Linda Correia, Operations Manager for Independent Contractors, AAA Club Alliance Travel Department
To expand our trusted travel agency services throughout our membership region, AAA Travel is relaunching our Independent Contractor program. This home-based team of autonomous sellers of travel is an extension of AAA’s professional travel agent network. If you’ve ever thought of becoming a travel agent or are looking for an opportunity to start a side business, read on.
WHAT IS A AAA TRAVEL INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR (IC)?
An IC is someone who sells travel independently with AAA Club Alliance as their host agency. A host agency means that our ICs are viewed by our travel partners as part of the powerful AAA Travel organization, yet our ICs still retain total control over operating their own business. AAA’s long-standing partnerships with the world’s leading tour and cruise suppliers provide our ICs access to exclusive member benefits, unique added values and special savings that can help them close sales.
WHAT ARE THE EXPECTATIONS OF AN IC?
We want ICs who have a good work ethic, are eager to help their clients and enjoy learning about all that travel has to offer. You’ll need to have good customer service skills and attention to detail. How, where and when you work, sell travel and manage your agency is entirely up to you. You may be selling initially to your friends and family, and that may lead to getting some referrals. It could entail selling cruises, tours and other vacation packages, or you may want to specialize in a specific type of travel (such as cruises, all-inclusive resorts or theme parks).
WHO WOULD BE A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR AN IC ROLE AT AAA?
We are looking for candidates who have a passion for travel. It’s a great opportunity if you are a self-motivated, business-minded individual who enjoys the flexibility of an entrepreneurial lifestyle.
DO I NEED TO HAVE TRAVEL AGENTY EXPERIENCE TO BE AN IC?
Ideally having someone with experience as a travel agent is best for this program, so they can hit the ground running. But other candidates without travel industry experience may also be successful as an IC. This could include someone who is well-traveled, has planned and booked their own trips, or has an affinity for a specific destination or type of travel that can translate into a specialty sales role. The right candidate may be the go-to person for friends and family seeking advice on their own vacations. We will train experienced ICs or new ICs on our systems and processes.
WHAT ARE THE EARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR AN IC?
An IC can earn as much or as little as they put into their business. The compensation is based on a commission split that is tiered based on their sales achievement.
WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?
Visit AAA.com/Travelic for more information, a list of frequently asked questions, and an interest form to complete and submit. We’ll follow up.
