Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks
Reservation and transportation ticket agents provide travel services to anyone traveling by bus, plane, train, ship or automobile. They are responsible for taking reservations, selling tickets, or even checking baggage. Anyone interested in travel may find this career very interesting.
Travel Agent Training and Tourism Schools
Career Opportunities
Reservation agents typically work for hotel chains or airlines. They answer phone or e-mail questions and offer travel suggestions. Computer networks are utilized to obtain information quickly and efficiently. They quote room or airfare rates and make or confirm reservations. Transportation ticket agents work in bus stations, airports, and train stations. They sell tickets, check baggage, and assign seats to passengers. Other responsibilities include checking passports, assisting elderly or disabled passengers, and boarding passengers. Travel clerks are often employed by membership organizations, such as automobile clubs. Travel clerks make travel plans including accommodations, restaurants, and points of interest. They also offer limited services, like making mileage calculations or determining travel routes. Passenger rate clerks work for bus companies. Responsibilities include selling scheduled bus tickets, arranging travel plans, and scheduling chartered trips.
Necessary Qualifications
A high school diploma or GED is required to work in this field. Most airlines have established training programs for new employees. Programs include classroom instruction in addition to on-the-job training. Classes focus on company policies, computer systems, ticketing, and regulations. Employees are tested on all aspects. After successful completion of classroom training, the new hire receives on-the-job training. A supervisor or manager monitors all calls and interactions to ensure success. Other transportation industries offer short in-house training classes that last a few days. Reservation and transportation ticket agents should have strong interpersonal skills. They must be courteous and respectful while remaining efficient. Computer skills are also beneficial.
Salary and Advancement
Due to the fact that most agents and clerks have only a high school diploma, advancement is limited. Some airline agents move to supervisory positions. However, further advancement will require a college degree. Reservation and transportation ticket agents and clerks earn about $23,000 annually. However, most receive differential pay when working night or weekend shifts. Free or reduced fare is available to the employee and immediate family.
*This is a summarized article created to allow for a quick career review. For the most accurate and up-to-date information visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor website to learn more about Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks.
This article may not be copied, used, or reproduced.
copyright 2005
|
|
|
|