HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
There is no single school route for this occupation, and requirements can vary by employer and by work setting. A secondary school diploma is common for many jobs, and some workers have college study or other postsecondary training, while others enter with related experience in customer service or transportation. Helpful preparation includes courses in business, computer use, communications, and math. Co-op, part-time work, or volunteer roles in customer service can build useful experience. Training is often provided on the job for specific systems, booking procedures, and company policies.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Ticket agents answer customer inquiries, quote fares and assist clients in planning travel times and routes
- Ticket agents reserve seats for tour companies, travel agencies, wholesalers and the general public
- Ticket agents issue tickets, handle cash transactions and check baggage
- Ticket agents receive and record bookings for package tours from retail travel agencies and supply information regarding available vacancies when working for wholesale travel companies.
- Cargo service representatives quote fare and rates for cargo shipment
- Cargo service representatives compute shipment costs including charges for services and insurance using rate tables and schedules and prepare and maintain shipping and other documents
- Cargo service representatives check in passenger baggage and sort for loading by baggage handlers or may load baggage directly into buses, railway cars or cruise ships
- Cargo service representatives trace lost or misdirected passenger baggage or cargo shipment.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
What a day can include
A typical day may start with checking schedules, booking systems, and messages about travel changes or shipments. During the day, the worker answers phone calls, emails, or in-person questions from customers who need fares, routes, seat reservations, or cargo rates. They may enter bookings, issue tickets, handle payments, print or update shipping documents, and coordinate with other staff about baggage, loading, or available space. If a bag or shipment goes missing, they help track it and update the customer. The job often involves switching quickly between computer work, careful recordkeeping, and polite service under time pressure.
SKILLS TO BUILD