How to Become a Travel Agent in Connecticut

Millions of people travel every year for vacation. Some people travel to other parts of the United States, while others travel internationally.

Many people use a travel agent to help plan and book their vacations so they can get the most out of their vacations.

If you think you would enjoy booking vacations for others, you should consider becoming a travel agent.

Travel Agent Duties In Connecticut

As a travel agent in Connecticut, it’s up to you to ensure every client has the time of their life during their vacation and that everything is planned.

The last thing you want is for one of your clients to arrive at their destination and the hotel has yet to be booked, or they need to know which attractions to visit because you dropped the ball on the itinerary.

To be a successful, well-respected travel agent, you must perform the following tasks for each client.

• Sit down with the client to discuss where they want to vacation, the travel dates, and the travel budget.
• Book the client’s hotel reservations and confirm the reservation before you’re scheduled to leave.
• Discuss the client’s transportation options, and book a car if needed. You must ensure your clients won’t be stranded at the airport without transportation.
• Discuss what your client wants from their vacation, and use this information to create an itinerary filled with things that your client will love to do.
• Search for tour packages and promotional travel incentives from various travel carriers to help save your client money on their vacation.
• Compute the cost of the travel and lodging and collect the money from the client.

Make it a point to take care of every task listed above.

Your client will be happy, leading to great reviews and word of mouth, which is essential in remaining respectable and ensuring you have an excellent reputation.

Licensing Requirements To Become a Travel Agent In Connecticut

Travel agents don’t need to be licensed in Connecticut.

If an agent or an agency is a member of the American Society of Travel Advisors, which is suggested for all travel agents, they can check the agent for any complaints.

Also, potential clients can contact the American Society of Travel Advisors to review the complaint history of the agent they plan to work with, so you want to do a good job of avoiding client complaints.

Finally, travel agents must comply with the Federal Trade Commission regulations.

Travel Agent Programs In Connecticut

If you want to become a travel agent, you can’t just open an agency and start booking trips.

You must complete a training program so you know your responsibilities and how to complete them to ensure your clients are happy with the service.

Fortunately, there are a few travel agent programs in Connecticut.

East Hartford Adult Education:

This online travel agent certification course is designed to prepare you to work in the travel industry.

When you’ve completed the program, you’ll have a deep understanding of travel and tourism and how to make your clients happy.

When you sign up for the class, you’ll learn the following: 

• You’ll learn everything you need to know about the travel industry, such as ground and airline transportation, hotels, resorts, tours, cruises, and specialty travel. 
• You’ll learn everything you need to know about domestic and international travel. 
• Customer service skills are necessary to keep your clients happy. 
• You’ll learn how to market yourself as a travel agent.

You will sit for the Travel Agency Proficiency test when you complete the course.

Also, you’ll have the knowledge to start a successful career in the travel industry. 

This is a self-paced course, so you can learn on your schedule, which is essential if you currently have a full-time job.

It’s a 100-hour course that you can complete in six months.

The total cost of the program is $2,245.00. 

Penn Foster:

Penn Foster has a Travel Agent Course that’s done 100 percent online.

This is great for anyone in school or with a job because you can learn at your own pace, which is convenient for you.

The program courses include: 

• • North American Air Travel
  • Exploring the World
  • Tourism

You will be ready to take the Travel Agent Proficiency Test when you complete the course. 

The program costs $989, and if you pay in full, you will pay $749, saving you $240.

If you can’t pay full tuition, you can make monthly payments of $59 per month. 

Travel Agent Representative Schools in Connecticut – Summary Table

Average Travel Agent Salary In Connecticut

You can earn an average of $18, which is $1 less than the national average.

If you open your own agency, you could make more if the agency is successful.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Bridgeport	$41,703
New Haven	$39,783
Hartford	$39,750
Stamford	$42,245
Waterbury	$39,574
Norwalk	$42,245
Danbury	$40,754
New Britain	$39,647
West Hartford	$39,750
Greenwich	$42,245

Regional Salary in Connecticut

* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Travel Agents, OCC Code 41-3041, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any skills to be a travel agent?

Yes, you do need special skills, including:

• Customer service skills
• Negotiation skills
• Sales
• Time management
• Money handling
• Communication skills

Are travel agents a dying breed?

No.

Although many people believe that the Internet has replaced travel agents, this isn’t true.

You can book a hotel or flight online, but you’ll need a professional to create your itinerary.

You can spend hours online reading about attractions where you plan to travel and read reviews, but it’s better to hire a travel agent.

This will ensure you visit the most popular destinations and have a fun, safe trip.

How do travel agents make money?

Travel agents are paid commission.

You can charge between 3 and 20 percent commission, and the national average is 14 percent.

Travel Agent Info by State