Are “No Air Bookings” a Red Flag? Are Multiple Hosts an Option? How To Compare Two Agencies with Different Fees and Benefits?

Are “No Air Bookings” a Red Flag? Are Multiple Hosts an Option? How To Compare Two Agencies with Different Fees and Benefits?

Author: Host Agency Reviews August 23, 2024 Duration: 26:05

In episode 170 Steph cohosts with April Swales of Uniglobe Travel! They will tackle these questions, all provided by one curious listener this week! 

Thank you so much for all the wonderful resources on your website! If you don’t mind me asking you for advice..

So I figured that I would be better off signing up with the Host Agency… I applied with 2 different ones and I'm gonna look into more. I can already see some obvious differences. Was wondering…

1. Should I be worried if the company says, “they don’t do air bookings- they are booking the ground, for the most part..

2. I realise that every Host agency has a different network. Even though I understand that I'm not supposed to go out of network if working in their system, if I am able to keep my own name and advertise as my own company, am I allowed to book with different networks of suppliers? As well as, “Is it at all possible to be affiliated with more than one HA, or is it completely unrealistic?” 

3. In between 2 different agencies that I looked into - the difference in signing up price is $400 a year. I'm not sure how to evaluate all that they offer as to education and tools. 

What should I be particularly looking at? Also, do you think I could try them out for a month or two, then change the affiliation if I decide to? Are there any consequences to that? I guess I am a bit scared to get in with someone who I might not be able to work with…What is your advice on that?

---Oksana N.

RESOURCES:



Hosted travel advisor report will go live soon! Pre-order here.

The Hive Webinar: 10 things to ask a "new to you" DMC Thurs. Aug 29th, 2pm ET / 1pm CT / 12pm MT / 11am PT

TPI Webinar: Holiday Travel: Do’s & Don’ts as a Selling Travel Advisor Wed. Sept. 4th, 1pm ET / 12pm CT / 11am MT / 10am PT

All about preferred suppliers in the travel industry. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-preferred-supplier)

Options for booking air without the GDS system. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-gds)

Belonging to more than one host agency: The pros and cons. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/belonging-to-more-than-one-host-agency)

What to think about when switching host agencies. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/switching-host-agencies-5-things-to-consider)

Things to look for in your contract with your host agency (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/independent-travel-agent-contracts)

Submit your very own Friday 15 questions here! https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15


Hosted by the team at Host Agency Reviews, this audio channel blends two distinct formats into one practical resource. The first is Travel Agent Chatter, a quarterly series of spotlight interviews that dive deep into the experiences of working travel advisors. These longer conversations explore the real stories behind the careers, covering the nuances of building a business, personal client triumphs, and the cultural insights gained from a life in travel. The companion series, Friday 15, operates on a completely different rhythm. Every week, a focused fifteen-minute episode tackles specific questions from the travel industry, offering direct advice and timely insights that are both concise and immediately useful. Together, this podcast creates a balanced mix of inspirational narrative and actionable strategy. Whether you're seeking motivation from peer journeys or need quick answers to pressing professional questions, the channel is designed to support the daily realities of travel entrepreneurs. It’s a resource that understands the industry's blend of passion and pragmatism, delivered through the authentic voices of those who are deeply embedded in this world. Tune in for thoughtful perspectives that are as varied and dynamic as the travel profession itself.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Travel Agent Chatter | Friday 15
Podcast Episodes
My own brand? Multiple hosts? Choosing the right host? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:06
This week for the Friday 15, Shayna co-hosts with Jennifer Dugan of Dugan’s Travels! This week we’ve got a bunch of great questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST, and you know it’s gonna be good. Join us! I don’t w…
Hosts for cruising? Overwhelmed at the beginning? FAM etiquette? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:28
This week for the Friday 15, Shayna co-hosts with April Swales of Uniglobe Travel Center! This week we’ve got a bunch of great questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST, and you know it’s gonna be good. Join us! -Wha…
Travel Insurance? Cancel for any reason? New trends? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:32
This week for the Friday 15, Shayna and Steph are thrilled to join forces with the Arch Roamright team. They'll take on a slew of questions about travel insurance this Friday at 12 pm CST, so don't miss this one! Sometim…
Tech Trends? AI Practical Use? Staying Current? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:40
This week for the Friday 15, Shayna and Steph are thrilled to join forces with Dan Christian, fellow podcaster and host of the excellent Travel Trends podcast. They'll take on a slew of questions about tech and AI this F…
Tech tools? Last minute changes? Tech Stack? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:22
Shayna and Steph team up with Stephanie Gries from Travefy to cohost the Friday 15 this week! You can check out Travefy’s profile here: Travefy | Host Agency Reviews. Here are the awesome questions they’ll tackle this Fr…
Marketing my agency? Working with DMCs? Franchise vs Host? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:31
Shayna and Steph team up with Jenn Lee from Vacation Planners to cohost the Friday 15 this week! You can check out Vacation Planners profile here: Vacation Planners | Host Agency Reviews. Here are the awesome questions t…
Hiring an agent for my agency? Selling other products? FAMs? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:32
Shayna and Steph team up with Jennifer Dugan from Dugan’s Travels to cohost the Friday 15 this week! You can check out Dugan’s profile here: Dugan's Travels LLC | Host Agency Reviews. Here are the awesome questions they’…