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Airline Ticket Agent
Airline ticket agents make reservations and sell tickets to passengers travelling by air.
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Avg. Salary N/A
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Avg. Wage N/A
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Minimum Education High school diploma
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Outlook N/A
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Employed 2,400
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In Demand Lower
Also Known As
Customer Service Representative, Information Clerk, Passenger Agent, Salesperson, Ticket Agent
NOC Codes
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:
- 2006 NOC: Airline Passenger and Ticket Agents (6433.1)
- 2006 NOC-S: Airline Sales and Service Agents (G713)
- 2011 NOC: Airline ticket and service agents (6523)
- 2016 NOC: Airline ticket and service agents (6523)
Interest Codes
The Airline Ticket Agent is part of the following larger National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Airline Passenger and Ticket Agents
- METHODICAL
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Interest in copying information to keep inventory of available passenger space
- SOCIAL
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Interest in speaking with passengers while attending boarding gates; in assisting pre-boarding passengers; and in helping customers plan travel time and routes
- OBJECTIVE
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Interest in operating computerized systems to make and confirm reservations; to issue tickets, boarding passes and baggage receipts; and to check baggage
Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide
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.
Duties
Updated Mar 08, 2016
Airline ticket agents' duties and responsibilities vary from one airline to another but, in general, they:
- provide information over the phone, electronically or in person regarding routes, schedules and fares
- process passenger flight reservations and issue tickets
- prepare boarding passes at airports, check and tag baggage, announce flights and assist passengers who have special needs
- keep accurate customer records
- help to rebook passengers
- communicate with flight crew on the ground and using ground to air radio
- coordinate with other airport vendors regarding specific flight information (for example, fueling and catering services).
They also may arrange for cargo shipments or provide related customer services for airline passengers.
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 08, 2016
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.
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Strength Required Lift over 20 kg
Skills & Abilities
Updated Mar 08, 2016
Airline ticket agents need the following characteristics:
- a well-groomed and friendly appearance
- good interpersonal skills
- a good speaking voice
- good communication skills and the ability to remain tactful and courteous at all times
- the ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks.
They should enjoy having clear rules and organized methods for their work, talking to people and operating equipment.
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 08, 2016
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.
Related Education
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Calgary City Centre
CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care - Edmonton City Centre
Grant MacEwan University
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 08, 2016
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 08, 2016
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:
- trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the Transportation and Warehousing industry)
- location in Alberta
- employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
- occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
- size of the occupation.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 08, 2016
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.
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