Course to Learn Sabre? Benefits of Certifications? Paying 6K for a Mistake – Is This Legal?

Travel Agent Chatter | Friday 15

In episode 164 Steph is co-hosting again with Lindsay Taylor of Travel Leaders 365. Have a look at the questions below that they cover in this rich and informative edition of the Friday 15!

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QUESTIONS

1. Hi Steph. I worked as a Travel Manager at my previous company, however, it was a created position and I used a combination of Concur, Expedia, Hotels.com, National Car rental and all the other sites. I loved this position but it all went away during Covid.

Now, I'd like to get back into it but everything I'm interested in requires some Sabre experience. I know it's easy and I know I could do it but do you think it's worth taking the 60 hour course with The Travel Institute? Is there a better place to obtain this training?

It could add a few lines on my resume and I'm great with self-study. $149 doesn't seem high for getting some experience. What are your thoughts? Thanks for your time! :)

—Anonymous

2. Hi Steph. I have a diploma from Penn Foster and when I look at the CTA, I feel like I've already done all of the same lessons. Is it better to have one of these certifications over the diploma I've already received? Are these just better recognized and received by people in the industry and clients? It seems like these have a more elevated status over my diploma. Is that the case?

—Anonymous

3. I refunded a non refundable ticket by accident. The agency paid it back but now I'm on the hook for over $6000. The airline does not reverse the transaction so the traveler has a credit. Have you ever worked with this? I would like to find out how this is even legal?

—Anonymous

RESOURCES:

• In-depth information on what the GDS, global distribution system, is and which travel advisors use it.

• Travel Institute’s program

• Tips on how to become a corporate travel agent

• TAC episode with Molly Williams

• What travel agent certification is and isn’t. Plus, what are the certifications out there for agents?

• What is a travel agency debit memo?

• In-depth information on what the GDS, global distribution system, is and which travel advisors use it.

• TL 365’s HAR profile

• TL 365’s website

• [e-mail] (Lindsay’s email address)