Travel Agent - October 15, 2007 - (Page 99)

TR ANSPORTATION Amping Up Air Travel Private jets boost agent commissions BY JENNIFER MERRITT AIRLINES GIVEN THE STATE OF AIR TRAVEL TODAY, its no wonder high-end clients are opting for private jet travel. Once strictly reserved for the rich and famous, booking a private jet these days (for those who can afford it) is less about privacy and more about convenience. For agents, it’s a great way to earn commission in an industry that abolished it long ago—in some cases, as much as 25 percent. A List Jets (www.alistjets.com) has been in business for seven years now, but has yet to work with an agent. “I am definitely open to working with travel agents,” says Gordon Bijelonic, founder of the boutique private jet brokerage firm that flies all over the world. Many of the brokers A List Jets works with earn 25 percent commission on bookings; agents will earn the same, he says. It may just be the easiest high commission you’ll ever earn. Though he’s managed to secure a jet with just 12 minutes notice, Bijelonic advises, “each time a trip comes up, its best to call right away and give us the trip details,” he says. A List Jets can be reached at 888-692-5478. In December, Skydini (www.skydini.com) will launch as an online solution for reserving private jets. A real-time, air charter booking tool, Skydini was co-founded by Janet Fenner, a former home-based travel agent, and plans to offer online access to 15,000 jets (and show pictures of the jets’ interiors). The tool also will take care of confirmation, payment and paperwork. Commission rates are still being worked out, but as a former agent, Fenner says they will be available by entering an IATA or CLIA number. Look for Skydini at upcoming luxury travel shows. Come December, contact Fenner at 888SKYDINI or via janet@skydini.com. I CONNECTING YOU For more on booking private jets, visit www.travelagent central.com/privatejets Kids at No Additional Cost Cancel For Any Reason Cancel For Work Reasons Evac Home or Hospital of Choice Cover Trips up to $100k Emergency Expenses 24-Hour Assistance Lost or Stolen Baggage NEW Travel can be hectic for your clients. Last-minute travel changes and medical emergencies can ruin any dream vacation. Fortunately, AIG Travel Guard can help you assist your clients with ﬁve new coverage options. With Cancel for Any Reason, Cancel for Work Reasons, Medical Evacuation Back Home and plans now covering Kids at No Additional Costs, you’ll have even more ways to help. If you’re not already offering AIG Travel Guard to your clients, sign up today and partner with America’s leading provider of travel insurance and assistance programs. visit www.travelguard.com or call 1-800-8 26-1300. Interested? Request #030. Travel Insurance plans offered through AIG Travel Guard may include coverage for covered trip cancellation penalties, travel interruptions and delays, emergency medical expenses, medical evacuation expenses, and lost or delayed baggage. Insurance is underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA., with their principal place of business in New York, NY and a member of the AIG Companies.® The policy will contain reductions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions. All coverages may not be available in all states. October 15, 2007 TravelAgent | 99 http://www.alistjets.com http://www.skydini.com http://www.travelagentcentral.com/privatejets http://www.travelguard.com http://www.travelguard.com

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Travel Agent - October 15, 2007 Online Now Contents From the Editor From the Publisher Contributors Europe Central & South America Special Supplement: Ski University Pacific/Asia Las Vegas Caribbean Romantic Getaway and Honeymoon Packages Jamaica’s New Minister of Tourism Talks About the Country’s Future Special Package Deals Cruises Hotels Ski Multi-Generational Travel Tours Cover Story: Luxe Life of the Stewart Clan Business Operations - Agent Profile Technology Transportation The Industry - Agenda Caribbean News PATA Travel Mart ITME Report Latest Cruise and Hotel News Travel Week In the Spotlight Editorial Index Advertising Index Classified Marketplace Trendwatch

Travel Agent - October 15, 2007

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