Does an ID Card Make You a Travel Agent?

It certainly sounds tempting. You’ve been invited to a seminar or social gathering that promises you a free vacation for listening to a presentation on discount travel services. The enticement is that you can become a “travel agent,” with “credentials” that will permit you to travel at free or reduced fares. Is that true? Can the right ID card convince airlines, hotels and other travel services to give you a discount?

The Better Business Bureau and the American Society of Travel Agents warn consumers not to be misled by travel card “mills” and other questionable discount travel service operations. The travel industry has become more vigilant in clamping down on those using card mill credentials. Furthermore, promises of “industry insider” travel discounts do not always materialize. Some of the advertised prices are widely available to all travelers and there are hotels and airlines that will not honor the card when presented for a discount or upgrade.

True travel agents sell travel to the general public, a fact conveniently ignored by card mill operators and other discount travel services. Many discount travel businesses promise “huge earnings” but neglect to mention that in order to make money, you must recruit other people to become “travel agents.”

The BBB offers tips to consumers interested in discount travel services:

• Do not be fooled by promises of glamour and wealth, with little or no effort.
• Be skeptical of offers that require you to purchase an identification card and claim that, by doing so, you will be a “travel agent” in good standing who is “official,” “certified,” “accredited,” or “endorsed” by the travel industry.
• If the business promises huge earnings, ask what you will be paid for. Will you actually be selling travel to the general public? Or are you being asked to recruit others into the business?
• Before buying a “travel agent” card, comparison shop for several trips using traditional travel agencies, online travel sites and other information sources. Will the additional cost of the card be offset by savings on travel services of comparable value?
• Ask if the hotel, airline or other travel provider you want to use will accept the card as the basis for a discount.
• Obtain all promises in writing, and check with the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org for a report before you agree to anything.