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Southall Travel Review

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Top10TravelAgents Cheap Holidays Offer

All Inclusive Holidays

Family Holiday

  • The Southall Travel Group Est. 1984
  • ABTA & ATOL protection
  • Exclusive deals to 100s of destinations
  • Low Deposit from £99pp
  • Last Minute Deals
  • You Can Not Book online
  • Mobile App is hard to use
  • Phone Call Booking

Travel Agent Reviews – Cheap Holidays What you need to know – Southall Travel Reviews .

The Southall Travel Group, established in 1984 and is one of the largest travel companies in the UK. This travel agent is a privately owned UK-based travel agent located in the borough of Southall. The Group both operates physical locations and online holiday bookings. In its beginnings, this top travel agent was a small travel agency that served the Asian UK market with bookings mainly in India and Asia.

The Holidays Team was launched in 2007, as a B2B division that provides travel. Around the same time Away Holidays was launched, which is another top travel agent owned by the Group. In 2013 this top travel agent launched Travel Trolley, a top online travel agent that offers flights, hotels, and holiday packaged bookings. 2017  New corporate headquarters were moved to Mayfair, London. The company has established their Customer Service Centre there also, which operates 24/7 and are there to help you with any issues.

Southall Travel Deals/Sale:

If you Call, you will get the best price under the ‘Best Price Guarantee’ for holiday packages, hotels, flights, luxury holidays, city breaks, last minute holidays, and much more. As the company works through phone bookings you can rest to sure that this part of the travel agents is very well organised and booking thought the phone will be as easy as anything else, given that you know exactly what you need.

Calling this travel agent will get you the best holiday deals they have!

ABTA ATOL Protection:

Is Southall Travel ABTA protected?

Southall Travel limited is an ABTA bonded travel agent, with ABTA membership number 80626, W 4816 . This top travel agent also operates with ATOL license ( 5553 ) provided by the Civil Aviation Authority. ATOL is a financial protection scheme for UK travel companies and over 20 million holidaymakers and travellers are protected each year. When you book an ATOL protected holiday package or flight plus holiday from this travel company, you will receive an ATOL protection Certificate confirming your arrangements and your protection under the travel agency ATOL protection license.

What does this mean for you?

If you do not receive an ATOL protection Certificate, then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL protection Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our bookings conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate

Why Book Holidays with this travel agent?

Southall Travel’s package holidays guarantee a value holiday without the enormous price, see all the top deals and offers that Top10TravelAgents.com has selected for you today and go book your next Package Holiday!

  • Price Match Guarantee – can help you book your perfect holiday at the cheapest price. This top travel agent is very competitive and will go above and beyond to get the best price for you holiday packages. It does not matter if it’s a luxury holiday, budget holiday or city break, they’ll be able to find it cheaper, or at least match whatever prices you find elsewhere.
  • Low deposits £99pp – A deposit of £99 per person is needed to secure your holiday, but this is a lot better than having to pay the entire holiday at the time of booking.
  • No fee on credit & debit card transactions
  • Exclusive deals for hundreds of destinations
  • 24/7 assistance by Travel Experts
  • ABTA & ATOL Protection

What Cheap Holidays do Southall Travel Offer?

Do you find yourself in a state of shock when you see those bills for food, drinks, and entertainment on your all inclusive holidays? That does ruin the true holiday fun, doesn’t it? When you book an all inclusive holidays packages with this travel company, you “drive out those credit crunch blues”! And please do not think it will cost a fortune, Southall Travel all inclusive holiday packages guarantee you will not be digging deep into your pockets.

Luxury Holidays

Don’t think that luxury holidays were reserved for rich and wealthier, people booking for luxury holidays are on the rise with each passing month. Thanks to suitable options and the abundance of availability, along with the carful choices from this travel company, now you can plan these luxury holidays every year to the destination of your choice.

Family Holidays

Did your last Family Holiday disappoint you; do you feel like you overpaid for the entertainment you received? If Yes, this travel company will listen to you, you can tell what your interests are, and you can be sure they will deliver the family holiday package you are looking for your Family Holiday.

