Myths about IATAN

Q: IATAN requires Verified Travel Consultant (VTC) before accreditation as a Travel Sales Intermediary (TSI).
A: Incorrect

  • IATAN’s TSI Accreditation standards (pdf) are impartial business standards.  They ensure that those applying are bona fide travel professionals that offer a large variety of services to the traveling public but don’t issue tickets.
  • IATAN’s TSI program has been in existence for over 17 years prior to ARC’s VTC.

Q: IATAN is run by the airlines.
A: Incorrect

  • It is guided by a Board comprised of industry experts from all sectors of the industry; travel professionals, home based agents, hoteliers, cruise line and airlines.
  • IATAN services the Travel and Tourism Community as a whole and has been accrediting non-ticketing entities through our TSI Program since 1991.

Q: Airline Reporting Corporation number belongs to ARC.
A: Incorrect

  • The term “ARC number” is incorrect.
  • ARC obtains the numbers from IATA via IATAN.
  • The correct term is the “IATA numeric code” which at all times belongs to IATA and is assigned to entities, which have met IATAN Accreditation standards, or ARC programs.
  • IATA and IATAN take misuse of the numeric code extremely seriously and have taken legal action against such misuse, which has resulted in the termination of accreditation.

Q: IATAN is for profit.
A: Incorrect

  • Unlike most organizations, IATAN is not for profit.
  • This enables IATAN to keep its Airline Appointed (pdf) & TSI (pdf) fees reasonable.
  • Surplus made is brought back to the community.  For example, the development and introduction of Online Services.

Q: Agents do not need to be accredited or working for an accredited agency to get an ID Card.
A: Incorrect

  • To obtain an ID Card there are 3 requirements/steps:
    • Own or work for an accredited business
    • Be registered at the accredited location
    • Be eligible for an ID Card.