A ticket agent is the first point of contact for passengers with an airline at an airport. Checking passengers in, issuing and sometimes selling tickets, and managing the boarding process are all part of the job. People who want to work for an airline usually apply directly to the company, though some use recruitment agencies.
Applicants for ticket agent positions typically do not require a college diploma. Indeed, some airlines will hire people as young as 18 years old. However, the position requires a diverse set of skills, including verbal communication, mental arithmetic, and a basic understanding of geography, particularly the locations of airports across the country and abroad. While there are few formal job requirements, previous customer service and sales experience is a huge plus when applying for a position.
A ticket agent’s job necessitates a high level of flexibility, as staff may be needed at all hours of the day and night in busy airports. This necessitates agents’ availability for a variety of shifts, some of which are at unsociable hours. The job can also be stressful, especially because a ticket agent serves as the airline’s face when passengers are inconvenienced delays or cancellations.
People who work as ticket agents can earn a wide range of salaries. However, in comparison to other jobs held high school graduates without a college diploma, they are generally quite favorable. Benefits in the industry can be quite generous as well. Aside from the usual perks like healthcare and retirement savings, some ticket agents get discounted or even free airline travel.
Ticket agent jobs are available in almost every city with an airport. Smaller airports with fewer airlines serving them, or sister airlines sharing resources, may face stiffer competition. While it’s generally true that the larger the city, the more ticket agent jobs there are, this is slightly skewed the fact that major airline hubs have the most job openings.
When you work as a ticket agent, you will have many opportunities for advancement as an entry-level position. Ticket agents may be promoted to supervisory positions within the same airport or at other airports, depending on the airline. Moving on to selling tickets to corporate buyers is another option. Instead of an airport, this could be done at a city office. Because of the opportunities for advancement, there is often a lot of competition to become a ticket agent due to the sheer number of people attempting to break into the industry.