Work Environment
The working environment of a Reservation Ticket Agent can be comfortable if the
job is based in a travel agent’s office or at a travel desk within an airline office
at an airport. It can be considerably less enjoyable if the person is required to
work shifts at a busy and draughty train station or bus depot in the midst of rush
hour noise.
Employment Opportunities
Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agent or Travel Clerk opportunities are many
and varied. Some airline ticketing employees are entitled to travel at a fraction
of the cost of a full-price fare; consequently, for those who enjoy traveling and
are likely to take full advantage of the travel concessions offered, the package
can be even more attractive. There is ample opportunity for advancement, as Travel
Clerks and Reservation Ticket Agents tend to progress to become line managers in
travel agents, senior booking agents or independent travel agents who are self employed.
As many travel bureaus and tour operators operate an exclusive system, it is common
for a Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agent or Travel Clerk to be promoted
within the organization from entry level right up to senior management and boardroom
status.
How much does a Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agent or Travel Clerk make
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agent or Travel Clerk Salary and Wages
The Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agent or Travel Clerk salary range is
varied, with people in the field typically earning between $29,000 and $45,000 annually.
In addition, significant travel discounts are provided as part of the salary package,
and sometimes the discount will also extend to immediate family members. Personnel
who learn through the ranks are of particular value in an industry where an in-depth
knowledge of existing systems is imperative in order to implement effective change,
and they are rewarded accordingly. Additionally, an ability to speak a second or
even third language fluently will draw a bigger remuneration. Median per-hour wage
based on years of experience breaks down as follows: 1-4 years, $9.26-$12.79 ($489.36
annual bonus); 5-9 years, $10.11-$14.89 ($750 annual bonus); 10-19 years, $12.01-$18.35
($400 annual bonus); 20+ years, $13.73-$21.24 ($750 annual bonus).
How to become an Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agent or Travel Clerk
Education and Training
Specialized Reservations and Transportation Ticket Agent or Travel Clerk qualifications
are few and informal, although a candidate with a high school diploma or equivalent
is likely to be given preference over a person without any certification. There
are no particular prerequisite Reservations and Transportation Ticket Agent or Travel
Clerk courses, although usually a newcomer will receive on-the-job training by someone
already doing the job and graded appropriately until such time as the candidate
is considered proficient enough to operate alone. Data entry and typing skills are
helpful, and someone with who has taken basic computing courses would have an advantage.
Job prospects might be greatly improved by sitting for industry and travel insurance-related
examinations to gain accreditation for advancement. Although Reservations and Transportation
Ticket Agent or Travel Clerk degrees do not exist, further education like a college
degree in a leisure industry-related subject is desirable for people who progress
in the field and climb the corporate ladder.