Do travel agents need an IATA number?

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Do travel agents need an IATA number?

IATA is considered to be one of the most basic resources for a travel agent because most airline bookings are done through the IATA portal. In order to book from IATA, the travel agent must get registered with IATA as an IATA travel agent. All travel agents who do so are known as non-IATA/independent travel agents.

What is non IATA travel agency?

Non–IATA as the name suggests, non-IATA/independent travel agents are agents who are not accredited by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). These agents either purchase tickets from other IATA travel agencies or from the airline.

Why do I need an IATA number?

Obtaining an IATA/TIDS Code helps ensure that your business’ sales activities are properly identified and recognized by suppliers worldwide. Some suppliers also require an IATA/TIDS Code for onboarding on their distribution platforms.

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What is the difference between IATA and BSP?

BSP or Billing and Settlement Plan is an IATA electronic billing system to run and simplify the interchange of data and funds between travel agencies and airlines. And of course, BSP is a system that belongs to IATA, while IATA itself is owned by airlines and represents their interests.

How do I contact IATA?

Contact IATA

  1. IATA International Air Transport Association – Head Office.
  2. 800 Place Victoria, PO Box 113.
  3. H4Z 1M1 MONTREAL (QUEBEX), Canada.
  4. +1 514 874 0202.

How do I register my travel agent with IATA?

Full IATA accreditation

  1. To apply for an IATA number, prepare these documents in the following order:
  2. Be ready to obtain a bond.
  3. Register at the Customer Support Portal.
  4. Submit the IATA application form.
  5. Pay the registration fee and wait.
  6. Register at the customer support portal.
  7. Submit the TIDS application form and wait.

Why do travel agents need IATA?

IATA is the International Air Transport Association representing the world’s airline industry. And IATA works with the industry to ensure airlines’ operational overheads are minimised, for example, by making use of the industry-wide settlement process, known as the Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP).

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What is the difference between IATA and Iatan?

IATAN (ticketing and non-ticketing) is essentially a U.S.-branded version of IATA. When you see an ‘N’ in IATA, think US-based agencies. At the end of the day, IATAN comes wrapped up in a different package than IATA, but the contents are essentially the same.

How much does IATA number cost?

Pay the registration fee and wait. For self-employed agents, the fee is $165, while full or corporate travel agencies regularly have to pay $360.

How can I register in IATA?

The following documents must be submitted for IATA Registration:

  1. IATA Registration Application Form.
  2. IATA Registration Passenger Sales Agency Agreement. pdf.

Does IATA make money?

Since 1971, IATA Financial Settlement Systems (ISS) have been the back office of the global air transport system. It is a worldwide system that operates in some 181 countries and territories • In 2020, IATA’s BSP processed $51 billion (net of $25 billion in refunds) with an on-time settlement rate of 99.996\%.

What is the main purpose of having an IATA BSP accreditation?

BSP is a system designed to facilitate and simplify the selling, reporting and remitting procedures of IATA Accredited Passenger Sales Agents, as well as improve financial control and cash flow for BSP Airlines.

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Can I buy and sell tickets without being affiliated with IATA?

However, it is also possible to buy and sell tickets without getting affiliated with IATA. All travel agents who do so are known as non-IATA/independent travel agents. These agents either purchase tickets from other IATA travel agencies or from the airline.

How does a non-IATA Travel Agency work?

In the traditional sense, a non-IATA travel agency basically functions by collecting orders, sending the booking to IATA travel agencies and forwarding the booked tickets to the customer.

What is a non-IATA ticket consolidator?

For a fee, consolidators will act as ticketing partners for non-IATA agents and issue tickets on their behalf. For most non-IATA travel agents, consolidators are the easiest and most effective way to handle ticket issuance.

How do I book from IATA?

In order to book from IATA, the travel agent must get registered with IATA as an IATA travel agent. However, it is also possible to buy and sell tickets without getting affiliated with IATA.