Any travel agents- ????

[Patio]

I'm thinking of taking a 72 hour fall course to become a travel agent. It costs $350 and includes a test at the end of the course. Can anyone give me any opinions on the pros and cons of this? If I pass the course and test, then what? Any ideas will be appreciated.

 

[leahannpen]

A 72 HOUR course?? For $350? Sounds very, very fishy to me. What can you learn in 72 hours???

It sounds like a scam to get some quick cash from you. Maybe they'll give you a "card" for free or discounted travel? Did they say anything about that? More than likely an agency wouldn't hire but maybe you could/would work out of your home? I guess I'd need more info, but really, a 72 HOUR course?

 

[bjgrazi]

I did a course years ago and you can learn a ton in 72 hours. If they give you a certificate, it may help in getting into a travel agency. Most want experience and the problem is where to go to get experience. I got started by going to a local agency explaining the course I took and she let me start by bringing in my own business (friends, family) then the next thing I know I was covering a desk and answering the phones. Unfortunately she sold the business and the new owner took it specifically to run into the ground and make money that way. It cloesed within 6 months of him owning it.

 

[leahannpen]

Since I don't have enough info, does this sound like what you're looking into?

Instant Agent

It's just that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is... but again, I don't have all the info. Good luck either way.

 

[travlnman1]

Are you looking to become a travel agent and work in an agency?

Tough line of work these days.
No one I know is hiring and a lot of agencies are hanging on by a thread.

I'd find a different occupation.

 

[Patio]

Thanks for all the input. Actually, it's a course taught by a travel agency owner at a local career technology center. I received the brochure showing all the fall courses offered and thought the travel agency course sounded like something that might interest me. I have no experience in this field, other than research I've done for trips I've taken, or for researching for friend's trips. Any other info would be helpful. Thanks!!

 

[Sherlee]

Does the course offer training in one of the "big" three airline reservation systems: Apollo, Sabre, or Worldspan? In my opinion, that would make it a legitimate course and is a key requirement for getting into an agency or an airline. My travel school offered airline reservation training, destination information, and travel operations overviews. I started with a charter vacation company and quickly moved into a corporate agency. Some places will train you on their systems, but everyone that we hire comes in with previous airline reservation experience or training. Not to discourage you, I love my job, but it is a very low paying job and the travel benefits have diminished a lot over the years. Good Luck!