Group Air Travel Advisor - Remote

Embark on the next step in your career journey with Direct Travel!

This Group Air Travel Advisor serves as a primary and expert resource regarding global airline carriers and related industries. This role also serves as a consultant and analyst for airline lift availability and fare quotes to meeting and incentive destinations for budgeting and feasibility purposes during the pre-sale design phase. The Group Air Travel Advisor is a key liaison with airlines and charter brokers for contracting block and charter space for group travel programs.

This is a fully remote position 

Expedition Expectations

• Prices fares within the current industry rules and guidelines by specific destination.
• Completes fare quotes within the department’s time parameters, or negotiates additional time based on work prioritization.
• Utilizes prior client event data to obtain most accurate origin cities.
• Weights fares by using block space pricing for more accurate program average.
• Utilizes historical prior program data to compile most accurate quotes for current clients.
• Confirms airline block space when required for large origin counts, including gateway blocks, allowing home city feed in, confirmed for large movements.
• Understands annual airline group contracts specific to Creative Group (Zone or origin blocks).
• Assists Air Operations colleagues with contract rules and pricing.
• Sources and confirms charter aircraft, when applicable.
• Understands the fare restrictions by market with specific understanding of European fare policies.
• Compares current published airfares with negotiated fares (ex. Zones or Nets) applicable to our agency.
• Outlines best fares for group travel by utilizing the lowest airfares, negotiated group blocks, Incentive Zones, or corporate discounts applicable to assigned program.
• Corresponds with preferred Airline Group Desks to seek assistance with Quotes, Lift, or block space to obtain the most advantageous outcome for each client.
• Prepare airfare budget prior to program operation.
• Negotiate airline group contracts and process initial seat deposits.
• Communicate and provide written confirmation of commercial airline blocks and/or charter schedule, deposit, price, and penalty information to Program Operations and Air Operations in a professional and timely manner.
• Clarify any operational or contractual responses from airline suppliers as needed prior to program operation.
• Adhere to contractual block seat deadlines prior to program operations.
• Follows all Creative Group Standard Operating procedures for group air purchasing.
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize and manage multiple tasks with proven problem solving/conflict resolution skills along with providing guidance to colleagues.

Passport to Success

• Associate degree in related field (or minimum 5 years on the job experience).
• Minimum of 2-4 years’ experience working on the pre-sale side of the group or incentive air travel industry.
• Firm knowledge of SABRE GDS system.
• Must possess product knowledge in the airline travel industry, including block space contracts and charter contracts.
• Computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite products, SABRE GDS systems, accounting systems) required.

Going the Extra Mile

• Model behavior that reflects our organization’s Vision and Core Beliefs.
• Possess strong English communication skills both written and oral to communicate with participants and clients. 
• Possess excellent interpersonal skills and the highest level of customer service skills.
• Possess decision making and problem-solving skills to be able to determine destination viability, provide sufficient air lift with expected program size, travel parameters, and client preferences.
• Possess planning and organizational skills with time management ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines. 
• Possess analytical skills and critical thinking to identify, reduce or eliminate risks to Creative Group.
• Possess attention to detail and accountability.
• Be able to work effectively as part of a team and display teamwork.

Benefits Onboard 

In addition to Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits Direct Travel offers an employee rewards and recognitions program, Total Rewards Package which includes Wellness, Sustainability, DE&I initiatives, and Mental Health Support. 

Our Brand Voyage: 

About Creative Group and Direct Travel

A subsidiary of Direct Travel, Creative Group designs global programs and experiences that reward excellence and inspire people to reach their full potential – we call it Thrivability. Creative Group is a full-service performance improvement company specializing in meetings and events, group incentive travel, employee engagement and recognition, sales incentives and channel loyalty programs. Creative Group serves a client roster of Fortune 500 companies in a broad range of industries.

Direct Travel is a leading provider of corporate travel management services. The company has been providing travel management for over 40 years, working with clients to develop highly customized travel programs. By leveraging both the expertise of its people and innovative solutions, Direct Travel enables clients to derive the greatest value from their travel program in terms of superior service, progressive technologies and significant cost savings. Direct Travel has offices in over 70 locations across North America and the UK and is currently ranked 12th on Travel Weekly’s Power List. For more information, visit www.dt.com. 

Direct Travel is an EOE/AA/Veteran/People with Disabilities employer

If you're ready to chart a new course and advance your career with the valuable moments and travel experiences that await, we welcome you to submit your resume for consideration at Direct Travel.