In episode 177 Steph is co-hosting with Stephanie Pickles of Pickles Travel! They’ve got a ton to discuss, including the following: 

1. I hope to be a beginner agent one day soon and as I am sorting out how to break into this industry I have settled on going through a host agency, in large part thanks to your wonderful website and podcasts which I have been absorbing rapidly. 

However, as I review your Host Agency profiles I see GDS (which I understand and cannot use), as well as Ticketing for non-GDS agents and Air Programs listed under Corporate tools. What is the difference between a Ticketing for non-GDS agents program and an Air Program that is a corporate tool? Many thanks!  —Kerrin M.

2. I guess you can now call me an 'older newbie', but I think I am losing some clients when they ask, "Do you do flights." As I know most TAs don't do airfare I have been giving them the same response. 

However, I have lost some clients by saying that. I have learned recently that Centrav is now offering training on how to purchase airfare for clients. What's the best way to handle such a question or should I go ahead and make their flights if asked given the problems that could arise?  —Marc C.

3. Recently I had a client ask me to help him book a trip to Sicily.  I found two packaged deals that would fit his interests. The problem is that he asked me to send him the links I was looking at so that he could see the suppliers I am working with plus the hotels so he can make a choice. Not knowing how to handle such a response, I sent him the links. So far in two days, I haven't heard from him. What's the best way to handle such a situation from a client?  —Marc C.

RESOURCES:

Options for booking air without the GDS system + what the heck the GDS is. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-gds)

https://hostagencyreviews.com/page/travel-advisor-research-reports/ (Travel agent survey data on fee charging practices: what they charge for, how much, fee structures and more.)

Find itinerary builders + more in HAR’s new travel agency software list! (https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-agency-software)

Pickles Travel Network’s profile with reviews and info (https://hostagencyreviews.com/hosts/pickles-travel-network)