Are “No Air Bookings” a Red Flag? Are Multiple Hosts an Option? How To Compare Two Agencies with Different Fees and Benefits?

(Pardon our transition from SoundCloud, you can listen to this episode here!)

In episode 170 Steph cohosts with April Swales of Uniglobe Travel! They will tackle these questions, all provided by one curious listener this week! 

Thank you so much for all the wonderful resources on your website! If you don’t mind me asking you for advice..

So I figured that I would be better off signing up with the Host Agency… I applied with 2 different ones and I m gonna look into more.I can already see some obvious differences.Was wondering…

1. Should I be worried if the company says, “ they don’t do air bookings- they are booking the ground, for the most part..

2. I realise that every Host agency has a different network. Even though I understand that I'm not supposed to go out of network if working in their system, if I am able to keep my own name and advertise as my own company, am I allowed to book with different networks of suppliers? As well as, “Is it at all possible to be affiliated with more than one HA, or is it completely unrealistic?” 

3. In between 2 different agencies that I looked into - the difference in signing up price is $400 a year. I'm not sure how to evaluate all that they offer as to education and tools. 

What should I be particularly looking at? Also, do you think I could try them out for a month or two, then change the affiliation if I decide to? Are there any consequences to that?I guess I am a bit scared to get in with someone who I might not be able to work with…What is your advice on that?

---Oksana N.

RESOURCES:

Hosted travel advisor report will go live soon! Pre-order here.

The Hive Webinar: 10 things to ask a "new to you" DMC Thurs. Aug 29th, 2pm ET / 1pm CT / 12pm MT / 11am PT

TPI Webinar: Holiday Travel: Do’s & Don’ts as a Selling Travel Advisor Wed. Sept. 4th, 1pm ET / 12pm CT / 11am MT / 10am PT

All about preferred suppliers in the travel industry. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-preferred-supplier)

Options for booking air without the GDS system. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-gds)

Belonging to more than one host agency: The pros and cons. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/belonging-to-more-than-one-host-agency)

What to think about when switching host agencies. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/switching-host-agencies-5-things-to-consider)

Things to look for in your contract with your host agency (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/independent-travel-agent-contracts)

Submit your very own Friday 15 questions here! https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15