travel agent sub agents

Sub-Agent Program Rules

Below is a list of steps you can take in order to be a lead agent in Gateway Travel's Sub-Agent Program.  

Step One - Contract

In order to hire a sub-agent into gateway travel's program, you will need to create your own contract to have with your sub-agent.  please email a copy of your completed contract to [email protected] .  once the copy is received, we will approve you to begin signing up sub-agents., we have linked a sample contract sub-agents  here, in case you don't know where to start., step two - package, a lead agent (that's you) must be in a package with 70% commission or higher., step three - hire an agent, a lot goes into hiring an agent.  especially the back-end cost.  make sure that you hire an agent who you believe can succeed in selling travel.  once you've decided to hire the agent, make sure you write down what commission split you'd like the agent to receive.  you'll need it in the next step., step four - fill out a sub-agent form.

How to Choose the Perfect Host Agency for a Thriving Travel Business

April 30, 2024

Are you starting out as a travel agent or looking to boost your existing business? Partnering with the right host agency can be instrumental in your success. When selecting a host agency, consider their support, resources, and the transparency of their commission structures.

Benefits of Partnering with a Host Agency

For both new and experienced travel agents, a host agency offers many benefits. It provides vital tools, mentorship, and direct access to preferred suppliers and exclusive offers which are often out of reach for independent agents. Partnering with an agency like Gateway Travel not only expands your capabilities but also enhances the quality of services you provide to your clients.

The Importance of Transparent Commission Structures

When choosing a host agency, focus on how it manages commissions. A clear and straightforward commission structure without hidden fees is crucial, as it directly affects your income and trust in the partnership. A transparent system ensures you understand your earnings and plan accordingly, facilitating better business sustainability and growth.

Leveraging SEO to Grow Your Travel Business

In the digital era, having an online presence is essential, and the right SEO practices can set you apart in the competitive travel market.

Keywords: The Foundation of SEO

Incorporating relevant keywords into your content, such as “luxury travel agents” or “exclusive travel deals,” helps attract the right audience. Use keyword planners to find terms that align with your offerings.

Quality Matters

While keywords are important, the quality of your content is paramount. Engaging, well-written content maintains audience interest and ranks higher in search engine results.

Keep Content Fresh

Regularly update your blog and offerings to stay relevant. Search engines prefer active sites and frequent updates enhance your site’s visibility.

Hire SEO Experts

If writing isn't your strength, consider hiring an SEO expert . They can optimize your content to attract more potential clients without compromising quality.

Engaging Blog Ideas to Captivate Your Audience

Maintaining a blog is crucial for engagement. Possible topics include:

- Destination Highlights: Offer insights on popular or emerging destinations, travel tips, and best times to visit.

- Travel Tips and Hacks: Tips and hacks can ease travel stress, positioning you as a helpful source.

- Insider Knowledge: Share unique insights into travel planning, like choosing the right insurance or understanding cultural etiquettes.

- Client Testimonials: Use real stories and interviews with past clients to build trust and demonstrate the quality of your services.

Partner with Gateway Travel

Gateway Travel supports their agents with comprehensive resources, efficient support, and clear business practices, helping to propel your travel business forward. By joining forces with Gateway, you gain more than a service provider; you acquire a partner dedicated to your success.

In summary, choosing the right host agency and utilizing effective SEO are essential steps for succeeding in the travel industry. With the right tools and knowledge, your career as a travel agent is set to flourish with Gateway Travel.

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Travel Agent Contracts for ICs: 10 Things to Consider Before You Sign

⭐️ har article highlights: ⭐️.

• Sample Travel Agent/Host Agency Contract [Download]
• An overview of independent travel agent contracts [Infographic]
• 10 Provisions to look for in independent travel agent contracts
• Red flags in IC travel agent contracts
• Additional legal resources for travel agents

You’re probably here because you’re a travel agent. Not because you’re an aspiring lawyer. If you aren’t fluent in legalese, knowing what to look for in an independent contractor travel agent contract is probably not second nature to you. After all, how could you know what to look for in a contract if you don’t know what to expect in the first place?

Well, I’m here to make it a heckuva lot easier. I consulted with a few industry professionals; primarily Peter Lobasso, General Counsel for American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), and Jackie Friedman, Director of the Professional Association of Travel Hosts (PATH) and President of Nexion host agency. With their insights, you’ll know what you can expect in an IC/ host agency contract.

I also jump in annually to update this article with questions and concerns advisors bring up along the way!

Disclaimer: I hope it goes without saying that I am about as far from a lawyer as you can possibly get. But in the spirit of writing about contracts, I'm going to put it in writing: “I am not a lawyer.”

Have I completed law school and passed a Bar Exam? Heck no. I haven’t even watched an entire season of Law and Order for cripes sake! In that vein, this article is not in any way, on any planet, intended to serve as legal counsel.

Download a Sample Travel Agent Contract

Before I jump in, below is a sample contract you can download. This is a handy guide to keep with you as you go through the article so you can how my lay-speak in this article translates to actual legal-speak in a contract. Keep in mind that this sample contract is a boilerplate to let you know what you might generally expect with a contract. Actual host agency contracts won't be cookie-cutter like this one. Download it below:

This contract sample is brought to you by actual travel attorney, Mark Pestronk. Thanks a million, Mark! We'll hear more from Mark as you read on, so sit tight!

