I came to the conclusion long ago that travel agency staff were principally formed from those who never made it to higher education and so wanted something to do until they found a husband and got married, something which maybe didn't pay too well but had good perks and bonuses. It may not be politically correct to say this, but we mustn't let that get in the way of the facts. Having GCSE Geography cannot be part of the requirements because they appear generally unable to even read a map, let alone use one sensibly, and LET alone actually know the geography of where they are sending people to. Putting origin and destination into the booking engine of their favourite carrier is as far as many are capable of going.
Here are some belters that have come my way (or through our office, as you can imagine they often get referred to me ....)
- "No direct flights from London to Orlando, it is necessary to change at St Louis" (this at a time when TWA, with a hub at St Louis, were running a travel agency promotion, of course).
- Asking for the 1930 next day London to Dublin, by phone, getting a locator sent back, TOD, then when getting to the airport finding it had been booked on the 0730 that morning.
- Making the reservation but not buying the ticket (which we mere mortals cannot do any more but travel agents can) at least THREE times over the years.
- Being told to check in at London City an absolute minimum of 2.5 hours before an 0700 flight to Amsterdam, "Because it's International", when the terminal didn't even open until 0530.
Never worked in the travel agency industry but you do come across as a bit of a
head mate. "Come across" being the crucial part of that sentence.
Your list sound more like simple mistakes and the last one simply being someone not fully aware of the rather unique LCY. Either way, business travel agency staff (from my experience) are generally very good at what they do, pay is generally better and as a consequence, the criteria for applying is considerably more specific.
I have higher education and I'm cabin crew and work with several other people who hold degrees. It doesn't always mean anything.
As for geography I too consider myself to be quite knowledgeable but it's a big world out there so becareful because one day you might end up eating your own words.