How do travel agents make money?

[3DisneyBuggs]

DH's friend booked through an online travel company-Disney geared. I requested a quote and ut was the exact same quote I got myself on the WDW website. So how does that agent make any $$? I didn't use their services because planning is all the fun, making itineraries etc.

 

[BethR]

If a TA would book your vacation, they would get a commission from Disney.

Probably the reason that Disney puts so much into their trip planning on their website. Anyone booking on-line would mean more $ in Disney's pocket.

 

[nbodyhome]

If a TA would book your vacation, they would get a commission from Disney.

Probably the reason that Disney puts so much into their trip planning on their website. Anyone booking on-line would mean more $ in Disney's pocket.

Not only would they not give a commission to the travel agent, but also they aren't paying for the Disney agents to book them.

 

[isyt]

Travel agents make very little money these days. Say a package that cost $1776, the commission is $166.86. Most agencies split their commission so the agent gets around $83.43. Some of the big commissions are on the easiest 1 call reservation. Sometimes you work the hardest for the smallest amount. Any good agent shouldn't mind helping you in any way though, it is their job.

 

[GeologyRocks]

I booked my first on-site trip via Small World Vacations because of mousesavers - I had done all the work, pulled up the same price (to the penny) that they offered. I let them deal with it as a kind of thank you for supporting Mousesavers. I figure this way, if something goes wrong, I have an experienced travel agent on my side.

 

[always quiet]

As a Disney travel agent, I know Disney pays the agency 10% of Disney World and Disneyland sales and 16% of Cruise line sales. I get a percentage of that. I have to say, it is loads of fun to do!!

 

[ldb1030]

Travel agents make very little money these days. Say a package that cost $1776, the commission is $166.86. Most agencies split their commission so the agent gets around $83.43. Some of the big commissions are on the easiest 1 call reservation. Sometimes you work the hardest for the smallest amount. Any good agent shouldn't mind helping you in any way though, it is their job.

I've been a TA for 22 years and have worked for 3 agencies in those years. I have never had a "split" of the commission. I get paid an hourly wage and that is it.

 

[nuke]

They don't make money from people that call for quotes and then book it themselves anyways.

 

[3DisneyBuggs]

Very funny, nuke. I would have booked with them if there was an incentive for me- a lower rate. I wasn't going to give up the fun of booking and planning a Disney vacation. Actually DH's friend went for 5 days which is why we thought they got an amazing deal- we are going for 7 days.

 

[isyt]

I've been a TA for 22 years and have worked for 3 agencies in those years. I have never had a "split" of the commission. I get paid an hourly wage and that is it.

I have also worked for several years as an outside sales agent at different agencies and it has always been a split. Its nice because I work from home and the office emails me when someone wants Disney, I can call people after the kids go to bed. Its not alot but it supports my habit (Disney habit that is!!!).

 

[nbodyhome]

As a Disney travel agent, I know Disney pays the agency 10% of Disney World and Disneyland sales and 16% of Cruise line sales. I get a percentage of that. I have to say, it is loads of fun to do!!

The commission doesn't include tax, or base or 2 day tickets on packages.

Travel agents definitely don't do it for the money, but for the love of helping others with their trips.