Become A Travel Agent Today
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Thomas K. Hedge D.D.S., F.A.C.E.
The Profitable Dentist
November 1998
A few years ago I came across an article in the Blair McGill Newsletter that outlined 50 year end management tips. One of these was to become a travel agent through Global Travel International and save on travel costs during the next year. Since my wife and I travel a great deal recreationally and I take a number of out of town continuing education trips, we were very interested.
You can become a travel agent and receive all of the travel industry benefits by joining Global Travel International. Global Travel International or GTI is the umbrella organization of thousands of independent travel agents who are trained via information manuals the basics of being a travel agent. Agents can save on their own travel as well as earn commissions on travel booked for others.
It sounded too good to be true and I was very suspicious but also very interested. After contacting GTI, I found out that for a one time fee of $495, they would provide you with a training manual, and most importantly a photo ID with Global’s IATAN number. IATAN stands for the International Association of Travel Agents. This little number earns you discounts at hotels, car rental agencies, and cruises, and commissions on airline travel. Since anything that sounds too good to be true usually is, I decided to join just prior to a vacation that would involve renting a car, traveling by air, and staying in hotels. I charged my membership to American Express figuring that I could dispute the charge upon my return if the membership did not live up to expectations.
We were not, however, disappointed! Since we were flying on frequent flyer miles, there was no commission. We were upgraded to first class as a result of being a travel agent. This decision is usually up to the gate agent, so GTI recommends that you be dressed in a jacket and tie or appropriate attire. Not all airlines have this policy, but Delta and United do. U.S. Air does not, so we usually avoid flying them. Our car rental was discounted thirty per cent below the best rate we could find prior to becoming an agent. This saved us about $100. Hotels generally give about a 50% discount. As you can see, one vacation worth of savings can recoup the initiation fee.
There is a yearly fee of $99 after the first year, but you can see where this can be negligible relative to the savings. Our yearly savings usually amount to well over $1000.
GTI sends a newsletter to all agents every month announcing promotions, special discounts and FAM trips. FAM trips are familiarization trips where resorts offer highly reduced rates to expose agents to their properties. The September newsletter included … Wyndam Palm Springs $67 per night including a mid-sized car … Disney Cruise and either 3 or 4 days prior to cruise, theme park tickets and transportation included - $809 and it’s commissionable! … Key West from $309 with air. These deals are truly available.
In addition to savings on your own travel, agents make commissions on travel booked for others. I attend the Pankey Institute every year with a colleague. My wife calls GTI and a representative tells her about available, flights, fares and times, as any travel agent would. Fares are booked by our respected credit cards and tickets arrive by FEDEX in two days. My wife will receive a commission of about $25 for this phone call that she would make to a travel agent anyway! Commissions can be quite large. My wife’s uncles are planning a trip to Disney World and have asked her to make arrangements for them. The cost of this trip for six people will approach $10,000. The commission will be $500. We do not generally book trips for others, but you can see that there is potential for a cottage business.
The final icing on the cake is that GTI will send you between $100 to $150 per referral depending upon the current promotion for every new agent that you refer. We have received over $500 over the last two years for referrals. If you are interested in slashing your travel costs, contact GTI at 1-800-716-4440. GTI will offer you a special 2 agents for the price of one by mentioning PIN # 5408.
