Becoming a travel agent means transforming a passion for exploration into a career, crafting dream vacations while making clients’ globe-trotting dreams come true.
Learn how to get started by becoming certified.
Online Travel Agent Schools for Louisiana
How Does This Course Benefit You?
The course prepares student to take and pass the TAP certification exam (Travel Agent Proficiency) from the Travel Institute (formerly ICTA).
These certifications provides a competitive edge for any prospective travel agent.
Other benefits are:
- Certification creates trust and credibility that can help attract clients
- Convenient, online self-paced class format
- Everything you need to know about the industry
- A good foundation if you want to start your own agency
Employers in travel agencies also seek thoroughly educated applicants, so for those looking to get a head start in the field, taking a course is strongly recommended.
How Long Does It Take?
100 course hours that are typically competed in 5 to 6 months.
Other courses in travel agent training can take approximately 12 to 15 months.
An associate’s degree in the travel agent field can be as long as 2 years.
How Much Does It Cost?
$2,300, which can be financed for monthly installments if needed.
What Do You Study?
Instruction will cover the following topics:
- Calculating costs: learning to apply knowledge of travel costs, fees, taxes, and discounts, and how to accurately calculate total costs of accommodations for clients.
- Booking travel and accommodations: understanding how to prepare and request transportation carrier tickets, hotel reservations, and book experiences for clients.
- Geographical expertise: utilizing physical and cultural geography knowledge in travel and tourism and enhancing clients’ experiences by offering insights into unique features of destinations.
- Comparing options: analyzing and comparing accommodations, tickets, itineraries, and travel packages, and determining the best-suited options for clients based on their personal preferences and needs.
- Marketing & sales: how to promote yourself
- Getting to Know the Travel Industry: what are all the ways to travel and sell vacation destinations
Louisiana Requirements
All prospective travel agents must have obtained a high school degree or GED equivalent, in addition to receiving any on-the-job training for specific agencies.
There are no state-required licenses or certifications for prospective travel agents in Louisiana, obtaining one or more relevant certifications is highly encouraged, both for the purposes of developing essential skills in the field and gaining employment.
Salary Range & Benefits
How Much Can You Make?
Using data from Indeed.com, the average salary in the state is $68,948. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, that number is more like $44,800.
Self-employed travel agents up to approximately $70,000.
Below are the average salaries for travel agents in major Louisiana cities:
- New Orleans: $45,798
- Baton Rouge: $56,032
- Lafayette: $61,610
- Shreveport: $61,040
- Lake Charles: $61,385
Travel agent salaries in Louisiana vary based on industry and experience. Corporate travel consultants at ADTRAV earn between $23 and $27 per hour, while group air travel agents make $22 to $25 per hour.
Hospitality-focused travel agents, such as Four Seasons Reservations Agents and New Orleans Paddlewheels Ticket Booth Agents, earn $13 to $16 per hour, with additional benefits such as 401(k) matching, paid time off, and health insurance.
Airline-related jobs, such as Ramp Service Agent at American Airlines and Airport Agent at Envoy Air, start at $14 to $20 per hour, with travel perks and flight discounts.
Career Overview
What Do They Do?
As an entry-level travel agent, your responsibilities will largely include assisting clients in selecting travel destinations, booking flights, accommodations, and transportation, while considering their preferences and budgets.
You will learn to navigate booking systems, likely through employer-specific training, research travel options, and provide valuable insights on local attractions and cultural nuances.
This can also include working with industry connections to arrange experiences like guided tours and activities for clients.
Skillsets
Details of what specific employers require may vary, but essential skills and requirements for travel agents will always include the following:
- Communication skills: effectively conveying travel options, itineraries, and essential details.
- Adaptability: flexibility in catering to client preferences and changing travel dynamics.
- Customer focus: understanding and meeting client needs while continuing to deliver outstanding service.
- Destination knowledge: thorough understanding of diverse locations and cultural insights.
- Booking proficiency: being able to navigate potentially complicated booking systems for accommodations, transportation, and activities.
Career Outlook
Pros & Cons of the Travel Agent Field
Overall, the travel agent field offers an exciting avenue for individuals with a passion for exploration and customer service. Benefits of the career include the opportunity to turn knowledge of the world and popular destinations into a rewarding career, crafting unforgettable journeys for clients. The job involves continuous learning about global locations, fostering cultural awareness, and building a network within the travel industry.
