AboutNorman L. Rose Expertise Any questions related to technology and the travel industry. This includes online travel trends, changes in travel distribution practices, emerging technology to manage corporate travel, corporate self-bookings tools, expense management systems and data warehouse initiatives.
Travel Companies: Carlson Leisure Group, Carlson Wagonlit /WTS, Datalex, Maritz Travel Company, The National Business Travel Association, Perillo Tours, Reed Elsevier/OAG, Rosenbluth International, Sun International Resorts, US Bank, Worldspan, WorldTravel BTI
Question hello, I had a question that I kind of got confused. Does a licenced travel agent make money off of booking not only flights abroad but, what about flights in America? What about car rentals, hotels? Amusement parks? Hotels? and what other ways can be booked to make money? I've been brainstorming many different ideas I can do, Do you think its possible to make anywhere from 20-25k a year or maybe more being a travel agent full time from the internet/ laptop? Is it safe to say I could have a good flow of income for working hard full time? My dream is to live abroad, maybe Brazil and be a full time travel agent from my laptop do you think this is feasible?
Answer Travel agencies make money on commissions, back end overrides (also a form of commissions) and service fees. Back in the late 1990s U.S. airlines eliminated upfront commissions. Hotels, some car rental companies (for leisure travel only) and activity providers still pay commissions. Other international airlines pay commission but the trend is towards zero commissions. Many travel agents have outside agents who earn compensation as part of the agency, but are not physically located at the agency. This is your best option. I would contact some local travel agents to see if they would be willing to hire you as a outside agent.
