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Found: Good direct flights for this trip

CaraBethP

Hello- We are doing this trip in July 2026. A very recent Tauck trip to Australia/NZ made me a believer in trying to find direct flights with no connections (outside the USA). I found a United direct flight (Dreamliner) from EWR to JNB (flying AirLink to VFA) and a return flight from CPT to IAD. I also wanted to comment that I use the travel agency Pavlus. If you allow them to book both your Tauck trip and your flights they give you a rebate. On that recent Aus/NZ trip our rebate was nearly $3k.

Comments

British

CaraBeth, did you do independent research for the flight prices before booking with Pavlus? Did they offer a better price for the flight?

OurTravels34

I think Tauck will also remunerate Pavlus. A long time ago when I traveled with another company on a cruise, my travel agent accidently sent me what money they received per per person. It was a significant amount. One hand washes the other.

maximgr

CaraBeth, do you mind sharing the percentage of the rebate?

AZCreeker

Tauck pays a commission to any travel agent that books with them. I think the amount starts at 10% and increases depending on how much that TA books with Tauck annually.

Sandman

I have been told by my TA who booked our last Tauck tours that the most she could rebate was a $300 gift card when we returned. Does Pavius rebate more on Tauck only booking?

OurTravels34

AZCreeker; you are absolutely correct. I think my TA gets 15%. .

Sandman

Does anybody get "gift" from travel agent after completing a tauck trIp? We all know they get commision on booking, but how much of that do they share with their clients?

MCD

I have never received a gift from Amex Platinum Travel. The agent that I have been using for many years (who recently retired) told me that she never sees a commission -- it all goes to Amex.

OurTravels34

We have usually received a bottle of wine that is presented to us at some point during our trip from our travel agent.

gladysorlando984

I had a travel agent for many years, she bought me a ticket to the opera once and that's all I remember getting from her.

CaraBethP

@British - I do research my flights first. I look for the best routes/prices/fewest connections and frustrations. Pavlus has not offered any reduced rates on flights, other than the special sale prices on their website. I had told my travel agent Victoria which flights I actually wanted and she watched it on Google Flights and sent me a notice every few week asking if I was ready to reserve. I was watching it, too. I saw the price drop one day and got hold of Pavlus. Their Air Travel Department reserved immediately. I have msgd Victoria abt the amount of rebate on this trip. I "think" maybe it was $1500 for the Australia/NZ we took in October. @Sandman the rebate is unadvertised and not on the Pavlus website. I have received it on every Tauck trip. We have booked with Pavlus and traveled with both Windstar and AMA but received shipboard credit, or maybe a $300 GC. If anyone is interested in a referral, I got a $500 kickback if you book a trip. I think you would get a "special benefit" maybe.

CaraBethP

@all- I have found that the rebate for a Tauck trip happens if you book trip and flights via Pavlus. Our Switzerland trip had a rebate of $1529. I'm wondering if the rebate is only an AIR rebate, not actually a Tauck thing but they only pass it along when you book air with them.