What is a Travel Sales Intermediary (TSI) Agency?
A TSI Agency is defined as a business entity (proprietorship, partnership, or corporation) that is engaged in the sale or brokerage of travel-related services or the provision of such services to the general public, other than as an accredited agency of the airlines in the U.S. or its possessions. Examples of those entities that could qualify are cruise agencies, tour operators, meeting planners, student travel planners, or independent contractors who have their own businesses.
How does it differ from an Airline Appointed Travel Agency?
The IATAN Airline Appointed Travel Agency is one that holds ticket stock, or is capable of e-ticketing and is engaged in the sale of air transportation.
Must IATAN be informed of any material changes, which occur at an agency?
Yes. As per your initial endorsement and your signed Agency Agreement with IATAN, you are required to promptly notify IATAN in writing of any changes. Documents needed to report a change of name and/or location can be retrieved from IATAN's Website and FaxBack® Service. Please note there is no charge to update this information. (Agency Amendment Form).
How do I report a change of ownership?
First, retrieve the Travel Sales Intermediary (TSI) Agency Change of Ownership Information, which explains IATAN's two categories of Change of Ownership. These categories apply to the existing agency entity. Next, retrieve the Joint Notice of Change Form to be completed and returned to IATAN by fax at 1-514-868-8858. Upon receipt of this document, a review will be done to determine if additional documents need to be forwarded to you in order to complete the Change of Ownership.
How does IATAN maintain up-to-date information on our agency's ongoing changes?
IATAN maintains the accuracy of agency changes through our Re-certification Program. When you receive your annual Re-certification Package, please validate your current agency information. There are no fees to record any change except those that involve changes of ownership.
(Personnel Re-Certification Program)
Are there circumstances under which my agency could be terminated?
Yes, there are circumstances for termination, most notably when:
- IATAN gives the travel agency written notice. The legal right to ticket on behalf of IATAN's international customer airlines.
- The travel agency requests voluntary closure in writing. (Agency Amendment Form)
- The travel agency does not continue to maintain minimum endorsement standards with IATAN. (Standards for Endorsement as a Travel Sales Intermediary (TSI) Agency)
- The agency fails to pay the annual fee.
- If a travel agency disputes the basis for termination, it has recourse through the Travel Agency Commissioner.