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Customer Service Representative, Information Clerk, Passenger Agent, Salesperson, Ticket Agent
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
Interest in copying information to keep inventory of available passenger space
Interest in speaking with passengers while attending boarding gates; in assisting pre-boarding passengers; and in helping customers plan travel time and routes
Interest in operating computerized systems to make and confirm reservations; to issue tickets, boarding passes and baggage receipts; and to check baggage
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Airline ticket agents' duties and responsibilities vary from one airline to another but, in general, they:
They also may arrange for cargo shipments or provide related customer services for airline passengers.
Airline ticket agents work shifts (including early mornings, late evenings, weekends and holidays) with rotating days off. During vacation seasons and around holidays, they may be required to work overtime.
At airport ticket counters, the work environment can be hectic and stressful. Some customers are difficult to deal with, especially when poor weather conditions or other problems cause delays.
Airline ticket agents need the following characteristics:
They should enjoy having clear rules and organized methods for their work, talking to people and operating equipment.
Airline ticket agents must have Transport Canada security clearance. Employers generally require applicants to have a high school diploma or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Related experience in clerical, sales or other public contact positions, the ability to speak two or more languages, a good knowledge of geography, keyboarding and computer skills, previous airline experience or post-secondary courses in travel and tourism are definite assets when applying for employment. Some employers require job candidates to be able to communicate fluently in both English and French.
Airline companies may require successful job applicants to take a training program ranging in length from two to seven weeks. New employees may be required to relocate wherever the company needs staff.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Airline ticket agents are employed by airline companies, usually in or near urban centres. New employees may work in casual or part time positions in call centres, or move directly into airport or ticket office positions.
Airline ticket agents may advance to supervisory positions (for example, customer service manager, cargo manager or reservation manager). However, competition for such positions is usually keen and there are few other advancement opportunities. Airline ticket agents may also advance to positions in other areas of their companies.
Airline ticket agents are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 6433: Airline Sales and Service Agents. In Alberta, 95% of people employed in this classification work in the Transportation and Warehousing (PDF) industry.
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salaries and employee benefits for airline ticket agents vary considerably from one employer to another. Employers may offer shift work premiums, irregular shift premiums or reduced airfares.
Updated Mar 20, 2014. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.