Independent Travel Agent Contracts [An Infographic]

Before we take a deep dive, here's the crib notes. This is a great summary of what you're about to read:

Independent Travel Agent Contracts: Big Picture Stuff

Peter Lobasso with ASTA shared a ton of great info on independent travel agent contracts. But I want to be extra clear that this article refers to contracts between independent contractor (IC) travel agents and host agencies .

Not agency contracts with suppliers. Not contracts between agencies and consortia. Not contracts between travel agencies and their employees. So if you're an IC or a host agency that’s curious to learn more about these kinds of travel agent contracts, you’re in the right place!

Independent travel agent contracts aren’t a one-size-fits-all kind of deal (just like hosts!). Not all independent travel agent contracts are created equal. Just like any business, host agencies vary in size and amount of resources at their disposal. They may not be spending the majority of their time creating a pitch-perfect contract for their ICs.

This means it’s up to you to do your due diligence . . . and that’s what we’re here for. To kick it off, here's four big-picture things to consider about your contract:

1. First Things First: Yes. You Need a Contract!

Maybe it seems obvious that you should have a contract with your independent advisors. But if you’ve never sold travel as an independent contractor (IC) how would you know?

Jackie Friedman’s advice? “First and foremost, it is very important for both the IC and the “host” they affiliate with to have a mutually acceptable written agreement. As surprising as it sounds, I come across agents that have nothing in writing, and it can create issues down the road.”

Even if the host agency is owned by your best friend, you want to make sure there is a contract between your agency and the host agency (want to know who all these host agencies are? Look no further .)

2. What Is the Term of Your Contract?

There are two primary types of contracts when it comes to term agreements 1 :

• Fixed Term: A fixed term contract has a set duration. Six months? A year? Two years? Depends on the contract . . . and that’s something you’ll want to know!
• Indefinite Term: Indefinite term contracts have limit. They can go on forever. An object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by an outside force. Indefinite term contracts are the same way––they keep going until someone (the host or the IC) takes action to terminate (or amend) the contract.

The term of your contract should be abundantly clear. One type of contract term isn’t necessarily better than the other—it depends on what you’re looking for.

For example, if it’s the first time you’re working with this particular host and you’re not very familiar with them, Peter Lobasso suggested you consider starting with a shorter fixed term independent travel agent contract (for example, one year or less). That way, if you have a bad experience, there will be a hard stop to your contractual obligation.

3. Is the Right to Terminate Bilateral?

When considering independent contractor travel agent contracts, you have to look past the honeymoon period and think about what will happen if you want to break up with your host agency (or if you host wants to break up with you).

If things go south, do you, the IC, have the same right to terminate the contract as the host? For your sake, the answer to this should be yes. But more than that, it needs to be clearly written in your contract.

There are two kinds of terminations:

• For cause: This means that the contract terminates because one of contract parties (for our purposes, the IC or the host agency) violated the terms of the contract . . . pretty much a fancy way of saying that someone broke the rules.
• Without cause: This means there’s no “cause” except someone put in their notice to the other party.

You want to make sure you have the option to terminate your contract. In our boilerplate legalese, it looks like this, "This Agreement may be terminated by either Party in the event the other Party breaches this Agreement and does not cure such breach within fifteen (15) days after receipt of written notice of such breach."

4. REPEAT AFTER ME: "I'm AN Ic" (Not an Employee)

In legal speak, this distinction is considered defining “The Relationship of the Parties.” Is it abundantly clear in your contract that you're an IC . . . not an employee? If not, then clarify it!

On this topic, Friedman stated, “An IC is not an employee of the company and should not receive any benefits that the company may pay employees.”

To elaborate, Friedman pointed out the contract should be clear on the following details:

• There should be no taxes of any type withheld from an ICs compensation. The company must provide a form 1099 and any applicable state income reporting forms
• The contract should clearly indicate that both parties are able to contract with other business entities or individuals (more on this later!)
• There should be language that indicates that the IC is responsible for all business expenses. Many agreements outline some of these expenses.
• Duties of IC - cannot include requirements as to when and where the IC must work.

In order to protect the autonomy of your business, make sure the language of the contract recognizes you (or your agency) as an independent contractor. If you’re considered an employee in the eyes of the IRS, there may be trouble for you down the road .

How Does Your Business Model Impact Your Host Contract [VIDEO]?

Speaking of IC, during a Friday 15 episode , Steph spoke about the logistics of signing a host contract as an LLC vs. a Sole Proprietor. Take a look:

10 Provisions to Look for in an IC Travel Agent Contract

A few years back, travel attorney Mark Pestronk wrote an article for Travel Weekly that outlines 12 contract issues to watch for in independent travel agent contracts with host agencies. This info still stands the test of time!

Pestronk went the extra mile for HAR and provided us with the sample independent travel agent/ host agency contract above! Did you miss it? Download it here .

Our article will help decipher the contract's legalese, so if you're more of a visual learner, you can download it and go through the sample contract as you read the article!

We’re gonna throw a few more into the mix: Here’s a list of topics to consider and questions you should be able to answer after looking at your independent travel agent contract:

1. Commissions (in 3 parts):

Clarity on commissions is a pretty big deal . There are three main categories you want to keep in mind with commissions when it comes to your independent contractor travel agent contract:

1.1 Commission Payment Structure

How will you get paid? Your contract should tell you:

• What is your commission split?
• What is the schedule for/ frequency of commission payments?
• How are commissions paid? (Check, automatic deposit, carrier pigeon?)
• When will commissions be paid? What steps need to occur before payment is disbursed (i.e. vendor pays host, invoice is received, etc.)? When steps are complete, how many days after can you expect your payment?
• If you use a lead program, does that impact your commission split, and do the leads belong to you? ( You can read more on lead programs here .)

