independent travel agents bexhill

Independent Travel Agency, providing individually tailored holiday and travel solutions suited to your needs and priorities.  

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Discover the world with Premier Travel. Let us provide you with a lifetime of memorable experiences.

Call us - 01424 216161

 or email Bexhill@Premier- Travel.co.uk A warm welcome awaits you from our team .

Our office is located at 8 Western Road, Bexhill, East Sussex. TN40 1DX Opening hours click here or point to the office  door For special offers click here or on shop window

Due to recent UK government directive, our branches are working from home until further notice. Our branches can be contacted;

Monday–Friday: 9.00am – 8:00pm

Saturday: 9.00am - 5.00pm

Sunday: 10am–4pm

Copyright © Premier Travel Ltd

Premier Travel

Information about Premier Travel

Opening hours

• Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Sunday: Closed

Premier Travel, Bexhill, is an Independent Travel Agency, providing individually tailored holiday and travel solutions suited to your needs and priorities.

Our office is located at 8 Western Road, Bexhill, East Sussex. TN40 1DX Opening hours click here or point to the office  doorFor special offers click here or on shop window

Premier Travel: Reviews

Fantastic experience: Once again we have been impressed with Prèmier Travel in Bexhill. This time we saw Karen Swann the day before we booked to get some information as we were uncertain at that time if we going on a Cruise or Package Holiday. Karen provided us with all the information we required to help us make a decision. We returned the following morning and saw Karen again. She helped us to fine tune our holiday and answered all our questions and sorted the paperwork out. Excellent professional service we highly recommend Premier Travel Bexhill.

Fantastic experience: The girls that work there are friendly and very helpful booked our first cruise with them in 2022 and booked other cuises with them since wouldnt go to anybody else. Thank you very much.

Fantastic experience: Karen gave us Excellent service very helpful definitely recommend Premier Travel to our friends .All staff are very good and helpful John & Fatima Holmes Thanks to Gemma and Fleur for doing our SG Card very good service Merry Xmas to you all

Fantastic experience: The Amazing Gemma has just booked another trip for us

Fantastic experience: Gemma and Karen are both so helpful and professional.

Fantastic experience: Great service. Thank you

Fantastic experience: Great service, always go the extra mile to help, highly recommend., as long as you only want to buy a holiday . . .

Fantastic experience: Fantastic prompt courteous service

Fantastic experience: I've genuinely never had such a positive experience with a travel agent. I'd been going back and forth with Gemma for a while, and she was so patient with me keep changing destinations etc and responded to emails so quickly. Once I did finally make up my mind and popped in, she was extremely patient with my rather noisy toddler. There was a fault with Easyjet's website so she had two phones going at once to get someone to help, which I've never seen anyone do, and got me booked in right there and then. Even after my booking had been made I asked to upgrade the room and she did it with no problem at all. Nothing was too much trouble. I would not hesitate in coming back here for my future holiday bookings. Superb service.

Fantastic experience: Thankyou Karen Swann for helping me with all the details i needed for a brilliant holiday in Lanzarote. you were so patient with my questions and you made it so simple. First class service. Thanks Pete

Fantastic experience: Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Responsiveness , Value

Fantastic experience: Excellent Customer Service Advisers

Fantastic experience: I booked two holidays through Premier Travel recently, neither of which I was able to take due to Covid. Karen was very thorough and went through every possibility with the tour operators to look after my best interests. Each time I went in to see her, nothing was too much trouble, she explored every option and made sure I had full cancellation protection. I cannot recommend her more highly and will continue to use this company when we are back to "normal" -I have a lot of catching up to do!

Fantastic experience: Booked our 40th wedding anniversary to Mauritius with Karen. Every thing done for us. Information TUI need entered for us and reminders sent by email as and when needed. She also help me with getting some medical equipment on the flight at no cost. Service excellent, great knowledge and friendly. And in case you may think I am easily pleased you should know I spent 20 plus years working in a major travel agency company as a branch manager.

