american for travel agents

Preferred agency program

Qualification criteria.

Global Sales and Distribution

Privacy overview.

spotnana.com

[email protected]

Spotnana’s Technology as a Service offering is supported in the following regions: US, Canada, UK and Europe

[email protected]

Regions supported: Global

aarongroup.net

Ondrej Volrab [email protected]

Regions supported: East, Central, Northern and Southern Europe

airgateway.com

Jorge Diaz [email protected]

useargo.com

Alexandre Cordeiro Alexandre.Cordeiro @useargo.com

Regions supported: Brazil and Latin America

Uri Sheinkman [email protected]

claritytts.com

[email protected]

easylinkz.com

[email protected]

Aurelio Oliva [email protected]

Regions supported: Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, Asia Pacific, North America and Middle East

reserve.com.br

Tiago Quintanilha Tiago.Quintanilha @reserve.com.br

skywide.tech

Christopher Cheng [email protected]

Regions supported: Asia

thomalex.com

[email protected]

tpconnects.com

Maeneth Vergara [email protected]

travelfusion.com

[email protected]

travelndc.cn

Kyle Wang [email protected]

Regions supported: China, Asia-Pacific

tripstack.com

[email protected]

verteil.com

Jerrin Jos [email protected]

Regions supported: India, Japan, Asia-Pacific and EMEA

Wooba Sistemas De Informatica LTDA

wooba.tur.br

Rafael Vieira [email protected]

Regions supported: Brazil, Latin America and Europe

ypsilon.net

[email protected]

travelport.com/theme/ndc

中国民航信息集团 (travelsky.cn)

[email protected]

amadeus.com/en/topic/ndc-new-distribution-capability

• Three-year agreement supports the purchase of one million gallons annually for 2021-2023
• Represents the largest publicly announced SAF agreement by volume between an airline and corporate customer for reducing emissions for employee business travel
• Both American Airlines and Bank of America are anchor partners of Breakthrough Energy Catalyst , committed to provide capital to help accelerate the development of climate-smart technologies including SAF
• Neste’s SAF is made from sustainably sourced, 100% renewable waste and residue materials.
• The sustainable aviation fuel from Neste is 75% less harmful to the environment on average than fossil fuel.
• Neste is the world’s largest producer of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) refined from waste and residues.
• We are allocating a portion of the carbon reduction benefit we generate through our use of sustainable aviation fuel to Kuehne+Nagel.
• We hope to expand this collaboration model to reflect the demand for SAF, build the market and accelerate the industry’s transition to more sustainable fuel alternatives .
• Kuehne+Nagel is one of the world’s leading logistics companies, with a focus on sea, air and road logistics and developing integrated logistics solutions.
• This agreement pioneers how certificates that allocate the emissions reduction value of SAF can benefit companies seeking to reduce their business travel emissions.
• In an industry-first transaction, this SAF emissions agreement reduces the life cycle emissions from aviation by 3,050 metric tons of carbon dioxide.
• Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world’s most admired brands, including nearly 90% of the Fortune 500 ® companies.
• Three primary carbon reduction projects are currently supported when our customers purchase offsets through Cool Effect: The Tri-City Forest Project in Massachusetts, For Peat’s Sake in Indonesia and Mirador Clean Cookstoves in Honduras.
• More than 90% of each dollar donated goes directly to helping support carbon reduction.
• Cool Effect is a nonprofit organization that sources high-quality, verified carbon reduction projects across the globe and is recognized for rigorous vetting and full pricing transparency.
• one world ® is the first global airline alliance to unite behind a common target to achieve carbon neutrality.
• Each airline is developing their individual approach to reach this target through efficiency measures, investments in sustainable aviation fuels and more fuel-efficient aircraft, reduction of waste, carbon offsets and more .

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• AAdvantage ® program

Earning on flights

Book directly with american.

Starting with tickets issued on July 11, 2024, the only flights that earn AAdvantage ® miles and Loyalty Points are those booked directly with American, eligible one world ® and partner airlines, and preferred travel agencies.

Flights booked through non-preferred travel agencies will not earn miles or Loyalty Points, unless the customer is registered with the AAdvantage Business ™ program or has a contracted corporate agreement with American.

