Flight Centre Travel Group Reviews

Cons

This company I’m sure has some cons but I can’t think of one right now so can’t be that bad

Cons

Low pay and unethical practices

Cons

With all of the "work hard and you'll make great commission" talk, what they don't make clear until you actually work there is that your "commission" isn't really commission: it's marking up airline tickets and hotels. Commission is what vendors offer as incentive to sell their product. Telling customers that they have to pay hundreds of dollars more than the actual cost of something: that's not "commission." How could this create problems you ask? Say you tell a customer that their really AUD 800 ticket costs them AUD 1000. They then show up at the airport and have an issue with their flight . This involves a change and the customer goes in thinking they have 1000 worth of ticket towards the new one but in reality it's just 800. The customer then has to fork over an extra unexpected 200 that they were not aware of.

All of possible "commission" they promote: what if I were to break the news to you that you're usually just looking at 10% of the profit you make on the sale on average? (Often less.) You do all the work on the sale and building up a customer base and you only get 10% for it. Using the above example, you thought you made a AUS 200 profit on a ticket. You get 20 for the work. Actually, it will be less since FC takes a fee for the credit card the customer provided to pay for the ticket. (There goes 40 from that 200 profit... so down to 160 profit.) Then FC charges you a fee to issue the ticket. (Something that, hello: you're a travel agent, so you're supposed to do.) So, for issuing a paperless ticket your employer charges YOU 10. Now you're down to 150 profit. Since you didn't meet your ridiculous sales targets last month, you're looking at the average 10% "commission" on that now 150 profit, or 15. Yes: 15 for a few hours of work, going back and forth with a customer by phone or email as they change dates to make the fare cheaper, and the later work you have to spend with their outdated accounting software and financial reconciliation.

Whenever I would have friends or acquaintances tell me that they would like me to help them with travel plans, I would reluctantly decline, telling them "Look, if I book trips for you, it will actually COST ME money due to company fees on employees--unless you don't mind me marking up the air and hotel above what you could get it for online elsewhere."

To be honest, read this as it is all you need to know: Google "I AMA Flight Centre employee, and this is a whistleblow and serious warning to protect both customers and future job applicants" (And then look at all of the comments of agreement--no matter the country, the practices are the same.)

  The glowing "I wouldn't change a thing" reviews here are HR propaganda to counteract the truthful negative reviews. I have worked in travel for 10+ years and have never seen such a revolving door of staff--most of them also experienced and moved on to other travel companies, making more money and working closer to 40 hours--instead of the 60 to 80 hours you will end up working just to break minimum wage.

The company has already been the subject of news features, lawsuits, and government investigations--and has paid fines and settlements as a result. What more proof is needed to show that the business model is not a positive one?

Cons

No raise until you are promoted

Cons

Opportunity for mentorship at middle management in the US operations seemed non-existent. Confused leisure operations, lacking commitment to digital/online. Growth beyond middle-management seemingly impossible.

Cons

Low pay you are being just a number

Cons

Limited earning potential in support roles

Cons

Low base salary, mark-ups, long hours required to earn living wage, expected to work outside typical work hours for mandatory activities, college like work environment

Cons

Required to work on weekends

Cons

first off the interview process is terrible. The lady can't answer questions well and they don't send you any good info about the company. They are terrible at managing and training. Not helpful with questions you have.