What's the story on airlines now requiring the use of agents in the country of departure?

[Ttalk]

I'm having a new pet shipped over and I thought it would be as easy to just call and book a spot on an airline.  Every airline told me I had to use one of their registered agents.  I have imported pets before and just had the seller arrange shipping and drop off to the airline.

 

Costs are significantly higher having to use an agent.  I just checked for a one way airline ticket and it comes in at 500 Euros.  Using an agent to put a pet on the same flight comes to 2800 Euros.  I can see 200-300 for the agents hassle and the kennel, but the rest seems like a blatant gouge on pricing.

 

[Lion]

On 8/17/2021 at 11:04 AM, Ttalk said:

I'm having a new pet shipped over and I thought it would be as easy to just call and book a spot on an airline.  Every airline told me I had to use one of their registered agents.  I have imported pets before and just had the seller arrange shipping and drop off to the airline.

Costs are significantly higher having to use an agent.  I just checked for a one way airline ticket and it comes in at 500 Euros.  Using an agent to put a pet on the same flight comes to 2800 Euros.  I can see 200-300 for the agents hassle and the kennel, but the rest seems like a blatant gouge on pricing.

Really? My wife wants to fly with our cat....

[Ali77]

Where were you coming from , maybe it has to do with the country you were coming from?  Anyone can confirm?