Travel Agent Rates

[Memph1s]

My wife has worked for a travel agency in the accounting dept for the last 18 years. I know travel agents get some great rates (especially off property). Our problem is that my wife's company is so large that they only give a few the IODA cards (?) that a lot of places require for discounts. She has her paycheck of course and letter of employment from her company. We have gotten a different answer almost every time we have talked to CRO as to the official requirements. She is a big time worrier and afraid that if we book with a TA rate and then get there we will be stuck paying full rack rate for a room. Any advise on the subject?

 

[ticketwm35]

I also work at a travel agency I always book on property.We do get great rates,but I know that they will ask for her IATA card for proof.I don't understand why the agency she works for won't get her a card.They cost 15.00 a year.Which she would have to pay for.We have a upcoming trip in August staying at the all sports for 7 night with minature golf ticket and paid 388. for the whole package.2 adults and 2 kids.I think thats a great deal.If I was you I would have my wife ask her boss if they could get her a card their is no limit to how many a agency can get as long as she's a full time employee.Also she would be able to get herself half off park tickets at disney.But again she would need the card.I hope this helps you.

Ticketwm35

 

[gonga]

I book on property and get great deals as well. I give my IATA number when making the reservation and pay in full at that time. I never had to show my card when checking in, and I have always gotten the TA rate with my IATA # never had a problem! They do however fax and send everything to your TA office, so if you are fibbing....you don't get your stuff!

 

[gonga]

In order to get an IATA card you must be an active travel agent. In order to get your card in the first place you must generate at least $5000.00 in commissions in one year. I have been told that IATA has been ore strict with the issuing of the cards and you must show proof of your commissions.

 

[Memph1s]

She used to have a card but her company got audited and they had about 115 people at the home office of her company and 95 of them had cards. The way I understand it you have to actually be a travel agent to get the card. Her company got a warning letter for so many people having the card that were not actual agents but officers of the company or worked in the mailroom or like her in the accounting department. We do book through her company and at least get the 10% commission but that pales in comparison to the 50% + discount rates that some get. Some of the people at her company have gotten TA discounts with no card and others have been refused. It is just so frustrating for her to be such a long time employee and see the deals that everyone else is getting.

 

[gonga]

Did she use her IATA# when booking??? That is the Travel Agency's Number. But that is correct you have to be an active travel agent. You cannot get a discount if you are not actively selling vacations. Even if you are a TA just starting out, and do not have your card yet you can get the discount. If you have a business card titling you as a TA /and IATA# and work for an Agency that sells lots of Disney trips you should not have a problem. I would not feel comfortable in your situation though, not being an actual TA since you are not selling vacations. It sounds a bit risky!

 

[gonga]

Maybe Ticketwm35 has more info/insight....

 

[BuzzMe]

I work for a travel agency(but am not a travel agent) and I'm currently in the process of applying for an IATA card. You must work at least 20 hours per week and earn at least $5000 yearly if you are an employee.

 

[gonga]

BuzzMe Did you get a TA discount??

The big perk of being a TA is the travel discounts, because you certainly do not make a lot of money!!!

 

[Kurry]

May I ask what an IATA card is?

 

[princess angel]

there shouldnt be a problem,
does your wife have a CLIA card? tell her to get one, a certified TA can easily apply for one, it takes about 6 weeks to receive,
and that is good enough as proof of being a ta.
if she hasnt an iata card, then as long as she has a letter from the agency, she will be fine!

dont worry...

Laura