SOT Licenses? Last-minute travel? Certifications? Changing Commissions?

SOT Licenses? Last-minute travel? Certifications? Changing Commissions?

Author: Host Agency Reviews September 12, 2025 Duration: 19:57

This week for the Friday 15, Shayna co-hosts with Meredith Calloway of Gifted Travel Network!

I am in the process of forming an LLC for a travel agency based in California. However, I do not currently have a Seller of Travel (SOT) license. I was wondering if you host agencies allow independent agents (that are members of that host) to operate under their SOT license. - Zack

Can a TA niche focus on last-minute travel or should a TA focus on last minute travel? - Diana

What do you think is the most valuable certification. Travel Institute offers the CTA, CLIA has certifications as well as my Consortium offers Leisure Travel and Luxury travel certificates.

Follow-up: Are there any certifications you would recommend completing prior to seeking out being a part of a host agency?

Can an agency change your commission level without notifying you or sending you a new contract to sign? Shouldn't there be some kind of agreement or acknowledgement from the agent before that happens? Then what if a host changes to a monthly fee. Again, shouldn’t there be a new contract or the option to leave and take your business. My partner and I are experiencing this and could use some advice.







RESOURCES:


➡️We have a full article about SOT licenses and how they work and when/why you would need them - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-license-seller-of-travel-license

➡️ List of travel industry lawyers and contact information: https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-lawyers

➡️How to find a travel niche - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/find-a-travel-niche

➡️ https://www.giftedtravelnetwork.com/the-travel-business-unpacked-podcast

➡️We have an article that outlines the different certifications that are available, so you an compare based on the niche you’re looking at or the certifications that are a legal requirement for you to sell travel - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-certification

➡️At HAR we have our 7DS Course which really focuses on selling up your agency, so the first big step - how do you set-up your business - https://hostagencyreviews.com/7-day-setup-accelerator

➡️Tech Week! Registration is open for HAR*Wired! | Host Agency Reviews: https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/tech-week

➡️Call for Host Week Speakers - https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/speakers


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
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