However, challenges can arise from the continuous evolution of online booking systems and self-service options, requiring agents to continually prove their value. The workload can be demanding, especially during peak travel seasons, and staying updated with ever-changing travel regulations is essential. Success in the field requires a balance of creativity, organization, and adaptability.
Is it a good career?
Becoming a travel agent can be an incredibly fulfilling career choice.
The career offers a wide range of job specialization opportunities for those looking to advance from entry-level positions, from crafting unique itineraries for niche markets like adventure travel or luxury vacations to focusing on corporate travel management.
Moreover, self-employment as an independent travel consultant is highly viable, allowing for highly flexible work arrangements. With dedication and ongoing learning, as well as building a loyal clientele, travel agents can easily achieve success in the field.
What Employers in Louisiana Expect from Travel Agents
Core Skills and Qualifications
Employers in Louisiana seek travel agents with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and customer service experience. Companies such as ADTRAV Travel Management and Four Seasons New Orleans require candidates to have experience with Global Distribution Systems (GDS) like Sabre or Amadeus, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
For roles such as corporate and government travel consultants at ADTRAV, agents must be familiar with federal travel regulations, Fly America Act, and Open Skies Agreement. In hospitality-focused positions, like Reservations Agent at Four Seasons, strong communication and multitasking abilities are essential for handling bookings and guest interactions.
Corporate vs. Hospitality Travel Roles
Louisiana employers offer a mix of corporate, leisure, and hospitality travel opportunities. ADTRAV Travel Management specializes in corporate, government, and group travel, requiring agents to book flights, hotels, and transportation for business travelers. These positions require handling last-minute changes, managing itineraries, and maintaining compliance with corporate travel policies.
In contrast, roles such as Reservations Agent at Four Seasons and Ticket Booth Agent at New Orleans Paddlewheels focus on leisure and hospitality travel, where agents sell accommodations, provide customer service, and assist with event bookings. These jobs require strong sales skills and local tourism knowledge to offer guests high-quality travel experiences.
Remote, Hybrid, and On-Site Opportunities
Several Louisiana travel agent jobs offer remote work options, particularly in corporate and group travel. ADTRAV Travel Management hires remote consultants for corporate and government travel bookings, requiring agents to coordinate travel through online systems.
However, on-site roles are common in hospitality, airport services, and travel agencies. Four Seasons, New Orleans Paddlewheels, and The Hotel Task Force require in-person interactions with guests, making customer service skills and schedule flexibility key requirements. Positions at airports, such as Ramp Service Agent at American Airlines and Airport Agent at Envoy Air, involve physical labor, baggage handling, and aircraft servicing.
Customer Service and Sales Requirements
Many Louisiana travel-related jobs emphasize customer service and sales. New Orleans Paddlewheels and Four Seasons expect agents to interact with guests, handle reservations, and assist with event planning. AAA Hoosier Motor Club and Navigate New Horizons seek agents who can upsell travel packages, secure repeat clients, and provide personalized recommendations.
Travel consultants must also manage booking changes, process refunds, and resolve customer concerns quickly. Four Seasons and ADTRAV Travel Management prioritize agents who can multi-task in high-pressure environments while delivering exceptional service.
Crossover with Other Industries
Louisiana’s travel industry intersects with hospitality, tourism, and aviation. Hotel and resort roles at Four Seasons and The Hotel Task Force cater to luxury travelers, requiring agents to provide high-end customer service and concierge-level assistance.
Airport-based positions at American Airlines and Envoy Air focus on airline logistics, ground support, and baggage handling, making them ideal for candidates with experience in transportation or logistics. Sports Travel Agent roles at Navigate New Horizons cater to sports fans, requiring agents to plan travel for major sporting events and team trips.
Conclusion
Employers in Louisiana seek travel agents who are customer-focused, tech-savvy, and detail-oriented. Whether in corporate travel, leisure tourism, or hospitality, agents must have GDS experience, strong sales skills, and the ability to handle last-minute itinerary changes.
With remote, hybrid, and on-site opportunities, Louisiana offers diverse career paths in corporate travel, tourism, and aviation services.