Booking with us provides a better travel experience. You can manage your trip online, receive travel credit for canceled trips and more. Plus, you’ll continue to earn miles and Loyalty Points through our non-airline partners and on eligible purchases with an AAdvantage ® credit card.

Eligible travel

You must book directly to earn on flights. ‘Booking directly’ includes travel booked through American or our partner airlines’:

• Reservations and airport teams
• Ticket sales centers

Find a ticket sales center

You can also earn miles and Loyalty Points on most flights:

• As an AAdvantage Business ™ member, anywhere you book
• As part of a contracted corporate agreement with American, anywhere you book
• Through our preferred travel agencies

Plus, all flights booked as part of an American Airlines Vacations ™ package will continue to be eligible.

Basic Economy tickets

The only way to earn on Basic Economy fare tickets is if you book through American or our eligible airline partners’ websites, apps, Reservations and airport teams, or ticket sales centers.

Ineligible travel

You’ll no longer earn miles or Loyalty Points on:

• Basic Economy fares that are not booked directly through American or our partner airlines
• Basic Economy fares not booked directly through American as an AAdvantage Business ™ member or as part of a contracted corporate agreement
• Any trip booked through non-preferred travel agencies, unless you’re registered with the AAdvantage Business ™ program or have a contracted corporate agreement with American

Unsure if your trip will earn miles?

For corporate travel, check with your company travel manager.

If you’re booking through a travel agency, check with them once this change begins. We will also have more information about preferred agencies by June 5, 2024.

Preferred travel agencies

All agencies on a 2024 contracted incentive agreement issued by American are eligible to qualify into the preferred agency program at American's sole discretion.

Learn about program and qualification criteria Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Have questions?

Yes, you’ll still earn AAdvantage ® miles and Loyalty Points on the eligible tickets you buy before July 11, 2024.

Tell your company to sign up for the AAdvantage Business ™ program -- it's fast and free to join. You’ll continue to earn miles and Loyalty Points anywhere you book, except on Basic Economy fare tickets. If you book directly through American, your company earns additional miles for future travel, and you earn additional Loyalty Points toward status and rewards.

Register now Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

No matter where you book, you’ll earn miles and Loyalty Points if you include the AAdvantage Business ™ account number in your booking before departure. The exception is Basic Economy fare tickets, which must be booked directly through American.

To earn additional Loyalty Points on business travel through the AAdvantage Business ™ program, you must book directly through American. This helps accelerate your path to AAdvantage ® status and your business can earn 1 mile for every $1 spent on eligible travel.

There are no changes to miles or Loyalty Points earned on trips before July 11, 2024.

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• AAdvantage Business ™ program

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USA Tour Companies

Looking for an unforgettable USA tour? Book a fully-organized trip with the best tour companies in USA and let the tour operator take care of everything for you. Check out the tour details and read 191392 reviews from our customers to help you choose the perfect tour for you.

List of USA travel companies & tour operators with 191392 reviews

G Adventures

• Excellent - 19,100 reviews for USA tours

the tour itself was amazing. The national parks do not disappoint. The travel accomodations were very cramped and uncomfortable. I am only 5 foot tall and I was cramped in this 14 passenger van. Food opportunities were limited.

Fantastic experience - efficient use of time, great itinerary. Well-informed and interesting guide who is also just a great person.

Bindlestiff Tours

• Excellent - 1,468 reviews for USA tours

The itinaery is great

We did the 7 day Southwest National Parks Grand Canyon Camping Tour with Adriann as our guide and it was outstanding! We drove through beautiful landscapes, had the opportunity to hike in all the national parks and were able to take great photos. Adriann is very accommodating, knows a lot about the individual places and manages to make the trip an unforgettable experience for everyone. We chose the camping option and didn't regret it. The sunrise over the Moment Valley was particularly unique! We can highly recommend Bindlestiff and especially Adriann Narciso :)

Intrepid Travel

• Excellent - 11,705 reviews for USA tours

We were fortunate to have Claire Kredens as our driver guide. She is a gifted leader and could cope with ant situation. Such a tour is useful to learn which cities you might like to re-visit because our time in each is very short. Four and five hour drives every other day is exhausting and maybe the number of places visited could be edited downward. On the whole, I enjoyed the trip altho the age range 15-99 is unwise. 15-80 would be much more realistic.

