Agents Overlooked

<B>Agents Overlooked</B>

United's pilot slowdown (BTN, Sept. 4) did nothing but disrupt the schematics in which I run my travel agency in New York City. In addition to the delays and cancellations of flights, there were absolutely no hotel rooms available on short notice for overnighters. Many clients, bordering on panic, could not leave New York until the next day. I worked twice as hard to confirm new flights and protect clients beyond belief and the compensation to do tickets was minimal as compared with our time in finding new departures.

United and other carriers have lost sight as to how valuable I am as a travel agent, and the compensation hardly shows any concern for partnerships.

The airlines cannot operate without us and cannot please only Corporate America with rebates for their loss of time. My time is far more valuable because I am also a distribution resource.<I>

Wendy Pena, part owner
FWP Travel Inc.