How to Use a Travel Agent IATA Number

An IATA accreditation is a seal of approval issued to qualified travel agents and cargo agents. Approximately 60,000 agents worldwide are accredited with an official IATA number by the issuing body, International Air Transport Association. Founded in 1945, this industry trade association represents approximately 280 airlines in 120 countries.

IATA simplifies worldwide business relationships between certified agents and airlines. A travel agent with full IATA accreditation receives a unique numerical identifier code that authorizes the sale of international and/or domestic airline tickets. It provides the agent with access to IATA billing, invoicing and settlement arrangements between the agent, airlines and transport providers.

Effective September 1, 2016, IATA accreditation applications from travel agents moved from paper to online. Any business registered as a travel agency is eligible to apply, pending disclosure and acceptance of certain criteria: general, financial, staff competence, safety and security.

Because IATA is a globally recognized seal of approval, it carries certain responsibilities. IATA travel agents must meet and maintain industry standards. As a result, consumer awareness and confidence is heightened when the IATA logo and branding is displayed on premises and websites. Without IATA accreditation, the travel or cargo agent cannot participate in most global airline transactions and ticketing.

Travel professionals of an IATA accredited agency are eligible to apply online for an IATA ID card, also known in the U.S. as an IATA/IATAN ID card. Eligible applicants must meet one or more criteria set by IATA:

• sole proprietors
• partners
• shareholders that own at least 20 percent of the shares in the company
• any person holding a management position
• any person working for the agency who is drawing a salary but does not fit into the above categories and is involved in the administration, marketing, finance, operations and/or sale of travel services
• independent consultant who works for a travel agency pursuant to a written contract or agreement in compliance with applicable laws and regulations
• owners of record with IATA who devote a minimum of 20 hours per week to the travel business
• partners and stockholders who own 20 percent or more

With more than 125,000 IATA ID cards in circulation among bona fide travel professionals, suppliers verify cardholders using a system known as Check.a.Code.com.

In the U.S., IATAN recognizes other types of travel professionals with a minimum of two years' documented experience:

• Certified Travel Associate Program (CTA)
  
• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)
  
• Certification in Meeting Management (CMM)
  
• Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP)    

Agents who qualify and pay fees of approximately $40 annually receive a photo ID card bearing the official IATA Numerical Code, verification number, name of the business and other details. Some airlines may offer an agent discount to card holders, although IATA points out that each airline's policy is determined solely by the airline. Other benefits may include special offers, deals and working trips from suppliers. Benefits provided by IATA include discounts on travel agent training courses and travel insurance.