Classes are offered either online or on campus. Training in North American air travel covers computer reservation services, handling reservations over the phone and flight schedule resources. Training in international air travel requirements covers passports, visas, and tourist card regulations. Instruction in international arrival and departure procedures and money matters enable an agent to advise customers about flight schedules, currency exchange and taxes.
The American Society of Travel Agents teaches travel professionals how to improve efficiency, close sales and fine-tune customer service skills. They offer the Certified Travel Associate certification. To earn a CTA certificate, participants must have at least 18 months of full-time travel industry experience, pass the CTA test and commit to annual certification maintenance.
Travel agents make airline reservations, and book cruises and tour packages. Completing a travel specialist program qualifies you to work for an airline, cruise line, hotel or corporate travel department, or to start your own business. Classes in selling travel experiences for business, meetings, events, honeymoons, spas and family travel packages can advance your career. At-home training programs can be completed in as little as seven months.