Uniglobe Travel Center Launches Air Desk to Support Non-GDS Advisors

Travel advisors partner with host agencies for support, resources, and increased earning potential. Tools like booking platforms, marketing materials, and supplier relationships help advisors provide excellent service. But not all tools suit every advisor's needs. A common question from new advisors is, "How can I manage air ticketing without GDS experience?" In response to this growing demand, Uniglobe is proud to introduce a tailored solution for our diverse network:

Introducing the Air Desk!

We’re excited to introduce our new internal Air Desk, designed to simplify air ticketing for advisors without GDS experience. This service offers expert support, enabling advisors to manage flight bookings, exchanges, and complex itineraries with confidence, providing a seamless and efficient experience for both advisors and their clients.

The Air Desk goes beyond ticketing and reservations, helping advisors secure competitive pricing, particularly for complex travel needs like multi-stop or international flights. By managing bookings on the advisor's behalf, it removes the need to master a GDS system while still allowing advisors to assist clients during travel disruptions.

The Air Desk offers added flexibility and complements other booking resources like supplier air departments and flight consolidators. This support enables advisors to tailor bookings more effectively, enhancing the overall client experience and making travel management more efficient.

How does it work?

The role of a travel advisor is demanding, which is why utilizing the UTC Air Desk is designed to be efficient and user-friendly. The process begins with the advisor submitting a booking request form that includes essential details such as client names, dates of birth, travel dates, departure and arrival airports. If specific flights have already been identified by the advisor or client, that information can also be noted in the form. Upon receiving the request, the Air Desk team will promptly begin researching the ticketing options. Once the process is complete, the advisor will receive a detailed air itinerary with pricing, ready to be presented to the client. If the client approves, the advisor can seamlessly finalize the booking by processing the payment through the UTC payment system.

If a client needs to modify their flight, the air desk team handles exchanges, ensuring accurate fare calculations and rebooking. In cases where a refund is required, the air desk manages the process, navigating airline policies to secure the best outcome. For bookings that need to be voided within the allowable time frame, the air desk quickly handles the cancellation, preventing unnecessary charges. This expert assistance allows advisors to focus on client service while ensuring smooth and timely resolutions for any air-related issues.

Why is this an important step for Uniglobe?

At Uniglobe Travel Center, we believe our advisors are the cornerstone of our success, which is why we’re committed to expanding our offerings to meet their evolving needs. We understand the challenges advisors face in a rapidly changing industry and appreciate their dedication to providing top-tier service. By offering innovative tools like the Air Desk, we empower advisors to work more efficiently and focus on creating unforgettable travel experiences for their clients.

Our commitment to offering valuable resources reflects our deep respect for the professionals within our network. We recognize their essential role and strive to provide support that fosters their growth and success. Whether through access to exclusive promotions, ongoing mentorship, or technology that simplifies complex processes, we continue to invest in solutions that help advisors remain competitive and deliver outstanding service. By valuing and supporting our advisors, we ensure the ongoing success of Uniglobe Travel Center and our network's growth.

Meet The UTC Air Desk Pilots!

About Nicole Carias

UTC Support

With nearly a decade of experience in the dynamic travel industry, Nicole’s journey began at Orbitz, where she laid her foundation in online travel booking. A move to Expedia followed, allowing her to further expand her skills and knowledge. At Chase Travel, she deepened her expertise in customer service. Most recently, she stepped into her new role at Uniglobe Travel Center! This has been an exciting advancement, especially with the opportunity to pilot the Air Desk.

Throughout her career, she’s developed proficiency in Global Distribution Systems (GDS) such as Worldspan, Amadeus, and Sabre. Beyond technical expertise, her passion for travel continues to drive her enthusiasm. Her love of exploring new destinations and connecting with diverse cultures not only enriches her work but also broadens her understanding of the travel industry as a whole.

About Ansil Jordan

Director of Agency Support

Ansil Jordan is a highly experienced leader in the travel industry, with over 25 years of expertise. He joined Uniglobe in 2023, bringing extensive knowledge gained from various leadership roles within global travel management companies. Ansil’s passion for the travel industry is driven by his commitment to understanding and meeting the diverse needs of clients.

His love for travel began early, growing up in the US Virgin Islands, where he developed a fascination with flight and exploring new destinations. Now residing in the Tampa Bay area, Ansil has been married for over 28 years and is the proud father of two children. Both his personal experiences and professional journey have shaped his leadership style, making him a dynamic and influential figure in the travel industry.

About Uniglobe Travel Center

Uniglobe Travel Center (UTC) offers a variety of programs to support your independent travel business, all of which provide top-tier commissions and assistance with the development of sales and marketing plans. Each comprehensive home-based travel agent program is geared to your level of experience in the industry and helps you grow to the next level.

With 200 years of combined travel experience, our dedicated host agency staff are fully equipped to help you reach your goals. We focus on support, business development and coaching, and will give you the right balance you require of each element to become the best home-based travel agent you can be.

The Uniglobe brand is an internationally trusted and respected name in the travel industry, celebrating over 29 years of working and growing together. Since 1996, UTC has been a leading host agency helping travel agents build their businesses and realize their dreams.

Recognition from our Supplier Partners

• Globus Family of Brands - Key Partner Member
• Viking River Cruises - Platinum Circle Plus Agency
• ALGV - Elite Diamond
• Delta Vacations - Diamond Elite Agency
• Oceania - Connoisseur Club
• Holland America - Elite Pinnacle
• Windstar - Club 180 Agency
• Celebrity - Host Agency of the Year 2018

Professional Affiliations

• Virtuoso Enhanced Member
• CLIA Premier Member
• ASTA Premium Member
• ASTA Host Agency of the Year 2023
• CAC Member
• PATH Member