17 Corporate Travel Agent Interview Questions and Answers

A corporate travel agent is responsible for booking travel for employees of a company. This may include airfare, hotels, rental cars, and other ground transportation. A corporate travel agent may also be responsible for making travel arrangements for meetings and events.

If you’re looking for a job as a corporate travel agent, you’ll need to be able to answer a range of interview questions. These questions will assess your customer service skills, knowledge of the travel industry, and ability to make travel arrangements.

To help you prepare, we’ve put together a list of common corporate travel agent interview questions and answers.

Are you familiar with the booking platforms used by travel agencies?

Travel agencies use booking platforms to make reservations for their clients. The interviewer wants to know if you have experience using the platform they use at their company. If you don’t, explain that you are willing to learn and ask what platform they use.

Example: “I am familiar with Travelocity’s booking platform. I used it when I worked as a corporate travel agent in my last position. It was easy to navigate and had all of the features we needed to book our clients’ trips. However, I would be happy to learn about your platform if it is different.”

What are some of the most important factors you consider when booking a trip for a client?

This question can help the interviewer determine how much you value your client’s experience and whether you have a strong understanding of what factors are most important to consider when booking travel. Use examples from previous experiences to highlight your ability to prioritize and understand the importance of each factor in creating an enjoyable trip for your clients.

Example: “I always make sure that my clients’ itineraries include flights with plenty of legroom, seats near the front of the plane and access to power outlets so they can charge their devices while traveling. I also ensure that all transportation is comfortable and reliable, as this can be one of the most important aspects of any business trip. Finally, I try to book hotels that offer amenities like free breakfast and Wi-Fi.”

How would you handle a situation where a client’s flight was delayed and they were upset about the change in schedule?

This question can help the interviewer assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. In your answer, demonstrate how you would use your communication skills and empathy to resolve the situation in a positive way.

Example: “I would first listen to their concerns and try to understand why they were upset. Then I would explain that there are many factors that contribute to flight delays and cancellations, such as weather conditions or mechanical issues. I would also let them know that I will do everything I can to find an alternative flight for them so they can still attend their event on time.”

What is your process for researching and selecting the best travel deals for your clients?

Travel agents need to be able to research and find the best deals for their clients. This question helps employers understand your process for doing so, as well as how you can help them save money on travel costs. In your answer, explain what steps you take when researching deals and provide an example of a time you found a great deal for one of your previous clients.

Example: “I first start by looking at all of my client’s preferences and needs. For instance, I may know that they want to stay in a hotel with a pool or that they are traveling with children. From there, I search online travel sites like Expedia and Travelocity for the best prices. I also look into other websites that offer discounts, such as AAA and Groupon.”

Provide an example of a time when you helped a client plan an event and suggest how you could have improved your service.

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your customer service skills and how you interact with clients. Use examples from previous jobs or describe a time when you helped plan an event for someone in your personal life.

Example: “In my last role, I worked with a client who was planning a large corporate retreat. The company wanted to host the retreat at a hotel that had several meeting rooms available so they could hold multiple events throughout the day. However, the hotel only had one ballroom available, which would have been too small for all of their meetings.

I suggested that we use smaller conference rooms for some of the meetings and reserve the ballroom for the final dinner of the retreat. This allowed them to accommodate all of their meetings while also having enough space for the final dinner.”

If a client wanted to visit multiple locations on their vacation, how would you save them money on transportation?

This question can help interviewers understand how you plan itineraries for clients and whether you’re able to save them money. In your answer, explain how you would research transportation options and compare prices to find the best deals.

Example: “I would first look at all of their destinations and create a map of where they are going. Then I would search for the cheapest flights between each destination. If there were multiple airports in each city, I would check out public transportation options to see if it was cheaper than renting a car or taking a taxi. If not, I would then search for rental cars that offer discounts for booking online.”

What would you do if you accidentally booked a client on a flight that left the next day instead of the day they wanted to travel?

This question can help interviewers understand how you would respond to a mistake and what steps you would take to fix it. In your answer, try to explain the process you would use to solve this problem as well as any actions you would take to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

Example: “If I accidentally booked a client on a flight that left the next day instead of the day they wanted to travel, I would immediately call them to let them know about the error. Then, I would contact the airline to see if there were any seats available for the correct date. If not, I would book them on another flight with an earlier departure time so they could still make their business meeting.”

How well do you understand the travel regulations in the US and other countries?

Travel regulations are an important part of the job, and your interviewer will want to know that you understand how they work. Use examples from your experience to show that you can apply this knowledge in a professional setting.

