Reservation and Ticket Agents

Employment for all reservation and ticket agents is expected to grow by 4 percent (as fast as the average for all careers) from 2023 through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Job opportunities in air and rail transportation are expected to grow more slowly than the average, while average growth is expected for agents in water transportation. Most openings will occur as experienced agents transfer to other occupations or retire. Competition for jobs is fierce due to declining demand, low turnover, and because of the glamour and attractive travel benefits associated with the industry.

Technology is changing the way consumers purchase tickets. Ticketless travel and electronic ticketing—automated reservations ticketing—has reduced the need for agents. In addition, many airports now have computerized kiosks that allow passengers to reserve and purchase tickets themselves. Passengers can also access information about fares and flight times on the Internet, where they can also make reservations and purchase tickets. However, for security reasons, all of these services cannot be fully automated, so the need for reservation and transportation ticket agents will never be completely eliminated. And as agents leave the field for higher-paying positions or for other reasons, there will be a need for workers to replace them.

Overall, the transportation industry will remain heavily dependent on the state of the economy. During periods of recession or public fear about the safety of air travel, passenger travel generally declines and transportation companies are less likely to hire new workers, or may even resort to layoffs.