Safari Holidays

The tours extend to some of the top safari holiday locations worldwide including South Africa, Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya, India and more. With a Safari Holiday, you are able to see some of the world’s most rare species of animals and birds. Meet with native tribes and learn about their history, while discovering multitudes of Mother Nature’s bounty on an exciting safari holiday adventure.

You will go through grass-covered fields and national parks, spread-out deserts and the mountains on your adventure, also get a chance to see the Bengal Tigers in India, Big 5 in Kenya and Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda along with other exciting safari holidays.

How do you pay for your Holiday?

The travel company website accepts most of the payment methods. You can use American Express, Mastercard, Bank Transfer, own-brand credit card, and more. Southall Travel also allows using online wallets like PayPal to make payments for your booking. Payments accepted on this top travel agents site include American Express, Diner’s Club International, Maestro, MasterCard, Visa, Visa Electron, and PayPal.

Does this travel agent have a Mobile App?

The travel Mobile App makes getting the cheapest and best price offer for holidays, package holidays, and flight fares. With the ability to edit and personalise the home screen, the app gives instant access to flights info, when needed. Whatever the purpose of your trip, the destinations you want to visit, and adventure experiences you wish to enjoy – the mobile travel App is the natural choice for the best cheap flights, cheap holidays, and tours.

However the app is very hard to use, you will still be asked to call directly to book – so bookings via the mobile are not possible!

You can view all the available Flights, Holidays, Destinations and everything that the website offers, but this travel agent is phone call booking only it seems.

How to Contact Customer Service:

Contact by post:.

Southall Travel LTD, Palmoak House, 19 S Rd, Southall, Middlesex, UB1 1SU, United Kingdom

Company number: 01869431 ATOL number: 5553 ABTA number: W4816, 80626 IATA number: 91293591

Chat or Call:

Call a travel expert: 0208 843 4444 General Sales and best deals (24/7 UK) 020 8574 8410 Corporate Office Number (not open to the public)

Email: [email protected]

Social Media: Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest YouTube

How do other Southall Travel reviews compare to Top 10 Travel Agency Review?

With there being two types of travel agency reviews that you can come across online – expert reviews and the more traditional customer travel agent reviews.

  • The expert travel agent reviews will usually provide you with an unbiased evaluation of a UK agency and will highlight its pros and cons.
  • Customer service reviews, on the other hand, will offer a more subjective view of an OTA. It will be sharing personal experiences and will most likely focus on a certain feature.

Final verdict

Southall Travel is a good travel agents and rightly counted among the top travel agents in the UK, they have a wide variety of holidays to 10oo’s of destinations, flying from 27 UK based airports. You can discover discounted flight offers and amazing cheap holidays, although they have to be booked via the phone and is the place where you will find the best travel deals. As it is displayed all over the website this travel agents wants you to call and have discussion about your holiday with them.

Flight only

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WHAT TRAVEL AGENT IS THIS IATA NUMBER 91293591?

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Which travel agency has IATA code 91293591?

Southall Travel, Ltd., based in the United Kingdom.

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Southall Travel

Learn more about the services southall travel offer here, southall travel | travel agency.

Southall Travel is an award winning travel agency established in 1984 in Southall, Middlesex. Southall Travel’s headquarters are now based in Iver in Buckinghamshire and it has offices both in Europe and Asia employing over 700 trained travel experts.  Southall Travel operates with an ATOL (Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing) license and is an ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) member and is IATA (International Air Transport Association) accredited, offering travellers the best in financial protection.

In the beginning Southall Travel concentrated especially on the Asian UK community, arranging travel to India and other Asian destinations. Other leisure services soon followed and Southall Travel now offers flights and holiday packages globally, (mainly for travellers departing from UK airports). Southall Travel caters for all kinds of flights at competitive prices including scheduled flights with full-service airlines, low cost carriers and charter flight operators.  Southall Travel also deals in cruises, round-the-world holidays, bespoke all-inclusive holiday packages, airport transfers, car rental, visa assistance, insurance and group travel bookings.  In addition Southall Travel operates in the wholesale and corporate travel sectors through ‘The Holiday Team’ and ‘Applehouse Travel’ and opened a corporate facility outside Heathrow Airport in 2008.

