We are in an era where travel is more accessible than ever before, we now have many travel agencies who help travellers make their journey easier.
As much as this is great, as a traveller, you must ensure the credibility and legitimacy of your chosen travel agent – it is very paramount.
With the rise of online booking platforms and agencies, it’s easy for you to get caught up in the excitement of planning your next trip without considering the credentials of the travel agency you’re entrusting with your travel arrangements.
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If you are a frequent traveller, never make the mistake of entrusting your travel matters to an agency you haven’t confirmed whether they are licensed or not.
There are many unlicensed travel agencies out there and if you are not careful, you can become a victim of their untrustworthiness.
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This is where verifying a travel agent’s license becomes crucial. It is a step every traveller must take to protect their interest and if you don’t know how to verify your travel agency, follow the steps here and you will learn how to check if a travel agency is licensed
Why is using a licensed travel agent important?
I think the answer is obvious, licensed travel agents are regulated by governmental or industry bodies, which ensures that they meet the required standards of professionalism, expertise, and financial responsibility.
As a traveller, working with a licensed agent will give you peace of mind, as it signifies that they adhere to industry regulations and have the necessary qualifications to handle your travel needs competently.
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You will be rest assured that if anything happens, they will be responsible enough to take care of the issue.
Why verify a travel agent’s license?
Verifying a travel agent’s license serves several purposes:
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It is great for consumer protection
A licensed travel agent is obligated to follow specific regulations and guidelines set by regulatory bodies, which are designed to protect consumers from fraudulent practices and ensure fair treatment in case of disputes.
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It’s also needed for quality assurance
By confirming a travel agent’s license, you will be more confident in the quality of service you’ll receive.
Licensed agents are required to undergo training, maintain the industry’s standards of conduct, and stay updated on industry trends and regulations.
All of these make the services they offer to customers better.
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For financial security
Licensed travel agents often offer financial protection measures such as bonding or insurance, which can safeguard your funds in the event of business failure, bankruptcy, or other unforeseen circumstances.
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If you are a traveller, ensure you work with a licensed travel agency and if you don’t know how to verify whether an agency is licensed or not, follow the steps below.
How to check if a travel agency is licensed
Now that we understand the significance of working with a licensed travel agent, use the method below to check if a travel agency is licensed or not:
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Check your governmental websites
Many countries have governmental agencies or departments that are responsible for regulating the travel industry.
These entities always have online databases or search tools where you (or anyone) can verify the licensure status of travel agents.
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For example, you have the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Transportation Licensing and Registration System (TLRS) and the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) website.
Check that of your country and use their search tool to check if your travel agency is licensed or not, if you can’t find your travel agency there, you need to be careful of working with them.
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Contact Industry Associations
In every country, travel agents are also members of professional organizations or industry associations that uphold standards of practice and require members to be licensed.
Examples include the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
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These associations often have directories or resources of their members which can help consumers verify membership and licensure status.
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You should check with your country’s association or professional body and verify your travel agency license status from them.
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Ask for their documentation
This is another good way to check if a travel agency is licensed to operate. Before you work with an agency, request proof of licensure directly from the travel agent.
They should be able to provide you with relevant documentation, such as a license certificate or registration number.
Be wary of any hesitation or reluctance to provide this information, as it could be a red flag.
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Check online reviews and reputation
While it may not be a foolproof method, checking online reviews and the reputation of the travel agency online will give you insights into their credibility and reliability.
Look for testimonials from their previous clients and check for any complaints or negative feedback regarding their licensure status or business practices.
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Consult consumer protection agencies
If you are still in doubt or have suspicions after going through all of the above processes, you can reach out to consumer protection agencies or regulatory bodies in your jurisdiction.
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They will be able to provide you with additional guidance or investigate any concerns you have regarding a travel agent’s licensure.
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Seek recommendations from trusted sources
This is also another good option. You can ask your friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations of reputable travel agencies they have used in the past.
Personal referrals are invaluable in identifying trustworthy professionals who are licensed and provide excellent service.
Ask them about their experiences and whether they encountered any issues related to licensure or regulatory compliance.
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Visit local business licensing offices
In some cases, travel agencies are required to get business licenses or permits from local authorities in addition to any industry-specific licenses.
If this is how it works in your area, you can contact your city or county business licensing office to inquire about the status of the travel agency’s business license.
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Although this may not directly confirm their licensure as a travel agency, it will help you know about their legitimacy as a business entity.
If you are in doubt about the licensing status of your travel agency, follow any of these ways to confirm whether or not they are licensed.
Conclusion
As a frequent traveller who works with travel agencies, you need to verify any agency you want to work with to ensure a safe, secure, and enjoyable travel experience.
There are many agencies out there that aren’t licensed to operate, you won’t know that they are not licensed until you check them out.
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Before picking a travel agency to work with, make sure they are licensed.
Happy travels!