For decades, travel agencies and travel advisors have used an IATA number to prove their legitimacy and facilitate various types of bookings around the world. Below, we break down everything you need to know, especially if you’re considering becoming a travel advisor.
What is an IATA number?
In short, an IATA number is a unique identification number used by travel advisors and agencies that proves legitimacy as a business, and essentially makes it possible for them to earn money by booking travel.
IATA stands for International Air Transport Association. Most IATA numbers are made up of a unique, seven-digit combination.
Originally, these numbers were used to verify air ticket distributors. This allowed early travel agencies to sell tickets on behalf of airlines.
Over time, IATA numbers’ use grew. As hotel chains and other suppliers began expanding and adopting global distribution systems (GDS) to streamline bookings, it made more sense to use an existing identifier that was already strongly associated with the travel industry than to create an entirely new ID. Thus, the IATA number was adopted as the global standard for recognizing who booked what.
In other words, the use of IATA numbers has facilitated standardization within the travel industry, enabling smoother transactions and better tracking of bookings across different platforms and systems.
There’s a lengthy verification process to obtain an IATA number. This process ensures that a hotel can trust that a travel agent booking is legitimate.
4 benefits of having an IATA number
1. Proves an agency’s qualifications & credibility
An IATA number guarantees that a travel agency has been evaluated as a reliable partner for industry suppliers. Without this ID, suppliers — including hotels, cruises and so on — have zero reason to recognize a travel agency’s bookings and are not bound to offer a commission for the agency’s services.
2. Allows an agency to access global booking systems
In addition to establishing an agency’s credibility, an IATA number grants access to global distribution systems (hotel reservation platforms). If an agency lacks an IATA number, its agents won’t be able to access these systems to make bookings for clients. At Fora, you’ll be able to see GDS rates directly on our booking platform.
3. Ensures easy dispersal of commissions
An IATA number makes the process of paying commissions much smoother. It tells a supplier whom should be paid for making a reservation.
4. Proves industry regulator compliance
There’s a lot of legal work that goes into obtaining and keeping an IATA number. IATA numbers can be stripped from agencies that work outside the confines of internationally recognized policies (this ensures the ability to protect a client’s data or secure financial transactions). Working with a host agency that has one means that you’re aligned with an organization that abides by industry protocol.
Who uses an IATA number?
Many jobs in the travel industry are associated with IATA numbers, as are tour operators, consolidators, airlines, freight companies, hotels, rental car agencies and other travel industry suppliers.
If you are a travel advisor, it’s best practice to have an IATA number to make bookings for clients. Again, the ID is part of the legal framework for proper legitimacy, tracking and payments. If you opt to work with a host agency like Fora, an IATA number will be provided to you.
Ultimately, having an IATA number is critical to be successful in the industry. Nearly all hotel groups, cruise lines, rental car companies and many other industry suppliers require an IATA number to disperse commission.
How do I get an IATA number?
Most independent travel advisors opt to partner with a host agency, like Fora, to get access to an IATA number.
Obtaining an IATA number as an individual agent is fairly difficult and time-consuming. Working with a reputable host agency is generally the preferred path because your host agency covers the legal framework behind getting an IATA number. This means that as a travel advisor, you can focus more on the core projects related to your role (planning and booking travel), rather than legal paperwork.
When you join Fora, you’ll get access to our IATA number, allowing you to make bookings from day one.
