How can I tell if a travel agent is legitimate?

To check if a travel agent is legitimate, check if they are listed with any of the following travel associations:
  1. ABTA membership. ...
  2. ATOL protection. ...
  3. IATA accreditation. ...
  4. Company registration. ...
  5. Avoiding scams. ...
  6. Protecting financial interests. ...
  7. Ensuring quality of service. ...
  8. TripAdvisor.




People Also Ask

I have booked my flight through a travel agent. Can I still do Web Check-in? Yes. Web Check-in is available to individual whom purchased ticket online or via travel agent.

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Take advice from friends and business associates who use an agent they trust and always check business profiles on BBB.org. Visit or call several agencies to find the one that best suits your needs. Consider everything from the appearance of the office to the agent's willingness to listen and answer questions.

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A TRUE Code is a travel industry accreditation developed so that independent travel agents can receive commission payments directly from suppliers and are recognized in “the system” as sellers of travel. The TRUE Code was established in 1999 as a component of what was then the Outside Sales Support Network (OSSN).

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Pros of hiring a travel agent Hassle-free booking: A travel agent books everything for you, so you don't have to worry about the details.

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8 Great Reasons NOT to Use a Travel Agent
  • You Know How to Book Your Own Trips. ...
  • You Have Time to Research and Book Your Own Travel. ...
  • You Know Exactly What You Want. ...
  • You Like Non-Traditional Travel Components. ...
  • You Can Find Better Travel Deals. ...
  • Quirky or Complicated Trip Planning Scenarios.


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If you're traveling internationally — especially to a country you've never visited — a travel agent can be a useful resource in helping you plan your trip. They can manage all of your booking needs, which can be easier than juggling a long itinerary that includes flights, hotels and excursions on your own.

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It depends… For a simple domestic round trip ticket, there's probably no advantage in booking with a travel agent. For more complex itineraries, international trips, or flights that are part of a more complete vacation (cruise, tours, all-inclusives, etc.), the small fee most travel agents charge may be well worth it!

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But travel agencies also typically fall under “high risk.” One reason for that is the higher-than-average chargeback rates that can come from bookings for a future trip that a client later wants to cancel.

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The Pros of Using a Travel Agent
  • Travel agents can save you money – and get you other perks. ...
  • Travel agents handle all the details. ...
  • Travel agents can provide local expertise. ...
  • You'll avoid surprise fees. ...
  • You'll have someone to troubleshoot unexpected travel issues. ...
  • It might not be your cheapest option.


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The agency fee is nominal when compared with saving you time and money. People who utilize a traditional travel agency expect to work with knowledgeable agents who can take the details of their travel plans, prepare a customized itinerary and quickly forward the details to the client's smartphone or computer.

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How much does a travel agent cost? The cost of using a travel agent is generally marginal, and often, they won't charge you at all. Much of their money comes from commissions the hotels and wholesalers pay them. Before you decide to book with a travel agent, inquire whether or not they charge fees.

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The commission percentage agencies earn depends on numerous factors, the most important one being which private contracts you have access to. Here's a general rule of thumb on the airline ticket commission range you can expect as a travel advisor: Domestic: 0-5% International: 10-22%

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Travel agents, including Fora Advisors, are paid in commissions. A commission is a percentage of the cost of a travel experience (such as a hotel stay). Some agents also charge planning fees for additional services (more on that below).

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National Geographic looks into whether or not people still use travel advisors, and the answer is a resounding yes!

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The vast majority of agents belong to host agencies, which offer back office support and negotiated commission rates with suppliers. In exchange, agents typically pay a monthly and/or yearly fee plus a commission split with the host agency. A great place to do host agency shopping is at Host Agency Reviews.

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