Airline Jobs – Reservation Sales Agent
Duties
Reservation sales agents provide travel information over the telephone to customers of the airline. Typically, this information includes trip planning, car rentals, seat availability, fare information, schedules, tours, meals, and other information relevant to the customer’s flight plans. Airline reservation sales agents also make flight reservations and accept phone payments for ticket purchases. They answer customer questions, and quote airfares. Many people prefer to arrange for their ticket through an airline reservations agent rather than through a travel agent. Most reservation sales agents are located at an airline office, not in airports. Employees operate a telephone headset and use one of a variety of airline reservation systems on a computer network.
Rewards
Uniforms are not required, since agents don’t usually deal with the public face-to-face. Having an airline industry career is exciting, and many enjoy working behind the scenes. Reservation sales agents usually qualify for travel benefits.
Challenges
The job may require working nights, weekends, and holidays. The work can be very stressful and sometimes involves dealing with many angry or frustrated customers.
Qualifications
Reservation sales agents should have excellent typing skills, communication skills, and have the ability to work under pressure, and be willing to work weekends, holidays, and overtime hours. Airlines prefer candidates who have at least one year of experience working with the public, preferably in sales. If the job includes air cargo reservations, some airlines require that job candidates have previous experience working in the shipping industry.
Requirements
A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Some airlines require a minimum age of 18 or older.
Training
Airlines provide some formal training, while the rest is to on-the-job training.
Salary and Benefits
$8- $18 per hour (http://www.youngeagles.org/careers/airlines.asp)
$33,990 (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes434181.htm)
$12,000-$38,600
Benefits may include paid vacation, dental and life insurance, sick leave, retirement plan, free or reduced airfare for employees and immediate family members.