What Is An IATA Number? (And How Do You Get It?)
IATA accreditation numbers get a lot of industry buzz and for good reason, they are one of the major players in travel advisor accreditation.
But when it comes down to chasing all the info you need on applying for an IATA number (or an IATAN card for that matter), it’s a little more complicated . . . until now! Because I chased it for you and consolidated it into this very blog.
What kind of IATA numbers are there? How do you qualify for one? How much does it cost? How do I use an IATA number without applying for one?
We have those answers, and more!
What is an IATA Number?
An IATA number is a unique 7-digit number issued to travel agencies so they can book travel and receive commissions from suppliers.
An IATA number is a unique 7-digit number issued to travel agencies so they can book travel and receive commissions from suppliers.
An IATA number signals to these airlines and travel suppliers that the booking agency is officially accredited by the IATA organization.
If you want to become a travel agent, one of the first steps to booking as a travel agent is having access to an accreditation number like an IATA number.
IATA numbers are the big player for travel accreditation (think “Coke” of the soda world). BUT that does not mean any old Joe Schmo or Jane Doe can get an IATA number, travel agencies need to apply for an IATA number and dish out some cash. (More on eligibility and application process soon!)
Another note on IATA numbers?
They’re not something you want to throw around willy-nilly. An IATA number is kind of like a social security number. Agencies want to avoid fraudulent use, so travel agencies only share their IATA number internally. .
Easy right? Weeeeeeell. Here’s where things get a little bit more complicated. Read on.
Two Different IATA Accreditation Numbers: IATA & IATAN
To complicate things, there are two different types of IATA numbers. IATA and IATAN.
What is the difference between IATA and IATAN? The regions they serve.
- IATA Accreditation: Outside US & Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
- IATAN Accreditations: US & Puerto Rico Only
Another big difference is this: for an IATA number, cost and eligibility varies country by country. Beyond that, IATA and IATAN are functionally the same.
In fact, people will use the term IATA in place of IATAN. (To keep going with the beverage metaphor, IATA is like sparkling water and IATAN is like LaCroix sparkling water. When you talk about it, you can just say sparkling water and everyone will know what you mean even if your grocery store only sells LaCroix.)
But Wait! There’s More!
IATA and IATAN are the two “families” of IATA accreditations. Within that, there are different levels of IATA numbers for different uses! Here's the deets.
- IATAN Travel Service Intermediary (U.S.-based, no air-ticketing)
- IATAN Airline Appointed (U.S.-based with air-ticketing capabilities)
- IATA Accredited (International, with air-ticketing capabilities)
- IATA TIDS (International, no air-ticketing)
The big difference is air booking vs. non-air booking.
When it comes to booking air, errors are easier to make and the stakes are higher (read:debit memos?). Because of this, there are more hoops to jump through to get an air-accreditation.
This brings us to the hoops! Read on IATA’s eligibility requirements!
How Do You Get An IATA Number?
Can anyone get an IATA number? Yes. While it's not as easy as, say, getting candy from a gum ball machine, anyone can get an IATA number as long they meet eligibility requirements. These requirements are country-specific so differ for IATA and IATAN. Here’s a breakdown below of what you need in order to get an IATA number.
IATA number Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility requirements for an IATA number are country-specific. So if you’re outside the US, you’ll need to do a little more digging to get the info you need!
Here’s how to find the country-specific costs and eligibility requirements for an IATA number:
- Go to IATA’s Accreditation Wizard.
- Select what type of payment forms you intend to use when/if you become IATA accredited (this affects the cost).
- Select which country you want to find info for in the drop down menu.
- Click on “See Country Requirements” to access links to more info!
This will get you in the right place for the type of ticketing accreditation you want through IATA!
IATAN Accreditation Eligibility Requirements
If you’re based in the US, DC, or Puerto Rico, the eligibility requirements are uniform, regardless of which state (or Commonwealth) you live in.