1.2 Commission Payment upon Contract Termination:

What happens if you or your host terminate the contract? The contract should address that hypothetical scenario:

• Will you still be paid commissions for bookings that haven’t traveled if the contract is terminated (for or without cause)?
• If so, how far out will the host continue to pay the commissions?
• Can you transfer bookings if you leave your host?

1.3 Offsets to Commissions

According to Friedman, “The agreement should include a list of any offsets to compensation. This list would include debit memos, commission recall, customer refund, chargebacks.” When it comes to deducting commission payments can you answer these questions:

• Can the host deduct fees from scheduled payments?
• If so, what for?
• How long do you have to pay back the charges if your commissions do not cover the charges?

The compensation should be very clear in your contract. How do you know if it’s clear enough? Lobasso’s tip is to, “Ask someone who knows nothing about how your business operates to review the commission plan and then explain how it works and how much the contractor would earn given a sale of a certain amount . . . If the commission can’t be calculated based solely on what appears on the printed page, that’s a pretty good indication that the structure as drafted is not sufficiently clear and revisions are in order.”

Why does it need to be so clear? Because if things go sour and you need to litigate or bring in an arbitrator, that judge or arbitrator will do just that: attempt to easily understand what is owed to you per what’s written in the contract.

Yep. It’s so important I’m bringing ‘em up again. When it comes to terms you should be able to answer:

• What is the term of the agreement?
• How much notice do you (or the host) need to give if you want to terminate the contract with or without cause?
• Is the right to terminate bilateral?

3. Dual Affiliation Disclosure:

Some contracts may require dual affiliation disclosure, which can be particularly important if you consider switching hosts or going with more than one host agency at the same time.

!Read up on what you need to consider with switching host agencies!

• Do you need to disclose when/if you decide to work under an additional host agency?
• Are there contractual restrictions if you choose to work with host B while you’re still contracted with host A?

4. E & O (Errors and Omission) Insurance Requirements:

In short, Errors and Omissions insurance is a policy for travel agents if a client sues you for negligence. It does not cover things like bookings errors and debit memos (confusing, considering the name). Some travel agents prefer to assume the risk instead of getting E&O insurance . It’s not mandatory, but it’s an important thing to consider.

While some hosts may provide E&O coverage, others might require that you purchase your own E&O insurance. Still, others may not provide or require E&O insurance. One isn’t necessarily better than the other, but you need to know the contractual requirements surrounding E&O insurance. From your contract you should know:

• Is it necessary for you to have your own E & O insurance?
• If so, how much coverage is required?
• If the host provides E&O insurance, what is your coverage?

5. SOT (Seller of Travel) Compliance:

Five states have Seller of Travel (SOT) are state laws that regulate people who sell travel (yep, that's you!). These laws offer protections for consumers and a lot of red tape for advisors. SOT laws are complicated . . . and if you live in or sell to clients in FL, WA, HI, or CA, it’s imperative that you’re adhering to their respective SOT requirements .

From your contract you should know:

• Are you subject to seller of travel compliance for any of the 4 states with such regulations?
• Are you subject to compliance with any other local laws/regulations?

6. State of Jurisdiction:

It’s not uncommon for agents to engage with host agencies outside their state of residence. For this reason, it is important to understand what your contract provides for with respect to which state will have jurisdiction over any controversies that arise from the contract. Oftentimes (but not always, the state of jurisdiction will be where the host is located since the host is the one drafting the contract. This means if you need to pursue legal recourse against the host agency (or vice versa), the host may have the home-court advantage.

According to Lobasso, “Litigating a case in another state is inconvenient burdensome, time-consuming, and costly, especially if multiple court appearances are necessary. You’ll also more than likely need to get an out-of-state attorney to represent you, all of which create in one party—but not the other—a serious disincentive to assert his or her rights under the contract in court. Imagine for example, that the host is in New York and the IC is in California and a dispute arises. It goes without saying that the party that needs to travel cross-country to sue or defend a suit will be disproportionately burdened by the litigation.”

Long story short? If you feel your host has defaulted on commissions, the cost to pursue litigation (lost time, travel expenses, hiring an out-of-state lawyer) may very well exceed the amount of restitution you (may or may not) be awarded if the jurisdiction is out of state.

7. ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) or Arbitration Clauses:

Some contracts may stipulate an ADR/ arbitration clause in order to avoid court altogether. If there is an arbitration clause, it means that both parties are giving up their right to sue. However, this doesn’t mean that arbitration isn’t costly.

Through arbitration, you will have to hire an arbitrator (usually a retired judge) and possibly a lawyer to represent you or your agency. An arbitration clause—if included in your contract—should outline who’s responsible for the cost of arbitration.

Wondering what to do if your host isn’t paying commissions? Check out this article here.

8. Schedule of Rental Fees for Office Space or Equipment:

This may not apply to many home-based agents. But if you are the exception and not the rule (you rebel, you), the rental rate should be clearly outlined in your contract with a breakdown of equipment (desk, chair, etc.) and services (i.e. internet) included.

Lobasso mentioned that this provision is primarily a concern for the host since “charging the IC for these items supports a finding that the worker is not an employee.”

9. ICs Risk of Loss:

Starting a travel agency is like starting any business—there is financial risk involved. Your independent travel agency contract with the host agency will indicate that the IC assumes this risk. As Friedman state, “the agreement should outline the relationship of the parties and the IC’s risk of loss in the event that commissions do not cover expenses incurred.”

