Booking flights and hotels? That’s just the start. The real pros go beyond the basics—solving travel headaches before they happen. Want to be the agent clients rave about? Here’s how to elevate your service with next-level perks, expert advice, and clever conveniences.
Bagging a deal: Luggage perks your clients will love
Travellers might obsess over baggage weight limits, but what about getting a great deal on the suitcase itself? Agents can team up with luggage brands or independent local stores to offer exclusive discounts on top-quality carry-ons, checked bags, or even smart luggage with built-in tracking.
Some suppliers already offer trade partnerships—why not take advantage? Sweetening a booking with a discount on a sleek new Samsonite or a compact July carry-on could be the cherry on top for a happy client.
Pets, plants, and post: Pre-travel planning made easy
A dream trip can quickly turn into a logistical nightmare when clients realise they’ve got no one to water the plants, feed the cat, collect the post or bring the bins in. This is where a travel agent can become an invaluable problem-solver.
Consider curating a list of vetted pet-sitting services, plant-care professionals, or even concierge-style home services for your clients. Some travel agents already offer these extras as a white-glove service—could you?
Social media security: Travel smart, post smarter
We all love a good holiday snap, but posting ‘Off to Europe for a month!’ might as well be an open invitation for burglars. As a travel pro, you can offer clients smart security tips to keep their homes safe while they’re away.
- Delay posting: Encourage clients to share those holiday pics after they return.
- Adjust privacy settings: Make sure their social media accounts aren’t public.
- Turn off location services: Geo-tagging can give away too much info.
- Use a ‘house-sitter’ post: Instead of broadcasting their absence, clients can post something vague like ‘Love having friends over while we travel’ to suggest someone is home.
Airport smarts: Security fast lanes, lounges, and luggage tracking
Long queues and crowded terminals can turn any journey into a stress test. That’s where your expertise comes in. Travel agents can recommend (or even pre-arrange) time-saving airport services such as:
- Fast-track : Many airports offer priority lanes, either via premium airline tickets or paid services like VIP arrival packages.
- Lounge access: Even for economy flyers, programs like Priority Pass or airline-specific lounge passes can make the airport experience far more comfortable.
- Luggage tracking: Suggest clients use Apple AirTags or Tile trackers to keep an eye on their bags in real time.
Travel insurance 2.0: Beyond lost luggage and medical mishaps
Most clients think of travel insurance as just covering medical emergencies, but there’s so much more they could be protecting.
Agents can guide clients to policies that include:
- Cancellation for any reason: A lifesaver when plans change unexpectedly.
- Adventure sports cover: Essential for skiers, surfers and all-round adventure seekers.
- Business travel perks: Cover for work-related gear like laptops and cameras.
It’s about knowing what’s out there and ensuring clients get the right fit.
The VIP touch: Bespoke extras that make all the difference
Luxury travellers expect more than just five-star hotels. They want seamless, stress-free experiences from start to finish. Consider offering premium extras like:
- Private airport transfers (no waiting in taxi lines)
- Restaurant reservations at top dining spots
- Personal shopping tours for fashion-savvy travellers
- Local concierge services to handle last-minute requests
A little personalisation goes a long way—especially when clients feel like they’re getting the inside track.
In a world where clients can book flights and hotels with a few clicks, it’s the personal touches that make travel agents indispensable. Offering these next-level services doesn’t just add value—it creates loyalty. And in a business built on repeat clients and word-of-mouth referrals, that’s the real game-changer.
