How Much Commission Does a Travel Agent Make and How It Works

How much commission does a travel agent make? It’s a fair question because the earning system works a bit differently from most jobs. Firstly, most UK travel agents earn from supplier commissions, such as tour operators, cruise lines, and hotels. These commissions usually fall in the 10–20% range on holiday packages.

However, the agent rarely keeps the full amount because it is often shared with the agency or host. As a result, the real take-home pay can be much lower than the initial commission. In addition, UK travel consultants earn a base salary of around £22,000–£27,000 per year. On top of that, commissions can further boost their overall income.

So, let’s break it down and see how travel advisors earn from packages, flights, hotels, and more.

What Does a Travel Agent Do?

A travel consultant or travel advisor helps clients plan trips, book services, and enjoy smooth, stress-free travel. They turn client needs into clear, personalised plans while connecting them with the right suppliers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Meet Clients: Talk with clients to understand their budget, travel goals, and preferences. Ask about special needs like diet or mobility.
• Plan Trips: Research destinations, flights, hotels, cruises, and attractions. Create a complete plan that fits the client perfectly.
• Book Services: Reserve flights, hotels, tours, car rentals and extra activities. Double-check everything to avoid surprises.
• Provide Guidance: Explain visas, passports, travel insurance, vaccinations, and local customs. Keep clients informed at every step.
• Solve Problems: Handle delays, cancellations, or emergencies. Offer help before and during the trip.
• Promote and Sell: Recommend travel packages and extras. Negotiate with suppliers to get the best deals.
• Manage Records: Track payments, process invoices, maintain client files and handle complaints or refunds efficiently.

How Much Commission Does a Travel Agent Make in the UK?

Travel consultants in the UK usually earn 10–15% commission on holiday packages and tours. This is the standard rate in the leisure market. In contrast, flight commissions are much lower. Some airlines pay 0%, others 1–5%, and a few special fares pay more.

The agency or host often takes 30–40% of the commission. Therefore, the consultant usually keeps 60–70% of what’s earned. The real take-home pay can differ from the initial rate.

If you want to know more, check out our detailed guide: “How Much Do Travel Agents Make in the UK? 2025 Breakdown“

Travel Agent Revenue Streams

If you want to understand how much a travel consultant or travel advisor earns, the first step is to see how their money comes in. There are two main ways they earn income:

Direct Sales (Client-Paid Fees)

Agents charge clients directly for services like planning fees, consultancy packages, or customised itineraries. This approach is growing because clients appreciate clear pricing and transparency.

• Benefits: Agents get immediate income and can work independently.
• Challenges: Some clients may hesitate to pay upfront.

Indirect Commission (Supplier-Paid)

Agents earn a percentage from suppliers such as airlines, hotels or cruise lines. The client usually does not see this commission, and the rate depends on the supplier.

• Benefits: Clients pay nothing extra, and agents can earn bonuses from preferred suppliers or volume deals.
• Challenges: Commissions can be delayed, reduced, or tricky to track without proper tools.

How Do Travel Agents Earn Commission?

Travel consultants earn commission through several key methods:

• Book with Suppliers: Travel consultants and travel advisors arrange flights, hotels, cruises, and tours. After the client travels, suppliers pay a commission. This commission is a major part of the agent’s earnings.
• Receive Your Share: Agencies or hosts usually collect the full commission first. Then, the agent gets their agreed portion, commonly 60/40 or 70/30. Experienced agents can negotiate a higher share over time.
• Add Service Fees: When commissions are low or zero, agents can charge service or booking fees. This ensures they are fairly paid for their expertise and effort.

What Is the Average Commission Rate for Travel Agents?

Travel consultants and travel advisors earn different commissions depending on what they sell. This can help you understand where most of their income comes from.

• Holiday Packages and Tours: Usually 10–15%
• Hotels: Around 5–15%
• Travel Insurance: Often 15–40%
• Flights: Low, sometimes 0–5%

Even better, some products pay higher commissions. Selling these can increase an agent’s income noticeably.

Do Travel Agents Earn More from Flights or Holiday Packages?

Holiday packages, cruises, and tours pay the most, usually 10–20% commission. As a result, they are the main income source for travel consultants. Meanwhile, flights pay much less, often 0–5%, with some airlines offering no commission. To make flights worthwhile, agents add a service or booking fee.

Additionally, agents bundle flights with tours or packages. This boosts commission and gives clients a complete travel experience.

How Much Do Independent Travel Agents Make?

Independent travel agents in the UK usually start with a 60/40 or 70/30 commission split with a host agency. They keep 60–70% of the commission, and the host takes the rest. Starting earnings typically range from £25,000 to £45,000 a year, depending on experience, niche, and client base.