Red Flags to Look for in Travel Agent Contracts

Now, what you can expect in an IC travel agent contract. There are also a few things you do not want to see in a contract . . . a few qualities that should put your spidey senses on high alert. Here are a few red flags to look out for, according to Lobasso:

1. Unclear or indefinite terms

Are certain terms used that are not defined in the agreement? Are the timeframes for the performance of the parties' obligations clearly stated? (For example, when the IC receives a commission.)

2. Ambiguity

For our purposes, Lobasso describes ambiguity as, “Any inexactness in the drafting that leaves a provision of the contract open to more than one reasonable interpretation. In my experience, this sort of thing is one of the primary reasons why parties end up in court, and more often than not it’s completely avoidable.”

If something isn’t clear to you, ask your host. But it’s not enough for the host to explain or define terms to you verbally—any clarification should be reflected in the contract.

3. Compensation structures that are overly complicated.

Lobasso warns agents against complicated compensation structures, “It’s in both parties interest that the compensation structure be as simple and clear as possible . . . Disputes often arise because the commission terms were unnecessarily complicated or practically indecipherable. In some cases, it’s intentionally drafted that way in order to induce the contractor to sign it without really understanding just how unfavorable the terms were.”

4. Non-Compete Clauses

As an independent contractor, you should be exactly that . . . independent. So if there is a non-compete clause in your contract, that could be cause for some surprise.

Lobasso explained non-compete clauses in IC/host contracts like this, "While often seen in employment agreements, non-compete clauses typically don’t (and shouldn’t) appear in IC agreements. While inclusion of such a provision could be warranted under certain circumstances, generally speaking, the IC, by virtue of its status as an independent business, is free to render services to whomever it wishes. "

For a little more information on non-compete clauses (and restrictive IC/host contracts in general), you can read Mark Pestronk's article here .

5. Non-diSparagement clauses

Non-disparagement clauses are newer on our radar. Essentially, a non-disparagement clause means that an IC couldn't "say" anything negative about the host, its employees, or services in any form of communication (verbal or written, in public or private forums). Even with our stringent review integrity guidelines , as a review site, this is obviously something that sets off our spidey senses.

What does this look like in the real world? Here's one real-world example: If you sign a contract with a non-disparagement clause, and then later leave a truthful review that the contracting organization finds unfavorable, they can compel you to remove the review by withholding commission payments.

Additional Resources for IC Travel Agent Contracts

Still a little nervous about putting your John Hancock at the bottom of a host agency contract? There’s more support for you. If something is unclear in your contract, you can ask your host agency to clarify and amend the contract.

Wonder if a host is legit? Well, if the reviews on our site aren’t enough, here are two other travel organizations that can help you find out:

1. PATH (Professional Association of Travel Hosts)

there are organizations such as PATH (Professional Association of Travel Hosts) that have pretty stringent requirements for membership. One of those requirements is to provide a contract to ICs.

According to PATH president, Anita Pagliasso, “As far as what PATH requires in an IC agreement, there are sample contracts that have been published by ASTA with guidelines, which includes terms, conditions and commission details clearly stated. We have made a copy of ASTA's recommended agreement available to PATH members.”

2. ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors

You can also look to see if the host agency is a member of ASTA, which holds their members to a high standard. On that note, ASTA also provides significant support to ICs through their “Member Advantage Program.” According to the ASTA site, “As an ASTA member, you will receive a free 15-minute initial consultation, a written estimate subject to the attorney's qualifications, and fifteen percent (15%) off each attorney's regular fees. Our attorneys can provide counsel on issues such as sale, merger or acquisition of travel agencies, employment and supplier contracts, CRS negotiations, etc.”

Not too shabby, eh? ASTA's membership is $199 for independent agents who sell less than 1M in travel annually and $355 for members selling above that threshold . (Membership costs increase with sales: you can see the ASTA's full list of membership dues here). And if you're looking to dig into more legal resources on the site you can take a detour here .

Ready to become a travel advisor? We have just the thing.

The one thing that all travel agent rates, promotions, loyalty programs, and discounts have in common is that you have to be a travel agent.

HAR's free 7-Day Setup LITE course offers a daily email for a week to connect you to the resources you need in the order you need them. If you want more structured support, I recommend also checking out the free trial for HAR's 7-Day Setup Accelerator course trial as well! (Signing up below will start the 7DS with instructions on how to register for the 7DS Accelerator trial).

Phew. If you made it this far, not only am I frankly impressed by your attention span, but I’m also confident that you’ll be well-equipped to decode your host agency/ independent travel agent contract.

Like I said earlier, I’m a far cry from a lawyer. I want to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Peter Lobasso (an actual lawyer) and Jackie Friedman (president of Nexion Travel Group) who liberally offered their industry expertise! Also a special thank you to Mark Pestronk for providing us with a sample contract that you can use for your own purposes! Thank you three for sharing trade secrets (and for making me seem 100x smarter than I really am when it comes to travel agent contracts).

Do you have any thoughts? Want to share your experiences with independent travel agent contracts? Share your insights in the comments below!

Editor's Note: This post was originally published in Feb. 7th, 2019, and updated and republished on date listed.

• “Term agreement” refers to the duration of the contract ↩

About the Author

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.