Fantastic experience: Fantastic service, friendly staff would definately use Premier Travel again

Fantastic experience: We only went in for our visas for Australia but the young ladies were very helpful and done them for us would all ways now go back if we were booking a holiday thank you

Fantastic experience: Great and friendy staff

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8 Western Road

Bexhill On Sea TN40 1DX

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About the Business

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Whether it's a coach tour of the UK or abroad, an inclusive holiday world-wide, European Cruise, far away adventure or a bespoke tailor-made itinerary, our experienced team can help. From the moment you contact us you're guaranteed to receive truly independent, expert advice and someone to help you every step of the way with your holiday or travel plans. We can also help guide you through the best ways to protect your travel arrangements against financial loss should a supplier fail, or give assistance in the unlikely event you experience a problem. …

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Premier Travel is a family run and proudly independent travel company, established in 1936. We have 27 branches in East Anglia and Southern England. Being independent means we can work with a multitude of travel companies and tour operators to offer you a wide range of travel products, whether that’s a break in the UK or a round the world trip and everything in between.

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Travel Agents in Bexhill

Premier Travel

• 01424 216161

Bexhill , East Sussex , South East England , TN40 1DX

From the moment you contact us you're guaranteed to receive truly independent expert advice. There is someone to help you every step of the way with your holiday or travel arrangements. Discover the more world with Premier Travel, and let us provide you with a lifetime of memorable experiences. less

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With how the world is nowadays, more and more people are organizing their own travels and journeys on their own and without the help of a professional travel agent in Bexhill . However, in order to do that, you need to spend countless hours in front of the computer, researching destinations, costs, flights tickets, accommodations, weather, and at least a thousand more details. If only someone could actually do all that instead of you so you can simply enjoy an amazing holiday or journey. Wait a minute, there is someone who can help. Of course, all you need to do is simply choose the right travel agent in Bexhill. However, how to make sure you are working with a good travel agent in Bexhill ?

Why Choose to Work with a Travel Agent in Bexhill?

Even if you are a diehard fan of independent travel, just one bad trip where all your plans have failed will quickly turn you into a person looking for a reliable travel agent in Bexhill next time. A good travel agent in Bexhill will save you a lot. A good travel agent in Bexhill will save you a bunch of time, stress, money, and the agony of a failed trip. So if you are already looking for a reliable travel agent in Bexhill , here are some handy guidelines you can follow.

What Makes a Good Travel Agent in Bexhill?

Now, you choose to work with a travel agent in Bexhill not just because you want to avoid all the stress of organizing your own holiday and spending countless hours researching. The main mission of a travel agent in Bexhill is making sure your holiday or trip will go smooth and as planned and even if something fails incidentally, offer an adequate alternative. Since you are working with a travel agent in Bexhill usually for a joyful event such as a holiday, you definitely want to find a travel agent in Bexhill who is enthusiastic about travel and have a friendly and helpful character. In addition, it is important for the travel agent in Bexhill to not just be a jolly person but be a true professional. A travel agent in Bexhill should be able to promptly come back to you with at least a couple of ideas and offers after they investigate your itinerary. A good travel agent in Bexhill should make sure that all offers fit into your budget and meet the priority requirements and desires you have. Most importantly, a good travel agent in Bexhill must be able to do some things that no search engine can do.

When to Use a Travel Agent in Bexhill?

Now, in some cases you are totally good with organizing a shorter trip to a close destination or within the country. However, you will definitely need the help of a reliable travel agent in Bexhill if you are travelling with a bigger group of people, you are going on a family trip when you are looking for a package deal when you fly frequently when you travel to a far away, exotic destination when you just don’t have the time to plan on your own. These are the most common cases when the help of a good travel agent in Bexhill comes in handy.

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Travel Advisor Resources

How to Become an Independent Travel Agent in 2024

The Modern Travel Agency

Fora Travel

https://www.foratravel.com/the-journal/how-to-become-an-independent-travel-agent

Fora Advisor Swaylah Faroqi

Have you ever wanted to escape the 9-5 grind and become your own boss? Do you have a passion for travel and helping others? If so, becoming an independent travel agent may be the perfect new career for you!