Southall Travel is a privately owned company which helps more than a thousand people a day with their travel plans and has been the recipient of a number of noteworthy awards.  In 2005 Southall Travel received the prestigious Sunday Times Fast Track 100 company award followed by three consecutive Sunday Times Top Track 250 Company awards in 2010, 2011 and 2012 and recently received the ‘Favourite Tour Operator to India’ award at the Eastern Eye Asian Business Awards.  To complement this series of awards, Managing Director Kuljinder Bahia, under whose leadership the company operates, scooped the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2008, at the 8 th Asian Achievers Awards held in London.

Southall Travel’s website, www.southalltravel.co.uk , offers a host of cheap flights and holiday package deals throughout the world, enabling customers to book these online securely using Security Metrics site certification and also VeriSign Authentication Services.

As the business continues to grow, Southall Travel has now branched out into the luxury holiday sector with a fully owned subsidiary with a dedicated contact centre based in Croydon.

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What Is An IATA Number? (And How Do You Get It?)

IATA accreditation numbers get a lot of industry buzz and for good reason, they are one of the major players in travel advisor accreditation. 

But when it comes down to chasing all the info you need on applying for an IATA number (or an IATAN card for that matter), it’s a little more complicated . . . until now! Because I chased it for you and consolidated it into this very blog. 

What kind of IATA numbers are there? How do you qualify for one? How much does it cost? How do I use an IATA number without applying for one? 

We have those answers, and more! 

What is an IATA Number?

An IATA number is a unique 7-digit number issued to travel agencies so they can book travel and receive commissions from suppliers.

An IATA number signals to these airlines and travel suppliers that the booking agency is officially accredited by the IATA organization.

If you want to become a travel agent , one of the first steps to booking as a travel agent is having access to an accreditation number like an IATA number.

IATA numbers are the big player for travel accreditation (think “Coke” of the soda world). BUT that does not mean any old Joe Schmo or Jane Doe can get an IATA number, travel agencies need to apply for an IATA number and dish out some cash. (More on eligibility and application process soon!)

Another note on IATA numbers? 

They’re not something you want to throw around willy-nilly. An IATA number is kind of like a social security number. Agencies want to avoid fraudulent use, so travel agencies only share their IATA number internally. . 

Easy right? Weeeeeeell. Here’s where things get a little bit more complicated. Read on.

Two Different IATA Accreditation Numbers: IATA & IATAN

To complicate things, there are two different types of IATA numbers. IATA and IATAN. 

What is the difference between IATA and IATAN? The regions they serve. 

  • IATA Accreditation: Outside US & Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
  • IATAN Accreditations: US & Puerto Rico Only

Another big difference is this: for an IATA number, cost and eligibility varies country by country. Beyond that, IATA and IATAN are functionally the same. 

In fact, people will use the term IATA in place of IATAN. (To keep going with the beverage metaphor, IATA is like sparkling water and IATAN is like LaCroix sparkling water. When you talk about it, you can just say sparkling water and everyone will know what you mean even if your grocery store only sells LaCroix.) 

But Wait! There’s More!

IATA and IATAN are the two “families” of IATA accreditations. Within that, there are different levels of IATA numbers for different uses! Here's the deets.

  • IATAN Travel Service Intermediary (U.S.-based, no air-ticketing)
  • IATAN Airline Appointed (U.S.-based with air-ticketing capabilities)
  • IATA Accredited (International, with air-ticketing capabilities)
  • IATA TIDS (International, no air-ticketing)

The big difference is air booking vs. non-air booking. 

When it comes to booking air, errors are easier to make and the stakes are higher (read: debit memos ?). Because of this, there are more hoops to jump through to get an air-accreditation.  

This brings us to the hoops! Read on IATA’s eligibility requirements!

How Do You Get An IATA Number?