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How to Become a Travel Agent: Everything You Need to Know

A re you great at finding reasonably priced flights and hotel rooms? Does making itineraries and solving booking issues come naturally to you? If your answer is yes, you might want to consider becoming a travel agent. And if you're the designated "trip-planning friend," you're already halfway there.

You might think the the profession is outdated, but that's not what the data shows: According to the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), 50 percent of travelers are more likely to use a travel agent now than they were in the past. Not only are travel agents needed, but the career's earning potential can be impressive, depending on the type of agent you choose to be. Use this guide to learn how to become a travel agent and kickstart your journey into a unique career.

RELATED: 26 Best Trip-Planning Hacks Straight From Travel Agents .

What do travel agents do?

A travel agent's job is to ensure their clients have the best travel arrangements. Using their expertise, they offer advice and essential details about your trip, make your reservations, book flights and hotels, and manage your travel plans overall. Any hiccups regarding your accommodations are handled by them, and they are the best at finding money-saving deals. Travel agents prioritize your needs, like your vacation schedule and budget.

Their goal is to provide peace of mind throughout the trip-planning process so you can get the most out of your vacation.

What credentials do you need to be a travel agent?

You don't necessarily need a degree to become a travel agent, but getting some training within the field could be in your best interest. This not only makes you an attractive candidate to employers and agencies who may require a form of certification , but also helps you appear more qualified, which can help further your career in the long run.

Even though there might not be a degree in "travel agency" per se, you can opt for a related program like business, economics, or hospitality instead.

What do you need to become a travel agent?

There are different ways to become a travel agent, but anyone hoping to break into the field should definitely keep the following three points in mind.

Decide what kind of travel agent you want to be.

Having a specific focus on the kind of travel experience you want to provide allows you to build the knowledge and resources to best help those specific clients. Suppose you want to work in corporate travel: Building your skills according to your niche clientele and field will help you sharpen the skills you need to develop your expertise.

Learn about the travel industry and its trends.

The travel agency field is constantly shifting, so it's important to stay up-to-date on industry changes and trends to know what you should be offering clients. People's preferences are ever-changing, so knowing what's hot and what's not is crucial. Spend time learning which places are popular and unpopular based on the season, or which restaurants are staple visits. This shows a solid and up-to-date understanding your clients will appreciate.

Build your communication and interpersonal skills.

A large part of being a travel agent is advising your clients and earning their trust, which doesn't happen overnight. Presenting yourself as knowledgeable and approachable can encourage them to trust your judgment and recommendations. This is especially important if you're not working with a travel agency, because you'll have to rely more on your brand and relationships instead of leaning on a company's reputation.

Maintaining a healthy balance of communication between you and your clients is also essential, which means scheduling phone calls, in-person meetings, keeping up with emails, and any other form of communication your client prefers.

RELATED: 9 Ways Flying First Class Can Actually Save You Money, Travel Experts Say .

Get certified if you can

Getting a certificate can be pricey and cost hundreds of dollars . So, if this option is not feasible for you, that's understandable. However, while certification isn't a requirement to become a travel agent, it can certainly help you throughout your career. Here are a few certificate programs to consider.

Certified Travel Counselor

This Travel Institute certificate requires at least five years of experience and a Certified Travel Association certification. This course focuses on marketing and building consumer relationships. CTC costs $550 to complete the course and $600 for the CTC Fast Track.

Certified Travel Industry Executive

CTIE is also backed by the Travel Institute and requires at least five years of field experience. This $550 program includes courses on travel business, marketing management, bookkeeping, and travel law.

ASTA Verified Travel Advisor

This certificate is given by the American Society of Travel Advisors and teaches applicants about the legalities of travel and how to solidify relationships with consumers. The nine-course program also focuses on ethical travel advising, agency law, and travel agency compliance.

For ASTA members, the course is $399, and for nonmember independent contractors, it's $598. Travel Advisor nonmembers pay the steepest price, which is $729, and $179 for recertification.

RELATED: 7 Hacks for Flying With Just a Carry-On—No Matter How Long Your Trip Is .

How much do travel agents make?

According to Indeed , travel agents make an average of $53,924, and salaries can range between $30,131 and $96,506, depending on where you live. But other factors can affect an agent's earning potential, like working independently instead of for a travel agency.

A travel agent's income also depends on their area of travel. The Hotel Agency Review 2023 report revealed that corporate and luxury travel agents earn much more than agents who focus on Disney and cruise trips.

Your experience level can also impact your earning potential, as agents who have worked in the field longer are typically viewed as more qualified.

RELATED:  The 7 Best Cruises to Book If You're Over 60 .

Do travel agents get discounts on flights?

Being a travel agent doesn't automatically mean you get tons of discounts and deals, but they do have access to perks that can help make planning trips easier and less expensive. Travel agents have the inside scoop on reduced rates because of their relationships with hotels and airlines. As a result, agents share these negotiated prices with their clients to help them save. Agents can, of course, also benefit from this insider knowledge and save money on their own trips.

Thanks to their agents, clients can enjoy luxury accommodations at high-end hotels like Hyatt Privé, Hilton Impresario, Marriott STARS&Luminous, Four Seasons Preferred Partner, and Mandarin Oriental Fan Club, to name a few. These perks range from spa services and later checkout times to room upgrades and complimentary breakfast.

How do you make money as a travel agent?

There are several ways a travel agent can make money in their field beyond selling travel packages or working for an agency.

Travel agents can charge a service fee, which is a base pay clients cover along with any other charges.

