Air Concierge

Position Summary
Responsible for managing and selling primarily international air itineraries.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Maintain air files, work Amadeus queues, and communicate schedule changes and fare increases/decreases to Travel Consultants, Travel agents, and/or direct guests in a timely manner. Adjust air itineraries as required.
• Assist with AKUSA and Group employee business travel, including journalist and specialty groups as needed.
  Maintain South America air group seat blocks.
• Work closely with Travel Consultants, Travel Agents, and direct guests for coordination of air itineraries via the Amadeus reservation system and ensure that air is in agreement with the land itinerary.
• Emergency Duty 24/7 phone coverage is required on a weekly rotating basis.
• Effectively master working knowledge of multiple airline contracts; and communicate with department manager regarding any contractual changes and updates that need to be made.
• Collect payment from Travel Agents/guests and issue airline tickets by required ticketing dates ensuring timely release of tickets to Travel Consultants for distribution in Final Documents.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date air itineraries in Travel Studio.
• Prepare necessary ticket refunds and exchanges for weekly IAR reporting; and submit refund requests with the appropriate airline.
• Advise airlines of all special service requests such as wheelchair assistance, special meals, special seating, and related preferences.
• Maintain a professional and courteous alliance with airline representatives.
• Assist Guest Relations on post-tour issues to ensure guest satisfaction is maintained.
• Participate in cross-training on an ongoing basis.
• Complete special projects or reports as assigned.
• Perform all tasks in a timely, effective, and professional manner in accordance with company policy and protocol

Skills and Abilities

• Must be able to read/write/speak English.
• Proficient in basic computer operations.
• Ability to operate office telephone system.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Strong mathematic aptitude.
• Excellent organizational skills with demonstrated initiative and ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
• Perform well under pressure and meet required deadlines.
• Interact with employees at all levels within the organization.
• Must be able to easily adapt to new and changing procedures.
• Must exhibit a proven ability to learn and efficiently use a proprietary computer software system.
• Good geographic, destination, cultural, and world affairs knowledge.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Familiarization with visas and other international travel documentation.

Education and Experience

• 1-5 years of appropriate industry experience required.
• High School diploma required.
• Proficient in airline computer systems – Amadeus preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of international published and wholesale fare rules, fare breakdowns, pricing records, and general international and domestic ticketing.