Advisor Resources
Everything you need to build your advisor business.
Certification, commissions, client selling, and lead gen. Straight answers, no fluff.
Who it is for
How long does it take to become a travel agent? Timelines for 4 paths
How long it takes to become a travel agent on 4 paths: employee, hosted, IATAN or ARC, with sourced training, state, IATAN and ARC processing times and a 90-day plan.
CRM for travel agents: what a travel CRM must track that a generic one doesn't
A CRM for travel agents tracks the trip as well as the sale: ID-matched names, passport expiry, KTN and Redress numbers, supplier confirmations, payments and commission.
How much does a travel agent make per booking? Worked examples by trip type
Seven worked bookings, from hotels and cruises to flights and net rates, show how commission, host splits and fees turn a trip price into a travel agent's pay.
IATA codes explained: cost, requirements and alternatives for travel agents
What an IATA code is, what IATAN and ARC accreditation cost in 2026, what you need to qualify, and how travel advisors sell without one.
What is a CLIA card, and when should a travel agent get one?
A CLIA card is the EMBARC ID for CLIA Individual Agent Members. See who qualifies, what it costs, how it compares with an IATA card, and what to do while it is closed.
How to become a group travel agent: supplier programs, tour conductor credits and your first group
How to become a group travel agent: cruise, air and hotel group minimums, tour conductor credits, training, contract risk, student rules and your first group, priced.
How to become an American Airlines Vacations travel agent: registration, commission and booking rules
Register with AA Vacations using an ARC, CLIA, IATA or TRUE number. Sign-up steps, published commission rates, holds, final payment and cancellation rules.
What is a DMC in travel? Destination management companies explained
A DMC is a local company that runs transfers, guides, tours and events in its destination. How advisors book DMCs on net rates or commission, and how to vet one.
What is a FAM trip? Familiarization trips for travel advisors
A FAM trip is supplier-hosted travel that lets travel advisors try a product firsthand. How to qualify, what it costs, and the IRS and FTC rules to know before you go.
What is a GDS? Global distribution systems explained for travel agents
A GDS is the booking network linking airlines, hotels and car rental firms to travel agencies. Who uses one, what it holds, how agents get access, and GDS vs NDC.
What is a preferred supplier? Preferred partner programs for travel advisors
A preferred supplier has negotiated terms with an agency, host or consortium. See what advisors get, from higher commission to client perks, and how to keep client trust.
What is BSP? IATA's Billing and Settlement Plan explained
BSP is IATA's Billing and Settlement Plan: how agents report airline sales and pay airlines outside the US. How it works, what it costs to join, and BSP vs ARC.