My son and I had a great hiking adventure on the Sedona tour! The scenery was stunning, the hikes were fun! Tolman was an excellent guide, who was very knowledgeable about the area, he had great hiking tips, and he picked some enjoyable challenging hikes for us! He was also an excellent cook! He prepared us some great meals! His positive outlook on everything helped the group of strangers on the trek quickly bond which led us all to have a great hiking experience!

• Excellent - 988 reviews for USA tours

1. The bus driver, did an excellent job. 2. We could of used a better bus with a bathroom 3. The tour guides were good, they were very informative about our activities 4. The motels chosen were ver ckean 5. The length of time, was right for the amount of days 6. The travel packet i received needed clearer instructions, the hotel staff were not familiar with this tour operator. nor were they able to help me. 7. The security guard berween the luxor and the excalibur srated "the bus location and pick up tours:, was the place to be. 8. I was in the wrong location, after talking to your customer service, which at first she was hesitating to help me. She finslly was sble to contact me with Patrivia. Whom did not hesitate to contact me via text. Aand pick me up! Patricia's excellent customer service. Changed the entire scenario., and made it possible for me to join this wonderful 3 day tour of sightseeing. Photography. And hiking.

While the Niagara full trip was well-organized and enjoyable, I must express some disappointment with the Washington portion of our journey. During our time in Washington, we felt that our itinerary did not allow us to explore the city's attractions as much as we would have liked. Spending a significant amount of time at the cemetery felt like a missed opportunity to experience the vibrant culture and history of Washington. In future trips, I suggest considering a more balanced itinerary that allows for ample time to explore the various attractions and landmarks that each destination has to offer.

Southwest Adventure Tours

• Excellent - 96 reviews for USA tours

Excellent tour of the Mighty 5 in Utah. Our guide Robin was knowledgeable and accommodating throughout the tour. Just enough time was allocated for hiking the trails, viewing the sites in the distance and even visiting the Visitor Centers in each park. Hotel/motel accommodations were good and chosen for access to restaurants. Lunch stops with corresponding places to eat were well planned and the food and service was good. We thoroughly enjoyed our time.

Just couldn’t have been better. Extremely professional guides Robin and Sarah were highly knowledgable, friendly and organised. Accomodation was excellent in every location (most hotels even had hot tubs and pools!) and the food options were always good. Lovely comfortable Mercedes minibus. Highly recommended to everyone - would do another tour with South West Adventure Tours in a heartbeat.

• Excellent - 1,893 reviews for USA tours

Excellent. Great guide, driver, weather, hotels, food. Great itenirary. Love love this trip.

Optional excursions were reasonably priced. Suggest you put together other places in each city as a walking guide or short taxi or uber ride. Example access to close by museums open late and could walk to from hotel. Free time activities and what they are and where located is helpful.tour guide can offer to accompany a group interested to explore more during free leisure tome.Provide more detail info about the logistics of site visits. Niagara falls..suggest more water proof gear clothing and shoe types etc. Terrain to expect when visiting certain sites and possible alternatives.climbing and how difficult-easy or more strenuous or advanced climbing activity. Overall, small groups so much better than filling up bus. Thank you for giving single travelers their own bus space. Would love to watch more travel videos on longer driving distances.

BrushBuck Wildlife Tours

• Excellent - 23 reviews for USA tours

Although the tour was very expensive- over $2000 for 3 days is over the top- it wss a great experience, saw lots of wildlife and the guide was outstanding

What an amazing experience this was; from the greeting and pick up by our guide/driver, to the phenomenal sights and the historical references that accompanied them! I am so pleased. This was an exceptionally planned tour that successfully met all of my needs. I would not change a thing and look forward to future adventures with them.

