Myths About IATAN

Q: IATAN requires Verified Travel Consultant (VTC) before accreditation.
A: Incorrect

• IATAN’s  Accreditation Requirements (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 Non-Ticketing 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 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 requirements, 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  fees to a minimum.
• 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 entity to get an IATA/IATAN 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