Can anyone get an IATA number? Yes. While it's not as easy as, say, getting candy from a gum ball machine, anyone can get an IATA number as long they meet eligibility requirements . These requirements are country-specific so differ for IATA and IATAN. Here’s a breakdown below of what you need in order to get an IATA number.

IATA number Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility requirements for an IATA number are country-specific. So if you’re outside the US, you’ll need to do a little more digging to get the info you need!

Here’s how to find the country-specific costs and eligibility requirements for an IATA number:

  • Go to IATA’s Accreditation Wizard .
  • Select what type of payment forms you intend to use when/if you become IATA accredited (this affects the cost). 
  • Select which country you want to find info for in the drop down menu.
  • Click on “See Country Requirements” to access links to more info!

This will get you in the right place for the type of ticketing accreditation you want through IATA!

IATAN Accreditation Eligibility Requirements

If you’re based in the US, DC, or Puerto Rico, the eligibility requirements are uniform, regardless of which state (or Commonwealth) you live in. 

To start, here’s a list of IATAN non-air eligibility requirements:

  • Proof of 2 years of experience
  • Proof of Business License
  • Proof of Business ownership
  • Proof of Seller of Travel for agencies based in California, Florida, Hawaii, or Washington
  • Proof of Bank Account
  • Proof of E&O insurance : This requirement is waived for agents who can document they have 2 years of full-time experience within the last ten years in the travel industry.
  • Two letters of recommendation from either:
  • IATAN Accredited Agency (with IATA number)
  • National or International travel industry supplier
  • Certified Travel Associate/ Counselor (CTA or CTC), Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certification in Meeting Management (CMM), CSEP (Certified Special Event Professional)

Now if you want access to air ticketing, the requirements are more rigorous! In addition to fulfilling all the of the above, you also need:

  • ARC Approval Letter
  • Signed and notarized IATAN Agency Agreement

 It’s important to note that U.S agencies looking to do air ticketing need both an ARC number and an IATA number.

That, my friends, is a mere summary. If you really want to get in up to your elbows on requirements, you can check out the full embed below!

How Long Does it Take to Get an IATA Number? 

Phew! A softball! Once you get your application together, you can expect to hear from IATA in 4-6 weeks. 

But keep in mind that if you want to get air ticketing, you’ll also have the added bureaucratic fun and time investment of getting your ARC approval letter first, which can take an additional 60-90 days. 

How Much Does It Cost to Get an IATA Number?

The cost of applying for your IATA number will vary depending on what type of agency you are. Below is a summarized list of application fees by agency type:

  • Independent Contractor Business (ICB): $95.00 application fee + $95 annual service fee
  • Travel Agency (head office or branch office): $247 application fee + $103 annual service fee
  • Corporate Travel Department (client location or host location): $410.00 application fee + $184 annual service fee

The costs listed above are also their annual fees as well. So if your application for an IATA number is accepted, you can expect to shell out that cash once a year. 

Keep in mind that these costs do not include other fun things like translation fees. If you want to nerd out on full-on fee schedules for all things IATA number , don’t let me stop you!

What Are Alternatives to an IATA Number?

IATA numbers are the OG of the travel accreditation world, but there are other options too! Actually, there are tons of options!

Alternatives to an IATA number include ARC accreditation, TRUE accreditation, a CLIA number, or going with a host agency (where you use their accreditation number instead of getting your own). 

What Is an IATA Card?

Believe it or not, an IATA card is not the same as an IATA number. No, I’m not trying to pull a fast one on you!

Travel advisors are not required to have an IATA card to use the IATA number of their host agency. 

So what is an IATA card and how is it different from an IATA accreditation? An IATA card is a way to recognize producing travel advisors. Travel industry perks like travel agent rates and FAM trips often ask for an IATA/IATAN card for proof that you’re a producing travel agent. 

It’s important to note that travel advisors are not required to have an IATA card to use an IATA accreditation number of their agency or host agency.  

