If you’re new to the world of travel homeworking, you might feel like you need a translation guide just to keep up. From ATOL to DMC and net commission to bed banks, the travel industry comes with its own language. But don’t worry—you don’t need to memorise every acronym overnight.
This guide will walk you through the most important travel industry terms UK-based Independent Travel Consultants need to know. Whether you're just getting started or brushing up, you'll soon feel confident speaking like a pro.
Why Understanding Travel Jargon Matters
Travel jargon isn’t just industry fluff. It helps you:
- Communicate clearly with suppliers and clients
- Build trust and credibility
- Speed up your booking process
- Avoid costly misunderstandings
- Present yourself professionally on calls and online
Mastering these terms is a small but powerful step towards running a successful travel business from home.
Booking Basics: What You’ll Use Every Day
Tour Operator:
A company that creates and sells pre-packaged holidays (e.g. Jet2holidays, Classic Collection). You’ll often book these holidays through their agent portals.
Dynamic Packaging:
Combining individual components (flights, hotels, transfers) from different suppliers to create a custom holiday.
Example: Building a bespoke holiday to the Amalfi Coast with flights from EasyJet and hotel from Stuba.
Bed Bank:
A wholesaler that sells hotel rooms to travel agents (e.g. Youtravel, Stuba, Hotelbeds).
Quote Basket:
A digital tool in your booking system where you build multiple options for a client in one place.
SFI / SAFI:
SFI: Supplier Failure Insurance
SAFI: Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance
These protect your clients in case a supplier or airline goes bust.
Financial Protection & Industry Bodies
ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licence):
A UK government-backed scheme that protects package holidays with flights. Operated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Clients are reassured when you say, “This holiday is ATOL protected.”
ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents):
The UK’s main travel association, offering guidance and protection. Not all agents are members, but it remains a trusted consumer brand.
PTS (Protected Trust Services):
An alternative to ABTA/ATOL. Client money is held in trust and only released after travel, providing robust protection. Used by Independent Travel Consultants.
IATA (International Air Transport Association):
The global airline body. Not essential for homeworkers as most book flights through consolidators or ATOL holders.
Selling & Client Communication Terms
Commission Split:
The percentage you keep from each sale. At Independent Travel Consultants, it’s 80%, rising to 85% on repeat bookings, and 90% once you exceed £40,000 gross commission.
Conversion Rate:
The number of bookings compared to the number of enquiries you receive. A great metric for measuring success.
Repeat Booking:
When a client books with you again. These are gold for homeworkers and show trust and satisfaction.
CRM (Customer Relationship Management):
A tool or system you use to manage client details, preferences, communication, and bookings.
FAM Trip (Familiarisation Trip):
Free or discounted trips provided by suppliers to help you experience their product.
Example: A 3-night trip to a Tenerife resort offered to top-performing agents.
TBA (To Be Advised):
Common placeholder used when a hotel name or flight time hasn’t been confirmed yet.
Tech & Tools for Travel Homeworkers
Online Booking Engine (OBE):
A system that lets you book travel products directly online. Many suppliers offer their own OBEs.
Viewdata:
A legacy booking system no longer used by UK tour operators. It was simple and fast but limited in detail.
B2B Portal:
Business-to-business websites where agents book with suppliers.
API Feed:
The digital link between systems that allows suppliers to display live availability and pricing.
GDS (Global Distribution System):
Used more in corporate travel. Examples include Sabre and Amadeus. Less relevant for leisure homeworkers.
Building Confidence Through Knowledge
You don’t need to be a jargon expert on day one. But the more familiar you are with these common travel industry terms, the more confident you’ll feel when quoting holidays, speaking to clients, and working with suppliers.
At Independent Travel Consultants, we include this essential knowledge in your training. You’ll learn how the travel industry works in plain English, with real-life examples and one-to-one support to back it up.
Ready to Turn Travel Into Your Career?
You don’t need to have all the answers to get started. You just need the right support. And that’s exactly what you’ll find with us.
✅ No joining fees
✅ Full training and support
✅ 80% commission after supplier expenses
✅ 200+ trusted suppliers at your fingertips
✅ The freedom to build a business that fits your life
Complete our
short enquiry form today, and let’s chat about your future as an Independent Travel Consultant.
Let’s build your business, together.
