an air ticketing associate (also known as a ticketing executive or agent) is a customer service and sales professional responsible for assisting passengers with travel arrangements at an airport or travel agency. this role is essential for a smooth passenger experience, involving everything from initial booking to managing flight changes and documentation.
key responsibilities
responsibilities typically center around customer interaction and accurate data management:
booking and sales: book domestic and international flight tickets, issue new tickets, and process reissues, cancellations, and refunds using computerized reservation systems (gds).
customer service: provide information about flight schedules, fares, and availability, and assist passengers with inquiries, seat assignments, and baggage handling.
documentation and compliance: verify passenger travel documents, such as passports and visas, to ensure compliance with security and airline regulations.
problem resolution: address and resolve customer issues related to bookings, delays, or lost baggage, coordinating with other airport staff and airlines as needed.
record keeping: maintain accurate records of all transactions and passenger details in the booking system.
qualifications and skills (2025 outlook)
employers seek candidates with a mix of soft and hard skills:
education: a minimum of a 10+2 (high school diploma) is required, but a bachelor's degree or diploma in travel and tourism, hospitality, or aviation management is often preferred.
experience: freshers are often hired, with training provided, but prior experience in a customer-facing role or travel industry is an advantage.
technical skills: proficiency in global distribution systems (gds) like amadeus, galileo, or sabre is a strong requirement.
soft skills:
excellent communication skills in english and hindi (and often other regional languages).
strong customer service orientation, patience, and a positive attitude.
attention to detail and strong organizational skills for error-free documentation.
ability to multitask and remain composed in a fast-paced airport environment.
certifications: iata-certified courses in air ticketing can significantly boost job prospects.
salary insights (india, 2025)
salaries for air ticketing associates in india vary by experience, location, and company:
average annual salary: the typical range is approximately ₹ lakhs to ₹ lakhs per year.
fresher salaries: entry-level positions for freshers often range from ₹ lakhs to ₹ lakhs annually.
location impact: in major cities like kolkata, the average annual salary is around ₹ lakhs, with entry-level positions averaging approximately ₹ lakhs.
experienced professionals: those with over 8 years of experience can earn an average salary of over ₹6 lakhs per year.
career growth opportunities include progressing to roles such as senior ticketing executive, reservation supervisor, or airport duty manager.