What are the requirements to get an IATA/IATAN card? The big ones are: 

  • Be an owner, employee, or IC of an IATAN accredited agency
  • Work a minimum of 20 hrs/week to the business of selling travel
  • Earn at least $5,000 in commissions or salary the previous 12 months
  • Be at least 18 years of age

How much does it cost to get an IATA/IATAN Card?  An IATA card is $48, with a $40 annual renewal fee.

Want an IATA Number? First You Need to Become a Travel Agent!

Whether you get your own IATA number or use a host agency’s number, starting a travel agency from scratch is no easy task. t. 

If you're just starting your travel agency and are curious to see how all the entrepreneurship puzzle pieces fit together—including if you should get your own accreditation or go the host agency route—check out HAR's 7 Day Setup Accelerator course on getting your agency set up.

It can help you get started with the support you need. With 75+ bite-sized on-demand videos, priority support, exclusive 7DS community & resources, twice-monthly live meetups with instructors and travel pros, we’ll ensure you don’t fall prey to info overload or analysis paralysis!

7 Day Setup Accelerator

IATA Wrap it Up

There's your IATA primer! Have thoughts? Questions? Post a comment below!

About the Author

Mary Stein - Host Agency Reviews

Mary Stein has been working as a writer and editor for Host Agency Reviews since 2016. She loves supporting travel advisors on their entrepreneurial journey and is inspired by their passion, tenacity, and creativity. Mary is also a mom, dog lover, fiction writer, hiker, and a Great British Bake Off superfan.

Mary Stein - Host Agency Reviews

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What Is an IATA Number & Why Do Travel Agents Need One?

Fora Author Fora Travel

The Modern Travel Agency

Fora travel.

https://www.foratravel.com/the-journal/iata-number

For decades, travel agencies have used an IATA number to prove their legitimacy and facilitate various types of bookings around the world. But what exactly is the relationship between an IATA number and travel advisors? Below, we break down everything you need to know, including how to obtain access to an IATA number if you’re learning how to become a travel agent .

First, what does IATA stand for?

As a prospective travel agent (a.k.a. travel advisor), you might assume IATA translates to something along the lines of the “International Association of Travel Agencies.” But the acronym actually stands for International Air Transport Association. 

What’s an IATA number then? What’s it used for?

In short, an IATA number is a unique identification number used by travel agents and agencies that proves legitimacy as a business, and essentially makes it possible for them to earn money by booking travel.

There are variations, but most IATA numbers are made up of a unique, seven-digit combination. Originally, these numbers were exclusively used to verify air ticket distributors. This allowed early travel agencies to sell tickets on behalf of airlines. 

Over time, IATA numbers’ use grew. As hotel chains and other suppliers began expanding and adopting global distribution systems (GDS) to streamline bookings, it made more sense to use an existing identifier that was already strongly associated with the travel industry than to create an entirely new ID. Thus, the IATA number was adopted as the global standard for recognizing who booked what. 

In other words, the use of IATA numbers has facilitated standardization within the travel industry, enabling smoother transactions and better tracking of bookings across different platforms and systems. It’s used widely within the travel industry for various purposes, including booking and ticketing, to identify travel agencies in transactions, and to enable agencies to work with airlines and other travel service providers. It's an important part of the infrastructure that supports global air travel and the wider travel industry.

IATA numbers ensure legitimacy

southall travel iata number

There’s a lengthy verification process to obtain an IATA number. This process ensures that a hotel can trust that a travel agent booking is legitimate.

IATA numbers are not the same as IATA codes

If this is your first foray into the travel industry, you may be more familiar with IATA’s work than you realize. IATA codes — those three-letter tags attached to nearly every airport in the world, like LAX for Los Angeles International Airport or LGA for LaGuardia Airport in NYC — have long been the global standard for airport identification. 

Nevertheless, while IATA codes and IATA numbers are issued by the same organization, they have different uses.

Who uses an IATA number? Do you need one for your travel business?

Many jobs in the travel industry are associated with IATA numbers, as are tour operators, consolidators (including online travel agencies ), airlines, freight companies, hotels, rental car agencies and other travel industry suppliers. 

