How to Become a Travel Agent in Illinois

Travel agent jobs in Illinois are an excellent fit for friendly, organized individuals who enjoy helping others and planning trips.

Travel Agent Schools & Training

Completing a training course or accredited educational program will help you learn the skills you need to become a certified travel agent in IL.

Self paced, online courses for $2,245:

How Does This Program Help Me?

Students will benefit immensely because the main outcome to pass secure TAP certification (Travel Agent Proficiency) from the Travel Institute (formerly ICTA).

What Do You Study?

Your instructors will teach you about the following:

Travel Planning
Communication and Sales
Advanced Marketing Techniques
Travel Safety and Regulations
International Travel
Fundamentals of Hospitality and Tourism
Travel Software and Booking Programs

Learning the Business Aspects

A lengthier hospitality and tourism degree program may go more in-depth about the business aspects of the industry.

You’ll learn how to network with luxury resort owners, restaurant managers, cruise lines and airlines, and other tourism and travel professionals to ensure top-of-the-line services for your clients.

How Long Is It?

6 months is usually how long it takes the average student to complete the 100 total class hours. Since the classes are online, you can control how quickly you progress.

Illinois Travel Agent Requirements

Travel agent certifications are optional in Illinois, so it’s possible to find a job at a travel agency if you lack a certified travel associate (CTA) or certified travel counselor (CTC) credential.

However, aspiring travel agents in IL might need one of these licenses if they want to qualify for well-paying positions at the state’s top travel agencies.

Certification Options

If your preferred travel agent job in Illinois requires you to have an official certification, consider getting your credential through one of the following companies:

Specific Agency Requirements

Each agency has its own requirements that aspiring travel agents in IL must meet. You usually need to be at least 18 years old and submit proof of graduation from a high school diploma or GED program. From there, you must complete the organization’s online training course and pass a competency exam to earn your travel agent certification.

Opening a Travel Agency in Illinois

Unlike travel agents in California, Nevada, and Florida, travel agents in IL can run their own travel agencies without obtaining a Seller of Travel license.

However, you must purchase a surety bond to protect your clients against financial mishandling, fraud, and misrepresentation. You’ll also need to register your business with the Illinois Department of Revenue.

Salary and Benefits

Illinois travel agents can expect to earn between $18 to $27 per hour, with corporate travel consultants earning on the higher end. Companies like ADTRAV Travel Management and Carlson Wagonlit Travel offer competitive benefits, including health insurance, 401(k) plans, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement. High-performing agents at Cruises International and AAA Vernon Hills may earn commission-based salaries ranging from $30,000 to $90,000 per year.

Job Description

A friendly, upbeat personality and strong organizational skills are essential for those performing travel agent jobs in Illinois.

Whether they’re working in a traditional office setting or in their own homes, travel agents in IL typically complete the following duties during their work days:

Discuss travel needs and preferences with clients
Create itineraries of events, day trips, and activities that suit the traveler’s schedule and budget
Offer trip packages and travel insurance
Book flights, cruises, accommodations, restaurant reservations, and event tickets for clients
Arrange car rentals, ferry rides, and other transportation for travelers during their trip
Keep in contact with travelers during their trips
Make adjustments to the travel itinerary as needed

On-the-Job Travel Agent Training

During on-the-job training, aspiring travel agents in IL typically learn how to use particular software programs, marketing techniques, and itinerary templates to plan trips for business and leisure travelers.

You might also learn to up-sell certain travel packages and insurance features in order to earn commissions from company partners.

Skills and Experience Illinois Employers Seek in Travel Agents

Core Skills and Qualifications

Illinois employers seek travel agents with a strong background in corporate and international travel management. Companies like ADTRAV Travel Management and Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) look for candidates with experience in Global Distribution Systems (GDS) such as Sabre or Amadeus. A high school diploma or associate’s degree is often required, but direct industry experience in booking flights, hotels, and transportation is highly valued.

Dutch Travel Service Sunmix and Cruises International seek travel agents with customer service expertise and strong organizational skills. These positions often require fluency in English, strong administrative abilities, and knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

For government-related roles, CWT SatoTravel expects familiarity with federal travel regulations and compliance with security policies, making prior experience in military or defense travel a plus.

Corporate vs. Leisure Travel Roles

Illinois offers travel agent positions across corporate, government, and leisure travel. ADTRAV Travel Management and RER Solutions Inc. focus on corporate travel, requiring agents to coordinate business trips, manage expense tracking, and follow strict travel policies.

These roles often involve booking last-minute travel, negotiating with vendors, and assisting executives with itinerary changes.

In contrast, Cruises International and Auto Club Services (AAA) cater to leisure travelers, focusing on cruise packages, guided tours, and customized vacation planning. Agents in these roles build relationships with clients, recommend travel destinations, and create detailed itineraries to match customer preferences.

Remote, Hybrid, and On-Site Opportunities

Many travel agent jobs in Illinois offer remote flexibility, especially for corporate and government travel positions. Companies like ADTRAV Travel Management and RER Solutions Inc. allow agents to work from home while booking flights, managing expenses, and coordinating with vendors.

However, agencies such as Dutch Travel Service Sunmix and Get My Passports require on-site customer interactions, particularly for roles assisting travelers with passport and visa applications. Envoy Air Inc., which provides airport customer service, also requires agents to work in-person at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to handle ticketing, baggage claims, and passenger assistance.

Customer Service and Sales Requirements

Employers expect travel agents to have exceptional communication and sales skills. CWT SatoTravel and Auto Club Services (AAA) look for professionals who can upsell travel packages, promote travel insurance, and handle customer inquiries efficiently. Many positions require agents to assist travelers with last-minute changes, cancellations, and refund requests, demonstrating strong problem-solving abilities and patience.

Crossover with Other Industries

The Illinois travel industry overlaps with hospitality, government contracting, and finance. Positions at Get My Passports require knowledge of passport and visa regulations, while roles at RER Solutions Inc. involve budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance with corporate expense policies.

Additionally, airport-based roles at Envoy Air Inc. require customer service and logistics coordination skills, making them ideal for professionals transitioning from hospitality or airline operations.

Conclusion

Employers in Illinois look for travel agents who are detail-oriented, technologically proficient, and customer-focused. Whether working in corporate travel, luxury vacation planning, or government travel services, agents must have GDS experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to handle last-minute itinerary changes.

With remote, hybrid, and on-site job options, Illinois offers a wide range of career opportunities for travel professionals seeking stability, flexibility, or commission-based income potential.