Travel agents can also make commissions from their contracts with hotels, tour/excursion companies, cruises, car rental services, and airlines. Add-ons like insurance can also help boost an agent's income, if their client wants it.

Booking group tours can increase a travel agent's earnings because their commission is based on how much their clients purchase, so more people means more accommodations. For example, booking travel for destination weddings or family reunions is an excellent way to book multiple hotel rooms. It's such a lucrative strategy that some agents make group booking their niche, because managing just a few a year can bring in a substantial profit.

RELATED: The Best Day to Book Flights for Your Next Getaway .

Being a travel agent comes with many perks, but ultimately, becoming one takes a lot of dedicated effort. Taking the time to learn about the travel industry is a great way to expand your tourism knowledge and consumer communication techniques. Refining your skills and becoming certified is one of the best ways to attract and retain clients.

So, if becoming a travel agent sounds like the career for you, join this community of globetrotters and combine your love for adventure, great deals, and helping others plan impressive getaways.

In the meantime, you can sign up for our newsletter to enjoy similar career-building content, as well as the latest in wellness, entertainment, and travel.

PRESS RELEASES

Final faa reauthorization bill presents both drawbacks and notable victories for travel advisors.

Alexandria, V.A., April 29, 2024  — The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) relentlessly championed for travel advisor priorities throughout the FAA reauthorization process, and we are pleased to see some small victories appear in the final legislation. However, the language also presents some discouraging setbacks.  

Last week, the Department of Transportation (DOT) made a profound error in  issuing a final rule  that leaves travel agencies on the hook for providing consumers with air ticket refunds if the agency is the “merchant of record,” regardless of whether the agency is in possession of the funds. The original language in the House version of the FAA bill would have superseded this rule, clearly stating that ticket agents are not responsible for refunds when they are no longer in possession of the funds. 

“We were thankful when the House originally recognized this important distinction,” commented Zane Kerby, ASTA President and CEO. “Unfortunately, the final compromise between the House and Senate kicks this issue back to a DOT that has shown a clear lack of understanding how travel agencies book air travel.”  

The final FAA bill would require DOT to issue regulations within one year, requiring air carriers to promptly transfer funds to ticket agents where the agent is obligated to refund the consumer but is not in possession of the funds. Unfortunately, the DOT rule released last week goes into effect in six months. This leaves at least six months between the effective date of the regulations and when the new regulations will be proposed, let alone finalized. This uncertainty will cause preventable and undo financial stress on travel agency small businesses. 

The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 reauthorized the Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee (ACPAC), an advisory body at DOT responsible for evaluating existing aviation consumer protection programs and providing recommendations for establishing and improving aviation consumer protection programs. ACPAC membership consists of one representative each of U.S. airlines, consumer groups, airports, and state or local governments, a small committee by federal standards. Incorporating the provisions of a standalone bill in the House (H.R. 3780), the House FAA Reauthorization bill added ticket agents to the ACPAC.  

Unfortunately, the final FAA bill only requires that the ACPAC consult with ticket agents “as appropriate.” 

“ASTA has appeared before this committee many times and recent final rules from DOT continue to show a clear lack of understanding on the role of travel agencies and advisors in booking air travel. It is disappointing that when given an opportunity to add the views of the agencies who booked 40 percent of air tickets in 2023, Congress deflected to an unenforceable consultative role,” Kerby further commented. 

On a more positive note, ASTA was the champion of a provision in the House bill that streamlines offline disclosures surrounding air travel, and we are pleased to see this provision maintained in the final bill.  

“This will reduce frustration with the air ticket purchase process and lessen the unnecessary burdens on our members’ business operations, while keeping critical consumer protection intact,” Kerby concluded. 

Finally, the legislation establishes the Passenger Experience Advisory Committee within the DOT to advise the Secretary and the FAA Administrator on improving the passenger experience in air transportation customer service. ASTA is pleased to see that ticket agents will have a voice on this committee, and we ask that the DOT establish and convene the committee in short order.

ABOUT ASTA Rebranded in 2018 as the American Society of Travel Advisors, ASTA is the leading global advocate for travel advisors, the travel industry and the traveling public. Its members represent 80 percent of all travel sold in the United States through the travel agency distribution channel. Together with hundreds of internationally-based members, ASTA’s history of industry advocacy traces back to its founding in 1931 when it launched with the mission to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. For more information about the Society, visit our mission statement .  

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Here’s How To Become a Travel Agent and Earn $3,000 Monthly

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No matter the type of travel you enjoy doing travel planning takes attention to detail mixed with a bit of the spirit of adventure. Every once in a while when the stars align you can take what you love to do and turn it into a living. It’s time to pack your go bag and explore the travel agency world .

See Also: 6 Unusual Ways To Make Extra Money (That Actually Work)

How To Become a Travel Agent

Just because someone has travel experience does not mean they can automatically become a travel agent. However, if you are interested in becoming a travel agent there are many programs you can take to help you become one, or even start your own business. Skills you will learn include how to organize travel arrangements, business ethics, customer service, itinerary planning and the ins and outs of travel insurance.

No matter your career goals, whether you want to focus on luxury travel or more of a local tour operation, the following programs and certifications, which can be done in person or remotely, can get you started on the right path.

• Departure Lounge: Learn how to navigate the hotel industry as an independent contractor as well as get tips on tour operating.
• Premier Cruise Lines: Many lines such as Virgin Voyages, Cunard or Ritz-Carlton Yachts provide training programs for travel agents to help them sell their products and services more efficiently.
• Get Certified: When your training and coursework are complete a certification helps distinguish you in the field with these designations. Some popular ones include the International Air Transport Association, Cruise Line International Association or Travel Industry Designator Service. Be sure to research which certification makes the most sense for you as it will imply different things for your business.

