One of the most common questions new travel agents have (and one your clients might be wondering too) is this:

“Wait… how do travel agents actually get paid?”

It’s a great question. And here’s the good news:

You can provide expert help, personalized planning, and full support without your clients paying anything extra.

Let’s walk through how that works, so you feel confident explaining it to others.

Commissions 101: The Basics

Travel advisors earn commission from the supplier, not from the client.

That means when you book a cruise, a guided tour, or a resort stay through a supplier (like Royal Caribbean, AMAWaterways, or Disney), the supplier pays you a percentage of the sale, usually between 10% and 16%.

The client pays the same price whether they book online or through you. But when they book through you, they get:

• A real person who understands their needs
  
• Help choosing the right options
  
• Ongoing support if questions or issues come up

Sometimes, clients even pay less for their vacation, or receive extra amenities, due to travel-agent-only promotions.

And the supplier? They’re thrilled to have a happy, well-prepared guest on vacation.

It’s truly a win-win-win.

When Do You Get Paid?

Here’s something many new agents don’t realize:
You’re typically paid after the client travels.

So if you book a cruise in January for a July departure, you’ll receive your commission after the client returns from their trip, usually within 30 days, depending on the supplier.

This is why building a steady pipeline of bookings is key for long-term income. As you grow, your commissions start to overlap, and you begin earning more consistently.

Do You Ever Charge Service Fees?

Some experienced advisors choose to add planning or consultation fees, but it’s completely optional.

In fact, many new agents start without charging extra fees while they build confidence and referrals. Commission alone can be a sustainable income stream when you know how to:

• Choose the right suppliers
  
• Work efficiently
  
• Build client trust and loyalty
  

(And yes, I teach you how to do all of that inside Travel Genius Coaching.)

You Don’t Need to Be Pushy to Be Profitable

You don’t have to “sell.” You don’t have to convince.
You just need to understand how the travel industry works and how to serve your clients well.

Inside Travel Genius Coaching, I’ll teach you exactly how travel agents get paid, how to choose a host agency that aligns with your goals, and how to build real income with integrity and heart.

👉 Click here to join the course and start building a travel business you’re proud of, step by step.
You can do this. I’ll support you every step of the way.