Travel Agents

The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that employment for travel agents will decline by 26 percent through 2029. Most airlines and other travel suppliers now offer consumers the option of making their own travel arrangements through online reservation services, which are readily accessible through the Internet. Travelers are becoming less dependent on agents to make travel arrangements for them. Airlines have eliminated the flat commission they pay travel agencies. This has reduced the income of many agencies, thereby making them less profitable and less able to hire new travel agents. In addition, the coronavirus pandemic has dramatically reduced the need for travel agents in 2020 due to lockdowns, business closures, travel restrictions, and the economic slowdown.  

In the near post-pandemic future, agents who specialize in niche services, such as arranging travel for the corporate world or providing services to disabled travelers or those seeking adventure travel itineraries, will have the best job prospects. There will also be opportunities to plan tour services for foreign visitors vacationing in the United States, and to arrange frequent trips for businesses with overseas offices. Despite the challenges travel agents face, there are still some people who prefer their services over online booking, as they appreciate the efficiency, value, professional knowledge, and face-to-face contact that travel agents provide.