In this article, we have a comprehensive guide on how to become an independent travel agent. We’ll break down everything you need to know, from the skills you need to the steps involved in getting started. We will also discuss the benefits and challenges of being an independent travel agent, so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you. Plus, we’ve got tips on how to get started and land your first clients.

So whether you are just starting to explore the idea of becoming an independent travel agent or you are ready to take the plunge into the travel industry , this article is for you.

First things first. What’s an independent travel agent?

Fora's Live Forum 2023, an annual conference that brings together Fora Advisors and top industry professionals

A travel agent (also known as a travel advisor) is someone who earns money by booking travel and helping clients make travel arrangements. You can book leisure travel or corporate travel, or both. You are essentially working as a travel consultant. If you want to dive deeper into the nitty gritty, learn more in our article: what is a travel agent?

An independent travel agent is a self-employed travel agent (someone who works for themselves). You call the shots and you can work part-time or full-time. It’s also a career path that you can build up over time (for example, transitioning from part-time to full-time). Independent travel agents are entrepreneurs.

Independent travel agents typically work with a host agency

Typically, independent travel agents work as independent contractors with a travel agent host agency. A host agency is a business that provides support and resources such as training, partnerships and tools to their agents. Independent agents leverage these resources while maintaining their own brand and business operations. This arrangement allows independent agents to compete more effectively in the market without the overhead costs of developing these resources independently.

If you’re looking to become an independent travel agent, you'll want to choose your host agency wisely. At Fora, we offer an all-in-one solution for everything you need to succeed as an independent travel advisor. Learn more about our membership program .

Skills you need to become a successful travel agent

Fora Advisor Gaya Vinay

Whether it's planning a dream vacation, booking a cruise line or organizing an adventurous expedition, travel agents bring their expertise, creativity and enthusiasm to every booking.

If you’ve never booked travel for someone else before, don’t stress – passion for travel and a willingness to learn is the biggest criteria to get started.

"Prior to working with Fora, I had only planned trips for myself and other family members," Fora Advisor Jennifer Lopez shared. "Working as a travel advisor had always appealed to me but I couldn't figure out how to do it on my own in a way that made sense. That is, I couldn't figure it out until I came across Fora."

• United States ,
• Boutique Travel ,
• Food & Wine

Customer service skills

As you dive in, you’ll start to hone your ability to sell travel. This includes being able to identify client needs, build rapport and close deals. Agents must also be able to provide excellent customer service, which means being responsive to client inquiries, resolving any issues that arise and going the extra mile to ensure client satisfaction. In other words, you’re someone who loves helping others.

Excellent at researche & passionate about learning

Another important skill for independent travel agents is the ability to conduct research. This includes nerding out on building an itinerary, as well as being able to compare prices. We have an all-in-one booking platform for travel advisors that helps make the latter part easier.

Of course, you’ll want to stay up-to-date on the latest travel trends. At Fora, we have ongoing training sessions for you to stay in-the-know on the latest updates in the travel industry, plus you’ll join a top-notch community of fellow Fora Advisors who are willing and eager to share their tips with you.

Sales and marketing-oriented

Finally, independent travel agents need to be able to market themselves and their business. This means putting yourself out there, creating marketing materials and networking with potential clients. Learn more about how Fora helps you build your book of business .

How to become an independent travel agent: a step-by-step guide

Becoming a travel agent takes work and dedication. But if you stick with it, a career as a travel advisor can be rewarding in both an “I love my job!” kind of way and in a lucrative sense. 

Let’s break down the steps in broad strokes.

1. Find a host agency

As an independent travel advisor, you’ll likely want to partner with a host agency. You’ll work as an independent contractor, and the host agency offers infrastructure that will cover everything from commission tracking and payments to preferred programs with top travel brands.

