Travel Agent Schools in Illinois

Travel agents help clients secure tickets, manage reservations, ensure accuracy and compliance, and coordinate complex travel arrangements. They also provide customer service throughout the planning process, addressing any concerns and special requests a customer may have.

These professionals in Illinois are well-rewarded for their efforts and enjoy strong projections by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you are an aspiring travel agent in the state looking for the right way to start your career, you have come to the right page.

In the sections below, we highlight every key detail you need to know, including the steps involved in the process, basic education requirements, licensure and certification requirements, and the best schools for future travel agents in the state.

How to Become a Travel Agent in Illinois

The following are the steps required to become a travel agent in Illinois.

Meet Basic Requirements

One of the basic requirements to become a travel agent in Illinois is to have a high school diploma or GED. Candidates are also expected to have a strong disposition toward planning and organization, complemented by strong interpersonal, research, and problem-solving skills.

Become Familiar with the Travel Industry

Anyone looking to become a travel agent in Illinois must know much about the travel industry. Even though candidates will get the chance to learn a great deal during their training, it doesn’t hurt to start doing some personal research even before enrolling in a formal program.

Obtain Formal Training

The most important step in starting any career is receiving the skills needed to perform expected duties. For future travel agents in Illinois, this usually starts with a college program in either tourism or business.

Candidates may choose between 4-year programs, 2-year programs, or even certificate programs.

Become Certified

For career opportunities, travel agents in Illinois should become certified. The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is just one of the many organizations offering certification for travel agents in the state.

We explore more notable options in the next section.

Find a Host Agency

A fresh travel agent in Illinois typically looks for placement in a host agency. Those who work with host agencies will enjoy access to several valuable resources, such as booking systems and an IATA number.

They will also be able to leverage partner programs already in effect by the host agencies, along with marketing tools and training materials.

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Licensure & Certification Requirements

As mentioned above, the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is just one of many organizations through which travel agents in Illinois can become certified. Other notable options include the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and the Travel Industry Designator Service (TIDS).

Certification allows candidates to participate in specialty courses, take advantage of networking opportunities, and acquire more skills on the job.

As for licensure, travel agents in Illinois are not expected to acquire a license from the state before they can join a host agency and start working professionally.

Top Travel Agent Schools in Illinois

The following are some of the top travel agent schools in Illinois.

Explore Travel Agent Schools by City:

• Travel Agent Schools in Chicago

Salary & Career Outlook

The specific annual average salary of a travel agent in Illinois can vary based on several factors such as their areas of specialization, size of travel agency, commission structure, and experience level. Their locations within the state may also influence how much they can take home at the end of the year.

Generally, though, the figures are given as the annual average salary for travel agents in Illinois range between $40,111 for those who are among the bottom 10%, $54,208 for those who are in the midpoint, and $73,259 for those who are among the highest paid in the state.

Notable cities in the state include Chicago, with an annual average salary of $57,832; and Springfield, with an annual average salary of $65,468. Notable companies include Bluegreen Vacations, with an annual average salary of $99,612, and AAA Club Alliance, with an annual average salary of $79,078.