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Home >> Travel Agent Information >> Fam Trips For IATA Travel Agents

Fam Trips For IATA Travel Agents

I believe that free or reduced-fare travel is one of the main reasons we became travel agents in the first place.  After all, it is the travel industry, right?

The first time I obtained a fam rate, the price of a four star hotel in New Orleans dropped over $200 a night (it was a 7 night trip, saving me almost $1,500). How did I get this? Simple: I obtained an ID card from International Air Transport Association (IATA) and took an online course at Marriot’s Travel Agent Site.

Total cost to me: $30 and one hour to take the quizzes.

If you want to get the best fam rates available, it’s important to follow these guidelines:

1. Sign up for several programs. Make sure you have at least one fam agreement with  each aspect of travel (generally car, hotel and airline). For example, I’ve always had the best luck with Marriot, Hertz and American, though this is due to the  amount of volume our business does with those providers. If your company spends more money with Hilton, you may be better off with them.
   
   
2. Ask, ask, ask. Once you have your IATA ID card, present it at every opportunity available. I’ve gotten discounts on swamp tours, shots of tequila, riverboat dinners, etc. All you have to do is ask.
   
   
3. Connect your fam rates with frequent traveler numbers. Not all providers let you do this, but if you have a frequent guest number for Marriot, try and attach it to your reservation. Not only will you get the discounted rate today, you are working towards a free stay in the future.

In conclusion, fam trips for iata travel agents are a great perk, and if you join several programs (they’re all free) and connect your reservations with your frequent traveler numbers you’ll double your success. And remember: discounts happen every day, but only to people who ask.