IATA is the International Air Transport Association, the trade association for the airline industry. It develops commercial standards and services for aviation and accredits travel agents. Airline membership and travel-agent accreditation are different relationships with IATA, so the terms should not be used interchangeably. Source: IATA: Its role in the travel industry

Use the right description

When checking an agency’s credentials, record the specific accreditation and business details rather than simply writing “IATA member”. Ask what the arrangement allows the agency to do. This keeps supplier notes and website descriptions accurate about the business being discussed.

Follow the ticketing route

Map who issues tickets, handles changes and settles with the airline in your proposed setup. If a consolidator is involved, include it in that record. A clear workflow makes it easier to route an urgent ticketing question to the right team.

Written and updated by Travelgenix. Sources checked on 16 October 2026. Practical checks are Travelgenix editorial guidance.