To start, here’s a list of IATAN non-air eligibility requirements:
- Proof of 2 years of experience
- Proof of Business License
- Proof of Business ownership
- Proof of Seller of Travel for agencies based in California, Florida, Hawaii, or Washington
- Proof of Bank Account
- Proof of E&O insurance: This requirement is waived for agents who can document they have 2 years of full-time experience within the last ten years in the travel industry.
- Two letters of recommendation from either:
- IATAN Accredited Agency (with IATA number)
- National or International travel industry supplier
- Certified Travel Associate/ Counselor (CTA or CTC), Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certification in Meeting Management (CMM), CSEP (Certified Special Event Professional)
Now if you want access to air ticketing, the requirements are more rigorous! In addition to fulfilling all the of the above, you also need:
- ARC Approval Letter
- Signed and notarized IATAN Agency Agreement
It’s important to note that U.S agencies looking to do air ticketing need both an ARC numberand an IATA number.
That, my friends, is a mere summary. If you really want to get in up to your elbows on requirements, you can check out the full embed below!
How Long Does it Take to Get an IATA Number?
Phew! A softball! Once you get your application together, you can expect to hear from IATA in 4-6 weeks.
But keep in mind that if you want to get air ticketing, you’ll also have the added bureaucratic fun and time investment of getting your ARC approval letter first, which can take an additional 60-90 days.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an IATA Number?
The cost of applying for your IATA number will vary depending on what type of agency you are. Below is a summarized list of application fees by agency type:
- Independent Contractor Business (ICB): $95.00 application fee + $95 annual service fee
- Travel Agency (head office or branch office): $247 application fee + $103 annual service fee
- Corporate Travel Department (client location or host location): $410.00 application fee + $184 annual service fee
The costs listed above are also their annual fees as well. So if your application for an IATA number is accepted, you can expect to shell out that cash once a year.
Keep in mind that these costs do not include other fun things like translation fees. If you want to nerd out on full-on fee schedules for all things IATA number, don’t let me stop you!
What Are Alternatives to an IATA Number?
IATA numbers are the OG of the travel accreditation world, but there are other options too! Actually, there are tons of options!
Alternatives to an IATA number include ARC accreditation, TRUE accreditation, a CLIA number, or going with a host agency (where you use their accreditation number instead of getting your own).
Check out HAR's travel accreditation blog and flowchart to see what other options are out there for you!
What Is an IATA Card?
Believe it or not, an IATA card is not the same as an IATA number. No, I’m not trying to pull a fast one on you!
Travel advisors are not required to have an IATA card to use the IATA number of their host agency.
So what is an IATA card and how is it different from an IATA accreditation? An IATA card is a way to recognize producing travel advisors. Travel industry perks like travel agent rates and FAM trips often ask for an IATA/IATAN card for proof that you’re a producing travel agent.
It’s important to note that travel advisors are not required to have an IATA card to use an IATA accreditation number of their agency or host agency.
What are the requirements to get an IATA/IATAN card? The big ones are:
- Be an owner, employee, or IC of an IATAN accredited agency
- Work a minimum of 20 hrs/week to the business of selling travel
- Earn at least $5,000 in commissions or salary the previous 12 months
- Be at least 18 years of age
How much does it cost to get an IATA/IATAN Card? An IATA card is $48, with a $40 annual renewal fee.
Want an IATA Number? First You Need to Become a Travel Agent!
Whether you get your own IATA number or use a host agency’s number, starting a travel agency from scratch is no easy task. t.
If you're just starting your travel agency and are curious to see how all the entrepreneurship puzzle pieces fit together—including if you should get your own accreditation or go the host agency route—check out HAR's 7 Day Setup Accelerator course on getting your agency set up.
It can help you get started with the support you need. With 75+ bite-sized on-demand videos, priority support, exclusive 7DS community & resources, twice-monthly live meetups with instructors and travel pros, we’ll ensure you don’t fall prey to info overload or analysis paralysis!
IATA Wrap it Up
There's your IATA primer! Have thoughts? Questions? Post a comment below!
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