Insight Vacations

• Excellent - 632 reviews for USA tours

My first experience with an organized tour like this. Expense alone will limit future trips. Much more walking than my wife was prepared for. This alone reduced her enjoyment. Tour guide was very knowledgeable and thorough with his planning and execution. Andrew has a fun personality and very personable. One item that disappointed me was the shuttle from airport to resort at both ends of the

Insights Tours are always amazing and this one was no exception. Nice balance of free time to relax and experience Hawaii on your own with visits to places on the islands to experience the culture. Learned a lot of Hawaii’s history throughout our visit. Overall a lovely experience and would highly recommend if you want to visit Hawaii and learn more about the islands.

• Excellent - 74,885 reviews for USA tours

This was our second trip on Globus and both experiences were fantastic.

I was skeptical of a group tour, particularly by coach. The experienced guide, Jason, along with driver Shauna, changed my view completely.

National Geographic Journey…

• Excellent - 258 reviews for USA tours

Good time with lots of riding in the van going to interesting places

We had a wonderful time. The tour was well planned and well managed. The CEO was excellent ..good driver, good communicator, had good knowledge of the local attractions and made great recommendations for restaurants. The group we were with was also a very pleasant group which made the experience that much more enjoyable. That said, would have loved to see the accommodations updated.. most except the Denali cabins were old and "weathered".

Infinite Adventures

• Excellent - 118 reviews for USA tours

It was my first group trip and also my first camping trip. I have to say it was one of the best trips I've been on. It was an adventure! We were lucky enough to see the Northern Lights at Remote Camp. Tory and Dave took care of everything and made sure everyone had a great time. No matter what problem you had, they always helped each other! Dave cooked delicious food, we had marshmallows by the fire in the evening and it felt like family. It's a great tour and I can only recommend it to anyone! It certainly wasn't my last tour with Infinite Adventure! Many thanks to Tory, Dave and Natalie (who you could ask any question you wanted to know beforehand) for this unforgettable time! :)

Jump on the bus with Infinite Adventures for a magnificent Alaskan expedition! Dave and Tory are excellent guides and will keep you informed about the areas you visit and give expert advice. I found this to be a truly joyful experience!

The Coyote Trip

• Good - 11 reviews for USA tours

This trip was run like a school trip, we were told that we had to stick to the schedule rigidly even though I asked several times to visit a different museum/shop. Free time was limited and it seemed like the guide had specific ideas of what he wanted to do and see. Our guide also left us on a subway in New York to get home close to midnight and then we had issues getting checked into the hostel. FYI most tour guides make sure their group gets to the hotel safely and without hassle. Waste of time and money.

From a speedboat to the Statue of Liberty to fireworks on 4th July in Washington to hiking to Yosemite Falls, this trip showcased the very best the USA has to offer. I went on the 21 day Full Cyote trip from New York to San Francisco with my brother. With such a packed itinerary of included activities, it offered great value for money. The guides in every region we visited were excellent. A particular shout out to Ryan, who added in extra stops and experiences based on the group's interests. Other highlights included the Grand Canyon, Washington's museums, whale watching in Boston, cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge and sunset in Griffeths Park. I met a great group of people on the trip, and I wouldn't hesitate to book with the Cyote Trip again.

Bucket List Group Travel LL…

• Excellent - 15 reviews for USA tours

Had a wonderful time - a lot of hiking, seeing the sites in Alaska and viewing the Northern Lights.

The tour was amazing, great and tour guides:).

• Excellent - 19,645 reviews for USA tours

Could have had more included activities

The tour had a few bumps. It would have been better if there were some included meals. There was no information about some of the excursions such as where the island tour stopped.

Receptivo Aborigen Tours

• Good - 93 reviews for USA tours

We have chosen the tour specifically because it was in German and also in other languages shown. Also on our voucher was again confirmed the tour with professional, German-speaking tour guide. Unfortunately, the tour guides did not speak German. We were able to help ourselves a bit with the translation app but we also missed a lot of information. We are very disappointed about this and expect compensation. The tour guides have tried and were very nice also the tour was very nice.

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• North America (87)

How American Airlines Will Choose Preferred Travel Agencies

As it prepares to limit how AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Points are earned, American Airlines is laying out the criteria for its preferred travel agencies, which give us an idea of which outlets will still quality for these frequent flyer benefits.

