The travel industry is full of acronyms and insider vocabulary that can be confusing. IATAN Card is one example of a term that can play an important role in your travel business but is sometimes unclear.
For starters, IATAN stands for International Airlines Travel Agent Network. This is a department within IATA and has been serving the US Travel and Tourism industry for over 20 years. They are the issuer of the IATA/IATAN Card for travel agents in the United States. This card is an industry credential recognized worldwide as the mark of an agent who meets a set of standards valued by airlines, the travel agent community, and travel consumers.
IATAN requires travel agents to meet the following to be eligible for this card:
- Be an owner, employee, or independent contractor of an IATAN accredited location.
- Be registered with IATAN.
- Devote a minimum of 20 hours a week to the business of selling travel.
- Earn a minimum of $5,000 (USD) in net commissions in the prior 12 months (rolling year.)
- Be at least 18 years of age.
KHM Travel Group is an IATAN accredited host travel agency. Our agents are independent contractors who are registered with IATAN when they complete enrollment. This is what allows all KHM Travel Agents to book travel using our credentials. It also means that all KHM Travel Agents meet the first two requirements. The additional requirements are dependent upon individual agents. Keep in mind that agents do not need an IATAN card to book travel.
For agents that meet these additional requirements, applying for and receiving their IATAN card can provide additional benefits to their travel businesses. These benefits are available because, throughout the industry, an IATAN card is a symbol of an agent who is active and generating substantial business for travel suppliers.
In turn, travel suppliers may extend promotional offers, industry perks, and exclusive tours to these agents to educate them on their properties or services. Travel suppliers may also extend courtesies to travel professionals, such as upgraded services or reduced rates. The IATAN Card can serve as proof of your role as a travel agent and your eligibility for these courtesies.
Essentially, having your IATAN card serves as recognition of your proficiency in booking travel and establishes you as an agent travel suppliers and travel clients want to work with.
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) also recognizes travel agents through the EMBARC Card. Though similar to the IATAN Card, it has different requirements and benefits for membership.
KHM Travel Agents can read more about these programs in MyTravelAgentPortal.
Are you interested in becoming an independent travel agent with KHM Travel Group? To learn more about what we offer our agents, fill out the form to the right or give our team a call at 1-888-611-1220.