perkins Travel to coordinate trips for large groups, trusting them to ensure all members are on the correct flights and to handle the unique challenges that arise. This includes negotiating with airlines to waive fees, obtain vouchers, or change tickets—tasks that are often difficult for individuals to accomplish.
Personalized Service and Problem Resolution
A recurring theme in positive reviews is the high value placed on personalized service. Clients repeatedly mention the benefit of having a dedicated travel consultant. Staff member Donna Zapatka, a Senior Leisure Travel Counselor, is specifically named in one detailed account for going "above and beyond" for both organizational and personal travel needs. This level of service provides a significant advantage over impersonal online platforms. For instance, when an airline overcharged a client for luggage, the agency successfully intervened and secured a refund. This kind of advocacy and problem-solving is a cornerstone of their value proposition, offering clients peace of mind and saving them from the stress of planning and troubleshooting.
Potential Areas for Consideration
While the majority of feedback is exceptionally positive, it's important to present a complete picture. One of the few critical reviews available indicates a potential gap in service. A prospective client rated the agency with two stars, stating, "Didn't have any information for what I was looking for."
This piece of feedback, though singular, suggests a few possibilities. It could point to a specialization that is highly focused on corporate, group, and pre-packaged leisure travel, potentially leaving them less equipped for more obscure or niche travel inquiries. Alternatively, it could have been an isolated incident where the specific request fell outside the expertise of the available agent. For potential customers, this highlights the importance of clearly communicating their needs upfront to ensure the agency's strengths align with their travel goals. The agency is also not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), although it holds an A+ rating with them, which is a factor some consumers may consider.
Agency Structure and Operations
Perkins Travel Corporation was founded by Betsy and Jack Perkins and maintains a staff of experienced agents, many with over 15 years in the industry. Their website details a structured team with dedicated departments for corporate, leisure, and student travel, reinforcing their commitment to specialized services. They are an Associate of American Express Travel Services, which may provide them with additional resources and leverage within the industry.
Operating Details:
- Address: 40 S High St, New Britain, CT 06051, USA
- Contact: (860) 223-1655
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM; Saturday, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM; Sunday, Closed.
In conclusion, Perkins Travel Corporation stands out as a traditional, service-driven travel agency that excels in managing complex travel arrangements. Its key strengths lie in corporate account management, large group coordination, and providing robust, personalized support that saves clients time and stress. For businesses, non-profits, or individuals who value reliability and expert assistance over the algorithm-based suggestions of online travel sites, Perkins Travel offers a compelling and proven service. However, travelers with highly specific or unusual requests may want to confirm the agency's ability to meet their needs at the outset.