"Once I decided that I wanted to become a travel agent, I spent quite a lot of time researching the many available host agencies," Fora Advisor Jennifer Lopez said. "When I came across Fora, I knew instantly that I had found the perfect fit for me. Fora's emphasis on technology and innovation appealed to me. I also appreciated their openness to what kind of business I wanted for myself. If I wanted travel advising to be my full-time job, Fora would help make that happen. If I wanted to do travel advising part-time and only book travel occasionally, Fora was open to that as well."

At Fora, we pride ourselves on our holistic approach to supporting our advisors. We offer travel agent training , community, technology, marketing tools and seamless payments. We’re also part of every major preferred partner program , and we have our own in-house program (Fora Reserve) as well — so you’ll be able to offer your clients a wide variety of perks and upgrades while getting a competitive commission at the same time. 

Learn more about becoming a travel advisor with Fora .

"From the day I started working as a Fora Advisor, I had all of the tech tools and educational resources available to help launch my new career," Fora Advisor Jennifer Lopez said. "I have also had the support and advice of all of my fellow Fora Advisors, which is an invaluable help when I am booking travel to places that are unfamiliar to me. With all of those elements, I was able to hit the ground running and make bookings from day one.

2. Get formal training

Once you join a host agency, you’ll want to dive into training. There is a lot to learn... You’ll want to learn the lingo (like what a DMC is), as well as the basics of how to make a booking. By the way, training as a travel advisor is ongoing. Even experienced travel advisors participate in ongoing training to stay in-the-know. We love that working as a travel advisor is one of the best roles to be a professional life-time learner.

Fora offers an extensive catalog of travel agent classes  (taught by experienced travel pros at the forefront of the industry) and travel agent certification .

"If I had to describe Fora's training program in one word, it would be robust," Fora Advisor Caroline Weilert said. "I love that Fora considers all angles related to training - business planning, destination overviews, hotel spotlights, mentorship programs, supplier overviews – and that it provides webinars, live trainings, recordings and best of all, access to the entire supplier community. Everyone at Fora is a learner and a trainer because we all have different types of knowledge to share with each other."

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It's worth noting that our training is also flexible: it is offered online and you can take it at your own pace.

"Fora's self-paced training program was a game-changer," Fora Advisor Timadge Berkhadley said, explaining that it complemented her role as a mom and her other career as well. "Juggling other commitments, I could learn at my own speed, yet the content was rich and comprehensive. This empowered me to confidently navigate my client calls, feeling well-equipped with the knowledge to succeed."

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3. Stay diligent and start booking travel

As you learn the ropes, you’ll gear up to get ready to book travel for clients. Booking travel for clients is a skill that you’ll build confidence in over time. Hotels are a great start to book travel, but there are plenty of other travel experiences that you can book, from vacation packages to travel insurance. Learn more about the different types of travel suppliers you can book as an advisor .

Success rarely occurs overnight, but you get out what you put in. We’ve got plenty of resources to help you along the way.

Considerations to become an independent travel agent

Fora Advisors on a scouting trip in Morocco

Benefits of becoming an independent travel agent

One of the primary advantages of becoming an independent travel agent is the flexibility it offers. You are running your own travel business, after all. You have the freedom to set your own work hours and location. Whether you prefer to work from the comfort of your home as a home-based travel agent or while traveling the world, you’ll have the autonomy to create a schedule that suits your lifestyle.

It’s worth noting that you can start part-time if you prefer. This flexibility allows individuals to test the waters of entrepreneurship. As your business grows and gains momentum, you can gradually transition to full-time work. It’s worth noting that not every travel agency accepts part-time agents, but at Fora, we do. There are no sales booking minimums at Fora, and you can book as much (or as little) as you want.

"I had been dreaming about a career pivot for a while but always felt stuck on how to make it happen," Fora Advisor Alexandra Vigilante Chamberlin shared. "As an avid traveler who felt trapped in the rigid schedule of a traditional healthcare worker, Fora gives me the opportunity to grow my passion for travel into a business at my own pace while still working full-time and eventually make the leap to travel advising full time when I'm ready."

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• Boutique Travel

There’s also a lot of creativity in the business. Independent travel agents have the chance to build their own brand and network of loyal clients (learn how travel agents get clients ).

