How to Use a Travel Agent IATA Number

Having a travel agent IATA number entitles you to many perks within the travel industry. Hiking enthusiasts and other travelers who have that identification number, which is distributed by the International Air Transport Association, can obtain substantial breaks on air fare or on hotel bookings of up to 50 percent off. But the trick in securing such discounts rests on some familiar advice: Shop around to determine who is offering the best deals for travel agents with IATA numbers.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

IATA travel agent identification card
IATA travel agent identification card

Step 1

Ask whether travel industry rates exist when calling national park lodges, hotels, airlines or car rental companies. Determine whether those rates truly are better than rates offered the general public by asking your reservations customer service representative how much of a discount you'll receive under the travel industry rate.

Step 2

Book your room, flight or car if you are satisfied with the travel industry rate, which fluctuates depending upon overall demand and may not be available in some cases. Provide the reservations customer service representative with a credit card number and your IATA card number, which has eight digits and should be located on your travel agent identification card.

Step 3

Have your travel agent identification card handy when checking in. Present it to the desk clerk along with another form of photo identification and your credit card.

Tips & Warnings

Before leaving on your trip, be certain you have your travel agent ID in your purse or wallet because you will not receive cheaper rates if you cannot present the card and your IATA number at the time of check-in.

Article Written By David McKinney

David McKinney is a newspaper reporter. He was born in Mattoon, Ill., and graduated Eastern Illinois University with a journalism degree. Since 1995, he has covered Illinois state government, including the rise of Barack Obama and the rise and fall of Rod Blagojevich.

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