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.