Next, it’s a passion-driven career. After all, you are helping others plan their dream vacations and can help with milestone moments like honeymoons. Witnessing the joy and gratitude of satisfied clients makes this career rewarding.

Finally, it’s worth noting that working as an advisor offers the chance to connect with a community of fellow travel lovers. The travel industry is filled with passionate professionals who share a love for exploration and adventure. At Fora, we’re big on community and have a ton of opportunities to connect with fellow Fora Advisors in person as well as online (we have a digital community app called Forum ).

Challenges of becoming an independent travel agent

Despite the flexibility and rewards, becoming an independent travel agent also comes with its fair share of challenges, and it’s important to factor these in as you decide whether it’s the right role for you.

There is a learning curve as you get started. Your first booking will take longer than the bookings you make later in your career (it takes both practice and confidence to build speed). You should not expect overnight success, and that’s okay! It’s a rewarding career to build over time.

It’s worth considering that there's irregular work schedules that are often unavoidable. For example, if you’re booking travel for someone over the holidays and they need support, you’ll need to step in with excellent customer service skills.

Additionally, the income of an independent travel agent can be uncertain. It is a commission-based business, and so your income can fluctuate in a way that’s different from a traditional 9-5. Learn more about how travel agents get paid .

Despite these challenges, becoming an independent travel agent can be a rewarding career.

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

How can I get started to become an independent travel agent?

We offer everything you need to succeed as a travel advisor, from your first booking to your 1,000th and beyond.

"Simply put, Fora was the most innovative, tech-forward, community-focused and supportive host agency of all that I researched," Fora Advisor Caroline Weilert shared. "I have not for one second second guessed my decision to go with Fora.

When you’re ready to get started, apply to become a Fora Advisor today .

FAQs on how to become an independent travel agent

Still have questions? We’ve got you.

Is it possible to become a travel agent without an agency?

Yes, but it’s worth noting that this isn’t the traditional path that most advisors take (especially as they’re getting started). This is because a host travel agency offers infrastructure and support that is difficult and expensive to set up on your own. For example, you cannot make commissions on bookings without an IATA number (a unique identifier assigned by the International Air Transport Association to travel agencies). Working with a host agency means that you have less upfront and ongoing work around legal/infrastructure to get access to a IATA number.

In addition, host agencies offer support and scale. You’re joining a network of fellow advisors who are booking under the same umbrella, so you’re more likely to get preferred partnership benefits through programs like Virtuoso , Four Seasons Preferred , Rosewood Elite and more. We offer all of this through Fora.

"The Fora community is an invaluable resource," Fora Advisor Timadge Berkhadley said. "Whether I have a question about a destination or need a recommendation on the perfect property, my network of fellow agents is always just a reach away. Plus, Fora HQ is fantastic — they offer ongoing support and are truly invested in my success."

How much do travel agents make?

The short answer is that you get what you put in. The earning potential for independent travel agents can vary significantly. Generally, independent travel agents who specialize in luxury travel or a niche tend to earn higher incomes compared to those who focus on budget travel.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , the median annual wage for travel agents was $46,400 in 2024. However, it’s worth noting that it can be a lucrative career, and there are many travel advisors earning well into the six figures.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know about a Fora Travel Advisor Salary (and How Our Advisors Get Paid)

How do I get clients as an independent travel advisor?

It can be daunting to try and figure out how to get your first clients as an independent travel advisor and build your business. We typically recommend beginning by tapping into your personal network. Then, you’ll want to expand your network through marketing initiatives. 

We offer training on how to market yourself, plus templates so that you can stay active on social media. Lastly, at Fora, we have an industry-leading Client Lead Program that allows travel advisors to build their client base. Learn more about how we help you build your book of business .

What qualifications do I need to become an independent travel agent?

While a formal travel agent education is technically not required to become an independent travel agent, it is highly recommended. There are several travel agent schools and training programs available to become accredited in the industry. Many of these programs offer comprehensive training that covers everything you need to know about the travel industry, from booking flights and hotels to marketing your services. Some programs even offer certification, which can give you a competitive edge when looking for clients.