As agents gain experience and boost sales, they can negotiate higher splits. They can also sell high-commission products or add service fees. With effort and smart strategies, independent agents can earn well above the starting average.

Does Experience Affect a Travel Agent’s Commission?

Experience has a big impact on earnings. For example, seasoned travel agents often sell higher-value trips, add insurance or upgrades, and qualify for better commission rates.

At the same time, independent or home-based agents can negotiate higher commission splits, moving from 60/40 to 70/30 or more. In short, the more skilled and trusted an agent becomes, the higher their income potential.

Do Online and In-Store Travel Agents Earn the Same?

Not quite. Online travel agents or OTAs often earn 15–25% in supplier commissions. However, platform fees can reduce their actual earnings.

On the other hand, in-store UK agents usually rely on a base salary of £22,000–£27,000 plus smaller commissions. This makes their income steadier, while online agents can sometimes earn more if they handle sales volume and costs wisely.

What Other Ways Can Travel Agents Earn Money?

There are multiple ways for travel agents to boost their income beyond standard commissions:

• Charge Booking or Service Fees: When supplier commissions are low or zero, agents can add a small fee. This way, they are paid fairly for their time and expertise.
• Sell Travel Insurance: Travel insurance often pays 15–40% commission. At the same time, selling it helps clients stay protected and boosts the agent’s income.
• Offer Car Hire and Extras: Agents can earn extra income on car rentals, tours, or other add-ons. For example, commissions are usually around 5%, adding another revenue stream.
• Take Supplier Incentives or Overrides: Many suppliers reward agents with bonuses for hitting sales targets. As a result, this encourages high performance and increases earnings.
• Combine Multiple Streams: By using fees, insurance, extras, and incentives together, agents can create a steady and reliable income. In short, multiple streams make the work more profitable.

How Can Travel Agents Increase Their Commission?

Get the most from every booking with some smart strategies. Here are these:

• Focus on High-Value Packages: Specialise in long-haul or premium trips that pay 10–20% commission. By doing this, you can significantly boost your earnings.
• Join a Strong Host or Consortium: Partner with a host or consortium that offers better commercial deals. This way, you start with a higher commission base.
• Bundle Extras with Bookings: Always include travel insurance, tours, or other add-ons. As a result, each booking earns you more.
• Upsell and Cross-Sell: Suggest upgrades, additional services, or premium experiences to clients. Consequently, your commission grows with every sale.
• Build a Loyal Client Base: Repeat clients often book bigger trips. Therefore, steady relationships directly increase your overall income.

Is Being a Travel Agent a Profitable Career in the UK?

The travel industry is growing fast. Globally, it’s worth £8.6 trillion, and in the UK, £17 billion flows through travel agents each year. People now value experiences over things and seek real connections. Agents who focus on creating memorable journeys, not just booking trips, build lasting and profitable careers.

UK travel agents can earn a base salary of £22k–£27k plus commission. Earnings can grow by selling more, negotiating better splits, or offering high-commission products.

Also, watch out for airline commission cuts. Adding small service fees or extras can protect your income. With determination, you can turn your love for travel into a meaningful career.

Final Thoughts

So, how much commission does a travel agent make? It depends on experience, sales, and the trips they sell. Agents earn from supplier commissions, service fees, and high-commission products like insurance or premium packages. By knowing these income streams and focusing on great travel experiences, UK agents can build a steady and advantageous career. Every booking becomes a chance to earn more while helping clients enjoy trips they’ll never forget.

It’s the right time to turn your passion for travel into a demanding career. Enrol in the Travel Agent Training Course at Training Tale today and gain the knowledge to book your success.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do travel agents get commission in the UK?
Yes. Travel agents earn commission from suppliers like airlines, hotels, cruises, and tour operators.

2. How much do travel agents earn per booking?
It depends on the product. Commissions range from 5% for flights, 10–20% for packages, to 15–40% for travel insurance.

3. How much do travel agents make off booking a trip?
Agents keep a share of the supplier commission, usually 60–70% if working through a host agency.

4. How much do travel agents earn in the UK?
UK travel agents earn around £22k–£27k base, with commissions adding extra income. Independent agents can make £25k–£45k or more.

5. What is a typical commission for a travel agent?

• Packages and tours: 10–20%
• Hotels: 5–15%
• Travel insurance: 15–40%
• Flights: 0–5%

6. How much do TUI travel agents get paid?
TUI agents earn a base salary plus commission. Exact pay varies with sales, experience and role.

7. How do travel agents make money if they don’t charge a fee?
They earn through supplier commissions, selling extras like insurance, car hire, and incentives from preferred suppliers.