If you are a travel advisor, it’s best practice to have an IATA number to make bookings for clients. Again, the ID is part of the legal framework for proper legitimacy, tracking and payments. If you opt to work with a host agency like Fora, an IATA number will be provided to you.

Ultimately, having an IATA number is critical to be successful in the industry. Nearly all hotel groups, cruise lines, rental car companies and many other industry suppliers require an IATA number to disperse commission. 

When did travel agents start using IATA numbers?

southall travel iata number

The widespread adoption of IATA numbers as a standard, global system by travel agencies began in the late 1950s, just as the travel industry was experiencing rapid growth. 

However, the relationship between IATA and travel agencies goes back a little further. When the airline industry was taking off in the 1920s, it used travel agencies as intermediaries between travelers and the airlines, mostly to distribute tickets. This system worked, but it lacked standardization and required an airline to vet a travel agency repeatedly to ensure smooth financial transactions. 

When IATA launched in 1945, the organization quickly filled a needed role to act as a middleman between the airlines and travel agencies. Critically, airlines no longer needed to constantly reevaluate a given agency if it was IATA accredited. Since then, IATA accreditation has remained the golden standard for airlines — and now other travel companies — to determine if a travel agency is a reliable partner.

Can an independent travel agent / advisor use a host agency’s IATA number?

Absolutely. In fact, this is generally one of the most attractive prospects for working with a travel agent host agency. Obtaining an IATA number as an individual agent is fairly difficult and time-consuming. But working with an accredited host agency is generally the preferred path because your host agency covers the legal framework behind getting an IATA number. This means that as a travel advisor, you can focus more on the core projects related to your role (planning and booking travel).

When you sign up to become a Fora Advisor , you’ll get access to our IATA number so that you can make travel bookings. 

4 benefits of having an IATA number

southall travel iata number

Here’s a recap of the benefits of having an IATA number.

1. Proves an agency’s qualifications & credibility

First and perhaps most importantly, an IATA number guarantees that a travel agency has been evaluated as a reliable partner for industry suppliers. Without this ID, suppliers — including hotels, cruises and so on — have zero reason to recognize a travel agency’s bookings and are not bound to offer a commission for the agency’s services.

2. Allows an agency to access global booking systems

Beyond establishing an agency’s credibility, an IATA number also grants access to global distribution systems (hotel reservation platforms). If your agency lacks an IATA number, you won’t be able to access these systems to make bookings for clients. 

At Fora, you’ll be able to see all of these rates directly in our booking platform . 

3. Ensures easy dispersal of commissions

Like any form of ID, an IATA number makes the process of paying commissions much smoother. It tells a supplier exactly whom should be paid for making a reservation. 

(P.S. If you’re curious about how travel agent commissions work, check out our guide.)

4. Proves industry regulator compliance

There’s a lot of legal work that goes into obtaining and keeping an IATA number. IATA numbers can be stripped from agencies that work outside of the confines of internationally recognized policies (this ensures the ability to protect a client’s data or secure financial transactions). Working with a host agency that has one means that you’re aligned with an organization that abides by industry protocol.

Of course, each host agency has its own policies, pros and cons, so there is more to consider beyond IATA accreditation.

Become a Fora Advisor and access our IATA number

Ready to start selling travel with an IATA number-wielding host travel agency? Apply to become a Fora Advisor today. 

More IATA number FAQs

southall travel iata number

Have more questions about IATA numbers and travel agencies? Here are a few FAQ answers.

Recap: do you absolutely need an IATA number to be a travel agent?

To truly maximize your travel business, it is indeed important to have access to an IATA number — whether as an individual agent or through a partnership with a host agency. Otherwise, your travel business will largely be limited to planning itineraries (without bookings). That’s a huge disadvantage, as potential clients will likely seek out travel agents who can plan and book their trips. 

How do you get your own IATA number?

When you work with a host agency, you will have access to their IATA number. This is the path that most independent travel advisors take. At Fora, we provide you with access to our IATA number. 

