top of page

How Do Travel Agents Get Paid? Unveiling the Magic Behind the Service

KLG Travel

Being a travel agent is an exciting career filled with amazing perks, great experiences, and the joy of helping clients create unforgettable memories. Many people, however, often wonder, “How do travel agents get paid?” Let's unravel the mystery behind the magic and show you how professionals in the travel industry earn their livelihood.


Commission-Based Income


One of the primary ways travel agencies like KLG Travel generate income is through commissions. Here’s how it works:


Direct Commissions from Suppliers:


  • Hotels and Resorts: When we book stays for our clients, we earn a commission from these accommodations.

  • Airlines: While airlines used to pay travel agents commission years ago, that has mostly gone to the wayside, 99% of the time, travel agents are not making any commission on air-only bookings. This is the reason you may see agents that charge a booking fee per ticket for air-only booking requests.

  • Tour Operators and Cruise Lines: Vacation packages, tours, and cruises booked through specific operators often are lower priced for the client and also pay the travel agent a commission of the total cost of the package.


Commission Built into Pricing


It’s important to note that the commission is already built into the pricing for all hotels, regardless of how you book:


  • Booking with a Travel Agent: When you book through KLG Travel, the commission is included in the price you pay. There are no hidden fees tacked on after the fact.

  • Online Tour Operators: Major online platforms like Expedia or Booking.com include commissions in their pricing too. It’s one of the ways they earn revenue while offering competitive rates.

  • Direct Bookings: When you book directly with a hotel, the cost still includes a built-in commission, similar to the fees they’d allocate for marketing and distribution through other channels.


So, there’s really no cost difference between using a travel agent and booking on your own. By choosing KLG Travel, however, you gain unparalleled service and many other advantages, plus you are now supporting a small business instead of large corporations.


The Unmatched Benefits of Booking with a Travel Agent


Expert Guidance and Personalized Service:


When you book with KLG Travel, you’re not just getting a transaction; you’re gaining a travel partner who ensures every detail is perfect. We offer:


  • Tailored Recommendations: We leverage our expertise to provide destinations and activities that match your preferences, creating a truly amazing experience.

  • Exclusive Access: Through our network, we connect you with exclusive deals and privileges you won’t find online.

  • Personal Touch: Unlike impersonal call centers, at KLG Travel, you’ll receive dedicated, friendly service from professionals who genuinely care about your satisfaction.


Simplified Planning and Peace of Mind:


Booking through a travel agent simplifies the entire process and adds layers of assurance:


  • Time-Saving Convenience: Skip the overwhelming hours of research and price comparisons. We do the heavy lifting for you.

  • Hassle-Free Management: We handle all bookings, changes, and any issues that arise, providing a stress-free planning experience.

  • Dependable Support: If something goes wrong during your trip, we’re just a phone call away, ready to resolve any issues promptly.


Supporting Small Business:


When you choose to book with KLG Travel, you’re not only ensuring a personalized experience but also supporting a small business. We’re dedicated to our clients and community, and your support allows us to continue providing exceptional service and creating more meaningful connections.


How Travel Agents Earn


It’s key to understand that travel agents do not earn an hourly wage. Our main income comes from commissions on bookings, and we only get paid once the client completes their travel. This means essential research and planning might be done without compensation if the client chooses not to book through us. At KLG Travel, we invest time and expertise upfront to tailor the perfect trip for you, making your experience memorable and hassle-free.


Service Fees


Apart from commissions, travel agents sometimes charge service fees for their expertise and time. Here’s how it works at KLG Travel:


  • Consultation Fees: KLG Travel does not charge consultation fees for any of our consultations, it is always 100% free to schedule a one-on-one consultation.

  • Planning Fees: KLG Travel does charge a planning fee for Destination Wedding services. This is due to the additional time it takes for the research, planning, and management of a destination wedding group. We have different destination wedding service packages to choose from depending on how much or how little you would like included.

  • Booking Fees: KLG Travel only charges booking fees for air-only bookings (this is due to no commission being earned on flights) If you are booking a package with flights and hotel, we do not charge a booking fee for the package.

  • Customized Itineraries: For complex, customized day by day trip planning, we might charge for the time taken to create a personalized and detailed itinerary. This will depend on the individual client and would be discussed in the consultation. For general Fun in the Sun packages (all-inclusive resort packages), this would not apply.


Transparent, Client-Centric Approach


At KLG Travel, we believe in transparency and building trust. We ensure our clients are fully aware of any service fees and charges upfront, highlighting the value we bring with our expertise and customized travel experiences.


Conclusion


The compensation for travel agents is a blend of commissions and service fees. Here at KLG Travel, it’s about more than just earning a living—it’s about providing exceptional service, creating memorable experiences, and building long-lasting relationships with our clients.



Curious to learn more or ready to plan your next getaway? Reach out to us at info@klgtravel.com or give us a call at 1-402-417-2374.



Happy Travels! The KLG Travel Team

22 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page