Should You Charge Planning Fees? An Expert Travel Agent Weighs In
May 23, 2023
Implementing travel planning fees can bring more profit into your business and get rid of clients that waste your time.
One of the best things about being a travel agent? The travel agent perks! Perks and discounts work differently than they used to due to a majority of agents working from home, but we’re here to break down our favorite benefits of being a travel agent.
“FAM trips,” also known as “familiarization trips,” are on of our favorite travel agent perks. These trips are provided by suppliers to give travel agents the opportunity to come out and see their products and experience their offerings.
FAM trips are a win-win as they help the suppliers increase bookings, but also give travel agents the added benefit of experiencing new opportunities. Suppliers know that if they show travel agents their offerings and make a good impression, those agents will be able to find the right clients and fill up the supplier’s bookings.
As you work more and more with suppliers, you’ll be able to get more FAM trip opportunities including free and discounted trips. Some of the best opportunities include free cruises and all-inclusive resorts.
Occasionally these trips will be free, but you’ll find that you may have to purchase your airfare, but don’t fret! You may even be able to bring your spouse for an additional reduced rate.
Our next favorite travel agent perk – travel industry discounts. To get discounts, you’ll first have to ensure you have a card with an organization like IATAN or ClLIA.
Some agencies will require you to do a certain amount of sales before you can earn a travel agent card. And often times, you can’t get those until your agency owner approves you to get under their umbrella. If you’re an independent travel agent, you may be able to get the card right out of the gate. Keep in mind, however, that each card has its own requirements for qualification
Once you secure your card you can use it to get discounts available for travel agents including Disney and Universal discounts, reduced rates on hotels, cruises, and more.
The last of our favorite travel agent perks are incentives or booking perks. Sometimes you’ll find great deals that allow you to get a bonus or experience a trip yourself. Some common perks include the “book three, get one trip free” model or the ability to earn points for discounted stays.
We’ve put together a guide to share exactly how to get freebies, discounts, and perks as a travel agent. Check it out here!
And while we’re at it, keep in mind that you can’t get into the travel industry just for its perks. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to complete required trainings and certifications.
Implementing travel planning fees can bring more profit into your business and get rid of clients that waste your time.
As an independent agent, it’s your responsibility to be on the lookout for red flags before committing to any travel host agency.
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