Fora offers comprehensive, online travel agent courses that can help you get started in this exciting career. Upon completing our program, you will be certified as a travel agent and ready to start your own business. We will also provide you with ongoing support and resources to help you succeed.

"I love that Fora's training program meets me where I'm at – I have access to live training but also on-demand resources," Fora Advisor Alexandra Vigilante Chamberlin said. "It's amazing forging bonds with my fellow advisors as we learn and grow together but also having access to highly experienced travel advisors that I respect and admire."

How do I stand out?

Being an independent travel agent comes with its perks, and it also means you’re developing your own business. One of the best ways to stand out among the crowd is thoughtful, creative and consistent marketing.

As an independent travel agent with Fora, you'll have access to content marketing tools like email templates and social media resources to help you peacock your travel knowledge.

We’ll also help guide you in building your brand around your niche. Do you know the ins and outs of cruises? We’ll help you create gorgeous marketing emails on cruising. Are you a Disney travel aficionado? You can publish guides optimized for SEO on your tried-and-true tips (read how to become a Disney travel agent , too).

Remember, success as an independent travel agent requires dedication, hard work and a passion for travel. By effectively marketing yourself, delivering exceptional customer service, networking strategically and committing to professional development, you can establish a successful and rewarding career.

More travel advisor resources

Check out these articles for more tips and intel on becoming a successful travel advisor:

What Makes Fora a Global Travel Agency?  

Becoming a Corporate Travel Agent: Fora's Full Breakdown

Luxury Travel Advisor Spotlight: Travel Planning for Elite Clients

Why Group Bookings Are Great: Tips from an Expert

Room Blocks 101: Mastering the Art of Group Bookings

Take it from Our Advisors: 8 Reasons to Become a Fora Advisor

What Does It Take to Become a Travel Agent?

Are you the go-to person for travel tips?

Transform your passion for travel into your dream job. We'll set you up with everything you need to succeed as a travel advisor. From training to top-notch tech, marketing assets, community, commission tracking & payments (and more), we've got you.

With 5* Google Review ratings across the board and a wealth of experience in the Estate Agency industry, the local property market and trends within the area, Bexhill Estates are able to offer expert advice to both buyers and sellers alike!

Their ethos has always ensured that they treat each of their customers with the utmost care, support and diligence, whether they be a first time buyer, a large property vendor, a family, an investor or property developer. Mel, Becki & Alex understand that every property purchase or sale is completely unique and should therefore be treated as such. If you are considering buying or selling a property, contact Mel, Becki or Alex to experience the Bexhill Estates ‘all-inclusive’ service for yourself.

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Midwest tornadoes cause severe damage in Omaha suburbs

The Associated Press

Gopala Penmetsa walks past his house after it was leveled by a tornado near Omaha, Neb., on Friday. Chris Machian/Omaha World-Herald via AP hide caption

Gopala Penmetsa walks past his house after it was leveled by a tornado near Omaha, Neb., on Friday.

OMAHA, Neb. — A tornado plowed through suburban Omaha, Nebraska, on Friday afternoon, damaging hundreds of homes and other structures as the twister tore for miles along farmland and into subdivisions. Injuries were reported but it wasn't yet clear if anyone was killed in the storm.

Multiple tornadoes were reported in Nebraska but the most destructive storm moved from a largely rural area into suburbs northwest of Omaha, a city of 485,000 people.

Photos on social media showed heavily damaged homes and shredded trees. Video showed homes with roofs stripped of shingles, in a rural area near Omaha. Law enforcement were blocking off roads in the area.

Hundreds of houses sustained damage in Omaha, mostly in the Elkhorn area in the western part of the city, police Lt. Neal Bonacci said.

Police and firefighters are now going door-to-door helping people who are trapped.

Omaha Fire Chief Kathy Bossman said crews had gone to the "hardest hit area" and had a plan to search anywhere someone could be trapped.

