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aj - that is what it was when I was working as an agent - plus I did not have to pay as much for my insurance et.
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To get an IATAN (International Airlines Travel Agent Network) card:
1. At least 18 years of age 2.Work minimum 20 hours per week 3. Earn a minimum of $5,000 yearly 4. Have been registered with IATAN for at least 6 months. The compensation can be salary, commissions, or a combination thereof. |
Thank you for the responses. How does one get started with registering and meeting the 5K quota?
As far as meeting the 5k, I mean how do you get that registered with IATAN? I hope this makes sense, as I am really a novice concerning this. |
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Sabre is one of the 4 systems used.
The others are Galileo, Amadeus and Worldspan. The systems used by these companies are some of the most sophisticated in world. It is just amazing what they do and the speed that they do it. Sabre Travel Network connects more than 30,000 travel agents and 3 million consumers with more than 400 airlines, 50 car-rental companies, 35,000 hotels and dozens of railways, tour companies, ferries and cruise lines. Sabre Airline Solutions provides departure control, reservations, and, inventory management. Other products include resource management, fares and revenue management, data services, and frequent flyer systems. There are other facets to these systems... including functionality used by hotel and car rental companies. People who say these system are antiquated have absolutely no idea what they are talking about. ALL 4 systems have GUI's that can be used by novice agents that do not know how to use the 'host' system. A monkey could figure it out. In fact, the 'old school' screen is often simply the view option selected by agents who are used to booking in that environment. They have the option to view it in a graphical version. As you can probably tell, I work in the travel technology industry and prior to that I was a travel agent. |
Having the card is not much of a benefit if you do not produce.
Most suppliers know who book and it is easy to check by the IATA number they will request if you ask for a discount. DO NOT get into this business for discounts! |
txtravelpro - I agree - it is not a business to get into for the discounts. I got into because I wanted something to generate income from home and love travel and have an eye for details in travel plans.
I never used it for discounts. |
Thanks for the website; I will check it out. I, too, am interested in helping people travel and I do have an "eye" as you say and an interest in planning itineraries. Since I teach English as a second language, I am interested in taking student groups on some international trips as well. I know that I can use a travel company that specializes in these types of trips. I am just looking at all my options.
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I just wanted to reply to dawnnoelm say yes we are still around and doing better than ever!
Also on the subject of scams- unfortunately there are alot of scams out there. There are also alot of agencies who think that having outside sales agents would be good for business not realizing at all what they need or demand as far as support. The best thing is to do some research on several host agencies if you are interested. Each host agency has their own requirements and policies. You have to find one that works for you. Never invest alot of money into any agency. The reason for this is you don't know how well the relationship will work out. And even if someone you know is happy doesn't mean you will be. You definitely should not get in it for discounts or free trips. Keep in mind that suppliers will only invite agents who are producing so you aren't going to go to Hawaii for a cheap cost if you never book Hawaii. Also they are not really free trips but more of an educational experience. That means meetings, hotel inspections and alot more "work" related things. Suppliers aren't offering as much anymore because they are tired of "travel agents" showing up to things and not attending any of the training and just are looking for a free ride. It hurt the travel industry so much because of all the "card mill" agencies who are signing up people who just want to travel for free. About computer systems- don't worry about that. Most suppliers have easy to use websites and even booking hotels, rental cars and airline tickets are easy. The days of having to know formats are really out the window. Most of the CRS systems have easy point and click type of systems. I hope this helps! Jennifer Dugan |
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