How Much Do Travel Agents Make?

The median pay for what travel agents get paid in the United States is estimated to be about $46,400 annually which is over $3,000 monthly. This may seem underwhelming, but this is an estimate by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics which means is only based on what full-time employees make and not self-employed people. In other words, you can make a lot more money as an independent travel advisor as opposed to working for a host agency. 

Travel agents make money by earning commissions on trips they book as well as charging fees such as booking or service fees. This is a great way to also set your own schedule and only choose the gigs you like. 

Final Take To GO: Love To Travel?

When it comes to starting as a travel agent, a good rule to follow is to try to sell and book trips you yourself would want to take. If you already love to travel this could be a natural next step in your career or a budding side business. 

A great way to sell yourself as a travel agent is to define your unique selling point. Essentially what is it about you that will make people want to book trips with you? It also helps to optimize your website, create high-quality content from trips you’ve booked or been on and leverage your social media platforms. Once you have your foundation firmly established, everything else is booking a day at the beach. 

• Full-time travel agents make roughly $46,400 a year which is over $3,000 a month. However, there is a chance to make more money than this estimate by starting your own travel agency and working for yourself. This way you can set your own schedule and don't have to worry about splitting your commissions.
• You don't need a specific degree to get started as a travel agent, but finding a training program and getting certified with varying destinations does help distinguish you as a trusted travel agent to your potential clients.
• Selling yourself as a travel agent, much like with any job or small business, starts with defining your unique selling point. Essentially what is it about you that will make people want to book trips with you? It also helps to optimize your website, create high-quality content from trips you've booked or been on and leverage your social media platforms.
• Get Certified: When your training and coursework are complete a certification helps distinguish you in the field with these designations. Some popular ones include the International Air Transport Association, Cruise Line International Association or Travel Industry Designator Service. Research which certification makes the most sense for you as it will imply different things for your business.

Our in-house research team and on-site financial experts work together to create content that’s accurate, impartial, and up to date. We fact-check every single statistic, quote and fact using trusted primary resources to make sure the information we provide is correct. You can learn more about GOBankingRates’ processes and standards in our editorial policy .

• Condé Nast Traveler. 2023. "How to Become a Travel Agent—Because, Believe It or Not, the Industry Is on the Rise."
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 2024. "Travel Agents: Occupational Outlook Handbook."
• Host Agency Reviews®. 2024. "How Much Do Travel Agents Make? | 2024 Travel Agent Salary."

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Travel Agency SmartFlyer Takes 8K SF at 530 West 25th Street

By abigail nehring april 30, 2024 5:41 pm.

Luxury travel agency SmartFlyer booked its own trip across town to 530 West 25th Street .

SmartFlyer signed a 10-year lease for 7,900 square feet on the seventh floor and penthouse of the 77,500-square-foot Chelsea office building, landlord The Feil Organization announced.

A spokesperson for Feil declined to share the asking rent, but average asking rent for office space in Chelsea was $74.06  per square foot in the first quarter of 2024, according to a Cushman & Wakefield report .

SmartFlyer’s current headquarters are at 347 West 36th Street in the Garment District, according to its LinkedIn page . It also lists addresses in Hohokus, N.J.; Clayton, Mo.; Atlanta; Philadelphia; and several in Australia on its website .

The agency specializes in full-service travel packages for corporate clients and deep-pocketed vacationers. 

SmartFlyer’s founder and CEO, Michael Holtz , said in a statement that the location and type of building were particularly important to the company in its search for a new home in New York City. 

“We wanted to be in a creative area to reflect our team’s brand value, as well as a space that will encourage excitement about coming to a space that most of us call home,” Holtz said. 

Compass ’ David Graff arranged the deal for SmartFlyer while Andrew Wiener , Rob Fisher and Henry Korzec represented Feil in-house. Graff did not respond to a request for comment.

Weiner said in a statement that Feil is taking a “detail-oriented approach” to design SmartFlyer’s space, which includes a private roof deck and a spiral staircase connecting the penthouse to the floor below.

Feil purchased 530 West 25th and neighboring 520 West 25th Avenue in 2019 for $72 million and redeveloped both loft buildings into boutique office properties . The ground floor of 530 West 25th is currently occupied by two art galleries: Agora Gallery and Winston Wächter Fine Art .

Abigail Nehring can be reached at [email protected] .

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces Final Rule Requiring Automatic Refunds of Airline Tickets and Ancillary Service Fees

Rule makes it easy to get money back for cancelled or significantly changed flights, significantly delayed checked bags, and additional services not provided  

WASHINGTON – The Biden-Harris Administration today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a final rule that requires airlines to promptly provide passengers with automatic cash refunds when owed. The new rule makes it easy for passengers to obtain refunds when airlines cancel or significantly change their flights, significantly delay their checked bags, or fail to provide the extra services they purchased.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them - without headaches or haggling,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg . “Our new rule sets a new standard to require airlines to promptly provide cash refunds to their passengers.”  

The final rule creates certainty for consumers by defining the specific circumstances in which airlines must provide refunds. Prior to this rule, airlines were permitted to set their own standards for what kind of flight changes warranted a refund. As a result, refund policies differed from airline to airline, which made it difficult for passengers to know or assert their refund rights. DOT also received complaints of some airlines revising and applying less consumer-friendly refund policies during spikes in flight cancellations and changes. 

