At OAL Travel Network, we love seeing new advisors take the leap into the travel industry. It’s an exciting, rewarding career where you get to help people create memories that last a lifetime . But before you dive in, we want to share a little insider insight that many host agencies don’t always talk about upfront: when and how you actually get paid commissions.
There’s a common misconception that once you book a vacation, your commission will hit your bank account right away. The reality is a little different. In most cases, commissions are paid after your client travels, not at the time of booking.
Now, don’t let that discourage you – this is standard across the travel industry (including other host agencies) and it’s important to understand so you can set realistic expectations as you start out.
Here’s what it looks like in practice:
- Many clients book their vacations 6–12 months in advance, which means your commission for that booking won’t arrive until after the trip is completed.
- On the flip side, you’ll also get clients who want a quick getaway or a last-minute escape so those commissions will come sooner.
- Your first year is a learning year. You’ll spend time on training, learning systems, and beginning to build your client base. Think of it as planting seeds that will grow into a thriving business over time.
The key takeaway? Patience pays off. The travel industry rewards consistency and persistence. Once you’ve built up your pipeline of bookings, you’ll start to see a steady flow of commission payments – sometimes months or even years after you booked the trip!
At OAL Travel Network, we’re here to support you every step of the way. We believe in setting you up for long-term success, not just quick wins. With the right training, mentorship and dedication, you’ll find that those first-year efforts create the foundation for a sustainable and rewarding travel business.
So, if you’re ready to step into a career that’s as fun as it is fulfilling, remember: commissions may take time but the journey is worth it.
