They say that knowledge is power, which I agree with – but in the realm of being a Travel Agent, I’d tweak it a bit and say that knowledge is happy customers.
We’re paid to give advice really, so wouldn’t it make sense if that advice came directly from somebody that had experienced what they were actually talking about?
Of course it would, and luckily most of the industry agrees with me, which means that plucky Travel Agents fresh out of Travel Agent School will be plunged into a world of product nights where wine flows freely, Power point pressos run a little too long and there’s always a table of overly excited (drunk) kids from Student Flights or STA in the back.
But outside of these wonderful events and the odd fam-trip that might get bagged in the first year, the onus is on motivated Travel Agents to skill up.
To make this easier (and affordable), companies offer discounts so Travel Agents can become an expert-by-trial. Here are a few good perks that I’ve discovered over the years.
1. 10% off Duty Free
Image Source: Passenger Terminal Today
This one may not be 100% official as it depends on whom you ask, but I’ve personally managed to bag my Grey Goose for a tenth less than anyone else a number of times.
You’ll need to make sure you have your IATA card up to date, just flash it at the checkout, act cool and don’t ask too many questions – I hear that it’s meant to be for airline staff only, but it’s always worked for me 😉
2. A Free Cruise
Not only will you earn yourself a free cruise, but you’ll also become a cruising expert as well.
Savvy Travel Agents can join the Princess Academy, which is a free online training system built so we can learn at our own pace (perfect for a slow day in the office). It’s notoriously tough, with each module finishing with a test, when 25 of them are passed then the agent will gain Commodore status – and a free cruise!
3. Ridiculously Cheap Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is no joke – and neither are the discounted prices for Travel Agents. Depending on which provider your agency chain uses you could keep thousands of dollars in your pockets.
Covermore is one provider known to give huge discounts for not only just Travel Agents, but their spouse/partner as well – a yearly policy for two costs about the same as a single trip for one person!
4. Lounge Memberships
Image Source: Aussie flyer
Delayed flights aren’t a problem if you’re sipping champagne in the Qantas Club. If you don’t mind a couple of cheeky drinks and a snack before flying – but aren’t too keen on forking out for Business Class, then you may want to consider a yearly lounge membership.
Most agency chains have deals set up with Qantas and Virgin Australia to fast-track Travel Agents into their lounges for around half of the price.
Virgin’s first year membership comes in at only $460, which equals about 38 glasses of bubbly at the airport bar. Bargain!
5. Tax Deductibles
It’s worth paying a little bit extra to hire a good tax accountant.
There are a few grey areas in claiming travel expenses, but if you plan your trips correctly and keep records of everything then you may be up for a huge tax refund. Arranging a few meetings with hotel managers for training purposes may earn you tax breaks – and perhaps some hosted lunches as well. Talk to your accountant first though!
6. Eurail Passes
Australian Travel Agents can access some pretty hectic rates to explore Europe by rail.
We’re talking discounts of up to 75%… I bought myself a 15-day rail pass last year that cost the same as a one-way airfare within Europe!