How to Be Travel Desk Clerk - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 1, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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The rise of the internet and the growing popularity of e-commerce has had a major effect on the role of travel desk clerks. As more travelers opt to research, book, and manage their own travel plans online, the need for travel desk clerks has decreased significantly. This has caused a sharp decline in employment opportunities for travel desk clerks, as well as a decrease in wages and job security. Additionally, travelers have become more independent, making them less likely to seek the services of travel desk clerks.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma or GED. Most employers require travel desk clerks to have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Take Relevant Classes. Taking classes in hospitality, travel, and customer service can help prepare aspiring travel desk clerks for the job.
Obtain Certification. While not required, earning a certification from a professional organization such as the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) or the International Air Transport Association (IATA) can help demonstrate a commitment to the profession and enhance employability prospects.
Gain Experience. Many employers prefer to hire travel desk clerks with prior experience in the travel industry. Working as an intern or volunteer at a travel agency or related organization can provide valuable insight into the profession.
Develop Interpersonal Skills. Developing strong interpersonal skills such as customer service, problem-solving, and communication can make a travel desk clerk more attractive to employers.
Become Familiar with Computer Software. Most employers require travel desk clerks to be familiar with computer software such as Microsoft Office, GDS systems, and other software used to book flights, hotels, and other travel services.

Staying up to date and competent as a travel desk clerk requires a great deal of dedication and effort. It is important to research current industry trends and developments in order to stay informed and be able to provide customers with the most accurate information. it is beneficial to stay in contact with colleagues in the field in order to ask questions, share experiences, and learn from each other.

Furthermore, it is important to take continuing education classes, seminars, or online courses in order to stay on top of the latest industry practices and protocols. Finally, by reading industry news and staying current on new travel regulations and laws, a travel desk clerk can maintain their knowledge base and remain competent.

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Job Description

Greet customers, answer inquiries, and provide information about services and products.
Provide customer service support for travel bookings, such as flights, hotels, rental cars, and other travel-related services.
Process payments for travel bookings and other services.
Make reservations for clients and check availability of travel services.
Assist customers in researching and selecting appropriate travel packages.
Coordinate with airlines and other travel-related services to ensure customer satisfaction.
Provide assistance with passport and visa applications.
Manage customer complaints and resolve issues promptly and professionally.
Maintain accurate records of customer transactions and activities.
Update customer profiles with contact information, preferences, and other relevant data.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of travel industry trends and regulations.
Excellent customer service skills.
Proficient in using online booking systems, such as Travelocity and Expedia.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks efficiently.
Detailed oriented and organized.
Ability to handle money and make accurate calculations.
Knowledge of local attractions and points of interest.
Ability to upsell services or products to customers.

Time management is an essential skill for a Travel Desk Clerk to possess. It is important for them to be able to effectively plan and organize their work in order to meet the demanding deadlines that are associated with the job. When a clerk has good time management, they will be able to arrange their daily duties in order to ensure all tasks are completed on time and accurately.

By having the ability to effectively manage their tasks, a clerk will be able to ensure that customers are provided with the best possible service, while also ensuring that the business is running smoothly. Good time management skills also allow the clerk to stay organized and prioritize tasks in order to provide an efficient service to all customers. This in turn will lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty, giving the business a competitive edge in the travel industry.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in the travel industry?
What is your approach to customer service?
How do you handle challenges that arise when dealing with clients?
What do you know about the different types of travel and lodging options available?
Describe a time when you had to provide customer support and what did you do?
How do you stay organized when dealing with multiple tasks at once?
How do you handle difficult or angry clients?
What steps do you take to ensure that customers receive accurate information?
Describe a time when you had to resolve a customer complaint and how did you do it?
How do you keep up to date on industry trends and changes?

Common Tools in Industry

Computer. Used to manage records, book travel arrangements, and communicate with customers (e. g. Microsoft Office Suite).
Telephone. Used to contact customers, vendors, and other travel agencies (e. g. VoIP phone).
Fax Machine. Used to send documents securely and quickly (e. g. Canon Fax-L800).
Online Travel Booking System. Used to book flights, hotels, and rental cars (e. g. Expedia or Orbitz).
Maps and Directions App. Used to help customers with directions (e. g. Google Maps).
Credit Card Machine. Used to process payments (e. g. Square or Verifone).
Printer/Scanner. Used to print/scan documents and tickets (e. g. Canon Pixma MX922).

Professional Organizations to Know

The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE)
The National Business Travel Association (NBTA)
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA)
The International Air Transport Association (IATA)
The Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE)
The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA)
The International Association of Travel Agents Network (IATAN)
The International Airline Transport Association (IATA)
The Institute of Travel Management (ITM)
The Air Transport Association (ATA)

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Common Important Terms

Travel Agent. A professional who specializes in arranging and booking travel services such as flights, hotels, car rentals and tours.
Passport. A document issued by a government that allows an individual to travel to and from foreign countries.
Visa. A permit issued by a foreign government that allows an individual to enter and remain in a country for a specified period of time.
Travel Insurance. Insurance coverage for travelers to protect them from any unexpected losses incurred during their trip.
Itinerary. A plan of a trip that includes all the destinations, activities, and accommodation points.
Currency Exchange. The process of exchanging one currency for another.
Customs. The official government agency responsible for inspecting and regulating the merchandise crossing a national border.
Baggage Claim. The area at an airport where travelers can claim their luggage upon arriving or departing from a flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tasks does a Travel Desk Clerk typically perform?

A Travel Desk Clerk is responsible for providing customer service to travelers, making travel arrangements such as booking flights, hotels, and car rentals, and managing customer accounts. They may also answer inquiries about destinations, provide information about local attractions, and assist customers with special requests.

What qualifications are needed to become a Travel Desk Clerk?

Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent and previous customer service experience. It is also helpful to have knowledge of travel industry guidelines and procedures, as well as basic computer skills.

What type of environment does a Travel Desk Clerk typically work in?

Travel Desk Clerks usually work in busy airports, hotels, or other travel-related establishments. They must be able to remain calm and polite while dealing with large numbers of customers, often under time constraints.

What is the average salary of a Travel Desk Clerk?

The median annual salary for a Travel Desk Clerk is approximately $35,000.

What type of hours does a Travel Desk Clerk typically work?

Travel Desk Clerks usually work full-time hours, including evenings and weekends. They may also be required to work split shifts or adjust their schedules for peak travel times.

Web Resources

Clark College www.clark.edu
Contacts & Help Desk // Travel Services // University of Notre Dame travel.nd.edu
Travel Office | Travel Services | University of Arkansas travel.uark.edu