If you want your own IATA number, you’ll have to apply and prove financial stability, professional competence and the ability to adhere to industry standards. It’s worth noting that it is a very time-intensive process and most independent travel advisors do not take this route.

Are there alternatives to IATA numbers / accreditation?

Technically, yes. But in practice, not really. While other systems exist, they tend to be regional or less widely recognized. Whether you’re looking to book global or domestic travel only, having an IATA number is ideal.

Are there any potential challenges to obtaining an IATA number?

As an independent travel advisor, not particularly. It basically comes down to whether you’re able to find a viable host agency to work with, such as Fora.

As a host agency, it is a time-intensive and paperwork-heavy process. Host agencies apply, and have to prove legitimacy. Potential challenges include financial instability, a lack of operational infrastructure, an inability to comply with industry standards or a failed background check at the agency management level.

Additional resources about becoming a travel advisor

Hear a few of the reasons to become a Fora Advisor from our travel advisors. Or, check out the guides below for more travel advisor resources:

5 Types of Bookings You Can Make as a Fora Advisor (That Aren’t Hotels!)  

Debunking 3 Myths about Becoming a Travel Advisor  

Why Group Bookings Are Great: Tips from an Expert  

How to Become a Cruise Travel Agent (It's Easier Than You Think)  

How Do Travel Agents Get Clients? Fora's Top 5 Tips  

Is Being a Travel Agent Worth It? Fora Discusses the Pros & Cons  

What Does It Take to Become a Travel Agent?  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Author - Fora Travel

We empower anyone with a passion for travel to transform it into meaningful revenue. Sign up to become a travel advisor today.

COMMENTS

  1. Southall Travel - Contact us

    Southall, Middlesex, UB1 1SU. United Kingdom. 0208 843 4444 (Sales) +44 333 300 3000 (Chat Only) [email protected]. Video Call Appointment. Bank Details. Our bank Account Number is 63245268 and Sort Code 204281.

  2. Southall Travel Reviews | Cheap Flights - Top10TravelAgents

    Southall Travel limited is an ABTA bonded travel agent, with ABTA membership number 80626, W 4816. This top travel agent also operates with ATOL license ( 5553 ) provided by the Civil Aviation Authority.

  3. WHAT TRAVEL AGENT IS THIS IATA NUMBER 91293591? - Answers

    Which travel agency has IATA code 91293591? Southall Travel, Ltd., based in the United Kingdom.

  4. Check A Code - International Air Transport Association

    Validate IATA Agency Codes and Travel Agent ID Cards. Enter IATA Numeric Code or Verification Number.

  5. Southall Travel | Travel Agency

    Southall Travel operates with an ATOL (Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing) license and is an ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) member and is IATA (International Air Transport Association) accredited, offering travellers the best in financial protection.

  6. Southall Travel - About Us

    The Southall Travel Group, established in 1984, is one of the largest travel companies in the UK. We're online and waiting for your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Over the last 12 months more than a million travellers entrusted us with arranging their perfect itineraries.

  7. What Is An IATA Number? (And How Do You Get It?)

    An IATA number is a unique 7-digit number issued to travel agencies so they can book travel and receive commissions from suppliers. An IATA number signals to these airlines and travel suppliers that the booking agency is officially accredited by the IATA organization.

  8. IATAN - CheckACode

    IATA CheckACode uses the unique IATA Code to validate IATA/IATAN Accredited entities and travel professionals holding the ID Card. This service allows suppliers such as airlines, hotels, car rental companies, cruise lines, and others who conduct business with travel agents to protect their revenue.

  9. What Is an IATA Number & Why Do Travel Agents Need One?

    In short, an IATA number is a unique identification number used by travel agents and agencies that proves legitimacy as a business, and essentially makes it possible for them to earn money by booking travel.

  10. Terms and Conditions - Southall Travel

    Terms and Conditions. These booking terms and conditions govern all bookings that you make with Southall Travel Limited of 19 South Road, Southall, Middlesex UB1 1SU (company number 01869431). Please read them carefully as they set out our respective rights and obligations.