Hello- a 2-part question- Does anyone know what kind of benefits a travel agent gets in terms of airfare? I'm trying to decide if it's worth it to get a TA permit just for the air benefits and if you can use these benefits if you're not practicing. Also, someone suggested getting IATA certification. I don't know what's the difference between IATA certification or an ordinary travel agent. Again, I'm not the sales type- I'd just like to do this in order to get the benefits, if there are any. Any insights into this? Thanks
1
wt44
I posted this question here because theoretically, as a travel agent, you could pay as you go- in other words, this is the perfect way to get paid to travel. I've seen this thread here. WT44 original post
2
wayworn1
Travel agents don't get paid to travel. Not unless you count a one week package holiday to Maui or Tenerife every couple of years for a senior travel agent in a decent sized agency, being paid to travel. You're dreaming.
There are no real benefits in being a travel agent. As for just getting a license etc. to access benefits, that's a laugh. You might as well get a driving license for the benefits to be had.
3
ellecarumba
This is a pretty well known scam. A company charges you x amount to get a travel agents licence, claiming you will benefit from discount flights and holidays, without even working as a travel agent.
It's nonsense. Don't waste your money.
4
eeuunikkeiexpat
From past memory on reading the TravelBuzz forum on FlyerTalk:
Only way to really do this is get a brick and mortar travel agency to hire or partner with you part time and take you under their wing so you can get a legitimate IATA number, access to and training on GDS, CYA insurance, etc. There really are no airline discounts for travel agents to be had but there are discounts for cruises and hotels with a legitimately obtained IATA number. Remember this is a tough industry these days and that most of all, as in all things in life, there is no such thing as a free lunch.
5
kahua
As a travel agent, you get paid to sell stuff to people. That means that you get paid to sell packages, and tours, and cruises, not flights. The days of good airline discounts are long gone.
They do get some discounts, but as mentioned above, it will be for a package tour to Orlando or Las Vegas.
As a job, you can't make much money independently, and as a means for cheap airline tickets, it doens't work anymore.
6
sloth2007
Not sure if it's the same in every country, but in Australia to have an IATA card to get the discounts you need to be working a minimum number of hours per week in a Travel Agency.
7
bastienpasq
Hi
You should better look for a single working for an airline.... Then you ll have real discounts without working....
If you are trying to enter into the "stand-by world", keep it mind that he belongs to airline industry........ With some exceptions on Travel agency..... But nothing to compare.......Unless you work for a massive one......
If you are a good looking girl, moving to Ireland, I could reconsider the question ;-)))))
I do work for an airline with all the benefits...... And I dont have any name on my "partner card"
Cheers
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