"They're going to be putting together a strategic plan for a detailed search of the area, starting with the properties with most damage," Bossman said. "We'll be looking throughout properties in debris piles, we'll be looking in basements, trying to find any victims and make sure everybody is rescued who needs assistance."

Damaged houses are seen after a tornado passed through the area near Omaha, Neb., on Friday. Chris Machian/Omaha World-Herald via AP hide caption

Damaged houses are seen after a tornado passed through the area near Omaha, Neb., on Friday.

Omaha police Lt. Neal Bonacci said many homes were destroyed or severely damaged.

"You definitely see the path of the tornado," Bonacci said.

In one area of Elkhorn, dozens of newly built, large homes were damaged. At least six were destroyed, including one that was leveled, while others had the top half ripped off.

There were dozens of emergency vehicles in the area.

"We watched it touch down like 200 yards over there and then we took shelter," said Pat Woods, who lives in Elkhorn. "We could hear it coming through. When we came up our fence was gone and we looked to the northwest and the whole neighborhood's gone."

His wife, Kim Woods added, "The whole neighborhood just to the north of us is pretty flattened."

Dhaval Naik, who said he works with the man whose house was demolished, said three people, including a child, were in the basement when the tornado hit. They got out safely.

KETV-TV video showed one woman being removed from a demolished home on a stretcher in Blair, a city just north of Omaha.

Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer said there appeared to be few serious injuries, in part because people had plenty of warning that storms were likely.

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"We not upon by a sudden storm," Schmaderer said. "People had warnings of this and that saved lives."

The tornado warning was issued in the Omaha area on Friday afternoon just as children were due to be released from school. Many schools had students shelter in place until the storm passed. Hours later, buses were still transporting students home.

Another tornado hit an area on the eastern edge of Omaha, passing directly through parts of Eppley Airfield, the city's airport. Officials closed the airport to aircraft operations to access damage but then reopened the facility, Omaha Airport Authority Chief Strategy Officer Steve McCoy said.

Severe weather damage to Eppley Airfield in Omaha, Neb., can be seen from the Lewis and Clark Monument in Council Bluffs, Iowa on Friday Anna Reed/Omaha World-Herald via AP hide caption

Severe weather damage to Eppley Airfield in Omaha, Neb., can be seen from the Lewis and Clark Monument in Council Bluffs, Iowa on Friday

The passenger terminal wasn't hit by the tornado but people rushed to storm shelters until the twister passed, McCoy said.

Flight delays are expected Friday evening.

After passing through the airport, the tornado crossed the Missouri River and into Iowa, north of Council Bluffs.

Nebraska Emergency Management Agency spokesperson Katrina Sperl said damage is just now being reported. Taylor Wilson, a spokesperson for the University of Nebraska Medical Center, said they hadn't seen any injuries yet.

Before the tornado hit the Omaha area, three workers in an industrial plant were injured Friday afternoon when a tornado struck an industrial plant in Lancaster County, sheriff's officials said in an update on the damage.

The building just northeast of the state capital of Lincoln had collapsed with about 70 employees inside and several people trapped, sheriff's officials said. Everyone was evacuated, and three people had injuries that were considered not life-threatening, authorities said.

Sheriff's officials say they also had reports of a tipped-over train near Waverly, also in Lancaster County.

Two people who were injured when the tornado passed through Lancaster County were being treated at the trauma center at Bryan Medical Center West Campus in Lincoln, the facility said in a news release. It said the patients were in triage and no details were released on their condition.

The Omaha Public Power District reported that nearly 10,000 customers were without power in the Omaha area.

Daniel Fienhold, manager of the Pink Poodle Steakhouse in Crescent, Iowa, said he was outside watching the weather with his daughter and restaurant employees. He said "it looked like a pretty big tornado was forming" northeast of town.

"It started raining, and then it started hailing, and then all the clouds started to kind of swirl and come together, and as soon as the wind started to pick up, that's when I headed for the basement, but we never saw it," Fienhold said.

The Weather Service also issued tornado watches across parts of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. And forecasters warned that large hail and damaging wind gusts were possible.