A commissionable booking is a travel reservation that pays a commission to the travel advisor from the travel supplier.
Instead of paying the advisor directly, the supplier, such as a cruise line, hotel, resort, or tour operator, pays the advisor a commission based on its commission policy.
Commissionable bookings are one of the primary ways travel advisors earn income.
How Does It Work?
When a travel advisor books a commissionable vacation, the client pays the travel supplier for the trip.
After the booking reaches the supplier’s commission payment milestone, the supplier pays the travel advisor their commission.
The timing of those payments varies by supplier. Some pay after the client travels, while many cruise lines pay shortly after final payment is received.
Check out our article, “How Cruise Commissions Work“
Are All Bookings Commissionable?
No.
Some travel products are non-commissionable, while others may be offered as net rates, allowing the advisor to earn income through an approved markup or planning fee, depending on the supplier’s policies.
Understanding whether a booking is commissionable helps advisors accurately forecast their income and choose the best booking option for their clients.
Check out the article, “What Is a Net Rate in Travel Bookings?“
How Careers on Vacation® Helps Students Understand Commissions
At Wanderlust Campus, Careers on Vacation® students learn how travel advisors earn income and how supplier commission structures work.
Throughout the comprehensive 12-week certification program and business mastermind, students gain an understanding of commissionable bookings, net rates, supplier relationships, and other business concepts that help them confidently build a successful travel business.
Build Your Industry Knowledge
Understanding commissionable bookings is one of the first steps to understanding how travel advisors are paid.
The more familiar you become with supplier commission policies, the better prepared you’ll be to manage your business, serve your clients, and grow a successful travel agency.