Under the rule, passengers are entitled to a refund for:

• Canceled or significantly changed flights: Passengers will be entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed, and they do not accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered. For the first time, the rule defines “significant change.” Significant changes to a flight include departure or arrival times that are more than 3 hours domestically and 6 hours internationally; departures or arrivals from a different airport; increases in the number of connections; instances where passengers are downgraded to a lower class of service; or connections at different airports or flights on different planes that are less accessible or accommodating to a person with a disability.  
• Significantly delayed baggage return: Passengers who file a mishandled baggage report will be entitled to a refund of their checked bag fee if it is not delivered within 12 hours of their domestic flight arriving at the gate, or 15-30 hours of their international flight arriving at the gate, depending on the length of the flight.  
• Extra services not provided: Passengers will be entitled to a refund for the fee they paid for an extra service — such as Wi-Fi, seat selection, or inflight entertainment — if an airline fails to provide this service.

DOT’s final rule also makes it simple and straightforward for passengers to receive the money they are owed. Without this rule, consumers have to navigate a patchwork of cumbersome processes to request and receive a refund — searching through airline websites to figure out how make the request, filling out extra “digital paperwork,” or at times waiting for hours on the phone. In addition, passengers would receive a travel credit or voucher by default from some airlines instead of getting their money back, so they could not use their refund to rebook on another airline when their flight was changed or cancelled without navigating a cumbersome request process.  

The final rule improves the passenger experience by requiring refunds to be:

• Automatic: Airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops.   
• Prompt: Airlines and ticket agents must issue refunds within seven business days of refunds becoming due for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods.  
• Cash or original form of payment: Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in cash or whatever original payment method the individual used to make the purchase, such as credit card or airline miles. Airlines may not substitute vouchers, travel credits, or other forms of compensation unless the passenger affirmatively chooses to accept alternative compensation.    
• Full amount: Airlines and ticket agents must provide full refunds of the ticket purchase price, minus the value of any portion of transportation already used. The refunds must include all government-imposed taxes and fees and airline-imposed fees, regardless of whether the taxes or fees are refundable to airlines.

The final rule also requires airlines to provide prompt notifications to consumers affected by a cancelled or significantly changed flight of their right to a refund of the ticket and extra service fees, as well as any related policies.

In addition, in instances where consumers are restricted by a government or advised by a medical professional not to travel to, from, or within the United States due to a serious communicable disease, the final rule requires that airlines must provide travel credits or vouchers. Consumers may be required to provide documentary evidence to support their request. Travel vouchers or credits provided by airlines must be transferrable and valid for at least five years from the date of issuance.

The Department received a significant number of complaints against airlines and ticket agents for refusing to provide a refund or for delaying processing of refunds during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. At the height of the pandemic in 2020, refund complaints peaked at 87 percent of all air travel service complaints received by DOT. Refund problems continue to make up a substantial share of the complaints that DOT receives.

DOT’s Historic Record of Consumer Protection Under the Biden-Harris Administration

Under the Biden-Harris Administration and Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has advanced the largest expansion of airline passenger rights, issued the biggest fines against airlines for failing consumers, and returned more money to passengers in refunds and reimbursements than ever before in the Department’s history.

• Thanks to pressure from Secretary Buttigieg and DOT’s flightrights.gov dashboard, all 10 major U.S. airlines guarantee free rebooking and meals, and nine guarantee hotel accommodations when an airline issue causes a significant delay or cancellation. These are new commitments the airlines added to their customer service plans that DOT can legally ensure they adhere to and are displayed on flightrights.gov .  
• Since President Biden took office, DOT has helped return more than $3 billion in refunds and reimbursements owed to airline passengers – including over $600 million to passengers affected by the Southwest Airlines holiday meltdown in 2022.   
• Under Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has issued over $164 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations. Between 1996 and 2020, DOT collectively issued less than $71 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations.  
• DOT recently launched a new partnership with a bipartisan group of state attorneys general to fast-track the review of consumer complaints, hold airlines accountable, and protect the rights of the traveling public.  
• In 2023, the flight cancellation rate in the U.S. was a record low at under 1.2% — the lowest rate of flight cancellations in over 10 years despite a record amount of air travel.  
• DOT is undertaking its first ever industry-wide review of airline privacy practices and its first review of airline loyalty programs.

In addition to finalizing the rules to require automatic refunds and protect against surprise fees, DOT is also pursuing rulemakings that would:

• Propose to ban family seating junk fees and guarantee that parents can sit with their children for no extra charge when they fly. Before President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg pressed airlines last year, no airline committed to guaranteeing fee-free family seating. Now, four airlines guarantee fee-free family seating, and the Department is working on its family seating junk fee ban proposal.  
• Propose to make passenger compensation and amenities mandatory so that travelers are taken care of when airlines cause flight delays or cancellations.   
• Expand the rights for passengers who use wheelchairs and ensure that they can travel safely and with dignity . The comment period on this proposed rule closes on May 13, 2024.

The final rule on refunds can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/latest-news and at regulations.gov , docket number DOT-OST-2022-0089. There are different implementation periods in this final rule ranging from six months for airlines to provide automatic refunds when owed to 12 months for airlines to provide transferable travel vouchers or credits when consumers are unable to travel for reasons related to a serious communicable disease. 

Information about airline passenger rights, as well as DOT’s rules, guidance and orders, can be found at   https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer .

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