Requirements For American Airlines Preferred Travel Agencies

Starting with tickets issued on or after May 1, 2024, American Airlines will limit whether you can earn Loyalty Points and miles to those who:

• Book directly with American and eligible partner airlines
• Book travel anywhere as an AAdvantage Business member or contracted corporate traveler
• American will share a list of eligible preferred agencies on aa.com in late April

While that list will not be shared till late April, AA has already given us an idea of the requirements to be on that list:

• 2024 incentive agreement requirement Agencies must be on a 2024 incentive agreement issued by American at American’s sole discretion. If, at any point, their incentive agreement with American ends, the agency will no longer be able to participate in the preferred agency program.
• New Distribution Capability (NDC) adoption requirements Agencies must adopt and implement American’s NDC and shop and book through American’s NDC connections, meeting the progressive NDC thresholds below. Shopping and booking must be done in accordance with American’s connection and capacity requirements.

The deadline for the display qualification criteria is July 1, 2024 , to allow time for the completion of any necessary updates.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee placement on AA’s preferred travel agencies list. Such placement remains at American’s sole discretion.

This Is About Upsells

A world about NDC. In short, NDC technology provides customers more opportunities to tailor their experience, including elevated offers and ancillary products in more channels.

Enhanced offerings available in NDC connections and on aa.com include Main Plus, Main Select and Flagship Business Plus fares, carbon offsets via Cool Effect, and day-of-travel features such as seat choices, upgrades and pre-ordered meals.

In other words, American Airlines wants to be able to upsell its various suite of ancillary products wherever you book your tickets. To incentivize this, you won’t earn miles and status points through channels that cannot offer this full experience.

American Airlines has laid out its requirements to be considered a preferred travel agency, although it will retain final discretion in awarding that designation.

Theoretically, I see no barrier for the major travel agencies like Expedia or Kayak not to meet these requirements. We’ll have to wait to late April to see who makes the cut, but I am not certain yet that customers will broadly feel the pain. Those who might include bookings made via American Express or Capital One travel portals, though even that remains up in the air.

AA is gambling by closing off booking channels (i.e. limiting potential and future business), but feels confident that this approach allows it to best monetize its product offering and capture revenue for its loyalty program.

About Author

Matthew Klint

Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 135 countries. Working both in the aviation industry and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in major media outlets around the world and uses his Live and Let's Fly blog to share the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel.

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The headline sounds worse than the actual plan changes. Some bargain hunters might be affected but smart travelers (who are accustomed to doing research) will adjust and continue to find ways to succeed within the new rules.

I’d hope that since AA is controlling the booking channels and requiring agencies to use American’s NDC that it would somehow eliminate the need for passengers to contact the agency directly when the need to make changes to a booking arises. I’ve had cancellations/delays/upgrade for $$$/seat changes/etc occur prior to the day of departure and attempted to contact AA directly only to be told by the agent that I need to contact the travel agency that booked the reservation. I understand why they would want the agency to deal with certain ticket mods, but some agents apply a blanket “call the agency” regardless of whether its a change that AA *should* be able to make when they see that the booking was made through a 3rd party.

I just don’t see how this is a big deal at all. Why would you not book AA through their website (or possibly codeshares on OW partners)? What do people stand to lose?

Do any of your Award Expert clients have an incentive to book elsewhere? We all know Amex customer service is abhorrent, but surely they’ll comply with whatever restrictions AA has because IAP is a big benefit for them.

I think your last sentence is the crux of the change:

“….allows it to best monetize its product offering and capture revenue for its loyalty program.”

It will cause grief on the smaller agencies. If UA and DL are sharp, they’ll go light on the topic. But, most airlines have a herd mentality, so this type of arrangement will become the norm.

“final dissection” or “final discretion”? Hahaha

What about bookings through corporate travel like Carson Wagonlit and BCD?

Those will, apparently, not change for now.

My guess is that the big two: Expedia (also Orbitz, Cheap Tickets and Travelocity- along with the back end for AMEX’s consumer business) and Priceline (also Kayak) will be just fine. The issue will be the random, offshore OTAs

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• North America Tours
• Tour Operators

Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in USA 2024/2025

Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in USA. Below you will find 29 of the best tour operators and travel agencies in USA offering in total 261 tours and holidays through-out USA. Combined they have received 173 customer reviews and an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The top tour activities offered in USA are: Adventure and sport, Wildlife, landscapes and nature & Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history.