Example: “I have worked with many clients who needed help navigating the travel regulations for their business trips. I’ve learned which documents are required by law and when it’s necessary to get additional permissions. In my last role, I helped organize several international conferences where we had to comply with different sets of regulations depending on the country. I was able to use my understanding of these rules to ensure our company complied with all necessary requirements.”

Do you have experience working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds?

Corporate travel agents often work with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience working with people who are different than you. Use your answer to explain that you can adapt to a variety of personalities and communication styles. Share an example of how you worked with someone from a different background in the past.

Example: “I’ve worked with many international travelers over my career, so I’m used to adapting to different cultures and customs. For instance, when I was working at my previous job, I had a client who was from India. She wanted to know more about our hotel’s spa services, but she didn’t speak much English. So, I asked her if she would prefer to communicate through email or text message. Then, I used Google Translate to help us communicate.”

When is the best time to book airline tickets and why?

This question can help the interviewer determine your knowledge of airline ticket pricing and when it’s best to book tickets. Use examples from past experiences to show how you use this information to make decisions about booking flights for clients.

Example: “I find that booking tickets at least six months in advance is usually the best time because prices are typically lower than they are closer to departure dates. However, I also know that airlines sometimes have sales or promotions where they offer discounted rates on certain days or times of the year. So, I always check with my client to see if there are any specific dates or times they would like to travel so we can look for discounts.”

We want to improve our customer service. Tell me about a strategy you would use to do this.

This question is a great way to see how you can improve the customer experience for your employer. You should use this opportunity to showcase your communication and problem-solving skills, as well as any other soft skills that are relevant to the role.

Example: “I would start by having weekly meetings with my team members to discuss our goals for improving customer service. I would also create a survey where customers could give us feedback on their experiences so we can find ways to make improvements. Finally, I would implement a rewards system for employees who provide excellent customer service.”

Describe your experience with corporate travel policies and procedures.

Travel policies and procedures are an important part of the job, so interviewers may ask you this question to see if you have experience with them. In your answer, explain how you would use company travel policies and procedures to help plan a trip for clients.

Example: “I’ve worked in corporate travel for five years now, so I’m familiar with many different types of policies and procedures. For example, I know that some companies require employees to book their own flights when traveling on business trips, while others offer discounts or reimbursements for booking through approved vendors. When working with my clients, I always make sure they understand any policies and procedures related to their trip.”

What makes you an ideal candidate for this job?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for this role. Focus on highlighting your relevant work experience, but also include any other skills or personal qualities that may be beneficial in this position.

Example: “I am passionate about helping others, which is why I became a corporate travel agent. In my previous job, I helped many business travelers find affordable flights and hotels. This experience has given me valuable insight into what companies are looking for when booking trips for their employees. I know I would be able to use my expertise to help your company save money while still providing excellent service to our clients.”

Which travel websites do you use most frequently and why?

This question can help the interviewer get a better idea of your experience with corporate travel websites. It can also show them which sites you prefer to use and why, giving them an idea of how you might handle their company’s website if hired. When answering this question, try to name several websites that you’ve used in the past and explain what made you choose those over others.

Example: “I have worked for many different companies throughout my career as a corporate travel agent, so I’ve had plenty of opportunity to explore various travel websites. In my current position, I primarily use Expedia because it has such a wide variety of options when searching for flights or hotels. The search filters are easy to navigate, making it simple to find exactly what I’m looking for. Another site I like is Travelocity because they offer some great discounts on hotel rooms.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of customer service?

This question is a great way to determine how the candidate prioritizes customer service. A good answer will show that you value your customers and their needs, which can be an important part of working as a corporate travel agent.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of customer service is listening to what the client wants and then finding a solution that works for them. I always make sure to ask questions about what they’re looking for in order to find the best possible option for them. This helps me ensure that my clients are happy with the services we provide.”

How often do you update clients on changes to their travel plans?

Travel plans can change for a variety of reasons, and it’s important that you keep clients informed about any changes to their itineraries. A hiring manager may ask this question to make sure you have experience doing so in the past. In your answer, explain how you would inform clients of changes to their travel plans.

Example: “I always try to communicate with my clients as soon as I know there will be a change to their travel plans. For example, if I find out that an airline is offering a discount on flights, I’ll contact my client right away to see if they are interested in changing their flight. If they aren’t, I’ll let them know when the new flight goes on sale.”

There is a security risk at the airport where a client is scheduled to fly. How do you handle it?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to think on your feet. You can answer this question by describing a specific situation in which you handled a security risk at the airport and how it helped your client.

Example: “I once had a client scheduled to fly out of Miami International Airport, but there was a bomb threat that day. I called my client immediately to let them know about the threat and rescheduled their flight for the next day. They were grateful for my quick response and understanding. In situations like these, I always make sure to communicate with clients as soon as possible so they are aware of what’s happening.”