A variety of social and economic changes have now contrived to bring this aspect to the fore once more, particularly the advent of multiple no-frills airlines.In the case of a failure, the customers are guaranteed either an equivalent holiday to that which they have lost, or a refund.

    Many British agencies are bonded with IATA for those who issue their own tickets, ATOL for those who order tickets in, or ABTA for those who sell package holidays on behalf of a tour company.

     A travel agent is supposed to offer impartial travel advice to the customer. This function almost disappeared with the mass-market package holiday,Independent Agencies usually cater for a special or niche market. Some cater to the needs of residents in an upmarket commuter town or suburb, or concentrate upon a particular area or group  or an activity such as sports.