If you’re trying to book travel professionally and earn supplier commissions, you need International Air Transport Association (IATA) access or an equivalent travel industry accreditation. The other accreditations, CLIA and TIDS numbers, differ slightly from IATA numbers. This is the credential hotels, cruise lines, and tour operators check to verify that you’re authorized to sell travel and pay your commission.
There are two paths to get an IATA number, but they’re not equally suited to most advisors.
How to get an IATA number with a host agency
To get access to a host agency’s IATA number, you need to apply to join a host and complete any required onboarding. You don’t apply for your own number, pay IATA fees, or have to demonstrate prior travel industry sales or financial stability to a regulator.
You’ll attach the host agency IATA number to any bookings you make, or it’ll be attached automatically by your host’s booking platform. Suppliers will use the number to verify your legitimacy and tie you to your host, which helps you secure perks for your clients and ensures you get paid. The advisor of record is you, so you get access to the host agency’s supplier rates and booking platform, but can still build your own direct relationships with suppliers.
At Fora, IATA access is available once you verify your identity. You also get a booking platform, advisor training, and access to Fora Reserve, our umbrella for preferred partner relationships across hotels, cruise lines, and tour operators.
How to apply for your own IATA number
To get your own IATA number, you apply through IATAN. You need to prove your travel business experience, register your business, get insured, and prove financial stability. This is more expensive and time-intensive than joining a host agency, so solo IATAN accreditation is best for advisors running their own independent travel agency or who need to issue flight tickets directly to clients.
Requirements
To qualify for IATA accreditation in the United States through the International Airlines Travel Agent Network (IATAN), you’ll need to demonstrate:
Professional travel industry experience documented by sales, a letter of recommendation, a letter of employment from an accredited agency, or an approved travel agency certification
Financial stability via audited financials or proof of bonding, depending on entity type
A registered business that meets IATAN’s requirements
Compliance with IATAN’s industry standards and code of conduct
Errors & omissions (E&O) coverage, unless you meet requirements for waived insurance
Fees
In the U.S., fees vary by business structure. Fees are lowest for independent agents, and highest for corporate travel departments.
Independent travel advisor: $110 application + $110 annual
Travel agency: $280 application + $120 annual
Corporate travel department: $450 application + $210 annual
Fees outside the U.S. differ. IATA’s international guide can give you accurate numbers for your country.
Timeline
IATAN’s published processing time is 30 days from receiving a complete application. Budget for 4–6 weeks once everything is submitted to be safe, plus the time it takes to gather documentation, financials, and recommendations before submitting your application.
If you also want to issue flight tickets directly instead of through a supplier portal, you’ll need Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) or Airline Reporting Corporation (ARC) accreditation. That adds another 60–90 days to the timeline.
Once approved, you’ll receive your IATA number and can start booking immediately. You’ll also be responsible for annual renewals, ongoing compliance with IATA standards, and maintaining the financial and operational thresholds you qualified under. Non-compliance can result in losing your accreditation, which invalidates your ability to take new bookings under that number.
What changes after you have IATA access?
Once you’re booking under an IATA number, your work as an advisor unlocks in a few specific ways:
You can access supplier rates that aren’t available to consumers
Hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, and ground services can start paying you commission on bookings
You get access to booking platforms for reservation and ticketing
You can build direct relationships with preferred partner suppliers and qualify for upgrades, amenities, and rate access for clients
When travel advisors join Fora they get IATA number access, plus training, a peer advisor community, and a booking platform with built-in CRM, itinerary building, and invoicing. Fora has preferred partner relationships across over 5,000 hotels, as well as cruise lines and tour operators.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for an IATA number with no travel experience?
No, not usually. IATAN requires proof of commitment to a travel business via sales and financials to qualify. If you’re new to the industry, the host agency path is the best option for IATA access in the short term.
Can I switch from solo IATA to a host agency later, or vice versa?
Yes, both directions are possible. Most advisors who start with a host can apply for their own IATA later if their business grows to the point where it makes sense. Advisors with their own IATA can also join a host agency, but they will have to use the host’s IATA for bookings.
Do I lose my IATA number if I leave a host agency?
You lose access to the host’s IATA number. Existing bookings are typically honored through the original travel dates, but you won’t be able to make new bookings under that number. If you join a new host, you’ll book under their IATA going forward.
Do I need an IATAN ID card?
No, the card is separate from accreditation and not required to book travel. IATAN’s ID card offers membership benefits, and is for individual advisors who meet additional requirements: 20 hours per week on the business, $5,000 or more in commissions or salary in the prior year.