• Tours in USA
• USA Travel Guide
• 12 Things to do in the USA

29 Tour Operators in USA with 173 Reviews

Infinite Adventures

• Address 809 W Riordan 100-325, Flagstaff, USA
• Response Rate 100%
• Response Time 2 hours

• Address 2461 FM 778, Mineola, USA
• Response Rate 95%
• Response Time 3 hours

• Best-in-Class Top 5% of companies
• Excellent Service Top 10% of companies
• Superior Service Top 15% of companies

Expat Explore

• Address 10 Merryweather Place, London, England
• Response Rate 90%

Omega Tours

• Address 142 Westmount Avenue, Toronto, Canada
• Response Rate 93%

Intrepid Travel

• Address 380 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, Australia
• Response Time 1 hour

World Expeditions

• Address 1B Osiers Road, Wandsworth, London, England
• Response Rate 82%

• Address Picquet House, St Peter Port, Guernsey, London, England

The Coyote Trip

• Address 182 Mayall Road, London, England

Luxury Gold

• Address 33 Kern Road, Toronto, Canada
• Response Rate 60%

Doctor Gumbo Tours

• Address 823 Decatur St, New Orleans, USA
• Response Rate 50%

Indus Travels

• Address 233, 11951 Hammersmith Way, Richmond, Canada
• Response Rate 98%

Adventures Abroad

• Address 2148-20800 Westminster Highway, Richmond BC, Canada

• Response Rate 88%

• Address Nelson House, 55-59 Victoria Rd, Farnborough, England
• Response Rate 96%

USA Tour Reviews

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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 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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American Airlines changes its frequent flyer rules—again

Looking to achieve frequent-flyer status with American Airlines? Book direct.

The carrier has announced another round of changes to its loyalty program, saying passengers will only receive Loyalty Points and AAdvantage miles if they book directly with American, one of its partners, or a “preferred” travel agency. Flights booked elsewhere won’t earn miles.

The new rules go into effect in July.

At present, there’s no word on which agencies qualify as “preferred”—and it could be early June before that’s cleared up. The Wall Street Journal says that classification will depend “on whether they have adopted modern booking technology.”

“Booking with us provides a better travel experience,” the carrier argued in its announcement. “You can manage your trip online, receive travel credit for canceled trips and more. Plus, you’ll continue to earn miles and Loyalty Points through our non-airline partners and on eligible purchases with an AAdvantage credit card.”

Direct booking also lowers costs for the carrier.

For passengers who opt for basic economy fares, booking direct is the only way they’ll earn AAdvantage Miles or Loyalty Points. Preferred travel agency bookings will not be eligible.

American last announced a major overhaul of its frequent-flyer program in 2021, doing away with using how far or often someone flew to calculate status. That’s when Loyalty Points were introduced, which could be earned via travel or spending on branded credit cards.

Other airlines have followed its lead, with Delta announcing a big overhaul on its SkyMiles rewards program last year, which resulted in a bit of a rebellion among that company’s customers, forcing Delta to walk back some of its changes .

American noted that any existing reservations booked with third parties or non-preferred travel agencies will earn miles or Loyalty Points.

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Cruise Planners - Susana Johnson

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At Cruise Planners, we pride ourselves on curating unforgettable adventures that cater to the unique needs of our clients. By choosing us, you're not just getting a vacation, you're investing in lifetime memories. We're committed to exceptional customer service, and with our knowledge and expertise, you can trust that Cruise Planners is the right choice for your travel needs. Experience the difference and join our community of satisfied travelers today! *Exclusive Pricing *Ocean Cruises *River Cruises *World Cruises *Expedition Cruises *Luxury Travel *All-inclusive resorts *Personalized Vacation Packages *Group Travel (Reunions, weddings, birthdays, friends and family, etc.) *Solo Travel *Guided Land Tours *Travel Insurance (provided by Allianz) - insurance available for travel booked with or without us. It's not too late! …

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