What IATAN means
Outside the US, airlines accredit travel agencies through IATA's agency programme and settle sales through the BSP. The United States works differently. IATA's own accreditation page sends US-based agencies to the IATAN programme instead, and airline ticket settlement runs through ARC rather than BSP.
IATAN describes itself as a non-profit serving US travel professionals for more than 45 years. A travel-law summary explains its origin: it is the trade name of Passenger Network Services Corporation, set up after antitrust litigation so that IATA's agency functions in the US could run without antitrust immunity.
Accreditation gives an agency location a recognised identity. Accredited agencies appear in IATA's CheckACode and agency list, and suppliers such as hotels, car rental firms, cruise lines and tour operators use the agency number to track bookings and pay commission. A Travel Weekly legal column notes that where a location already holds an ARC number, IATAN uses the same number.
The second pillar is the IATA/IATAN ID card, a credential for individual staff. It proves that the holder works for an accredited agency and unlocks concessionary rates from suppliers. For many home-based and independent advisors, the card is the main reason to seek IATAN accreditation.
What IATAN does not do on its own is grant ticketing authority. IATAN's requirements say ticketing locations must supply an ARC approval letter, so a US agency that wants to issue tickets needs ARC as well.
How IATAN works
An agency applies for accreditation first; its staff can then apply for ID cards linked to the agency's code.
- Choose the location typeIATAN accredits head offices, branches, corporate travel departments, host service locations and independent contractor businesses, each with its own fee and document list.
- Prepare documentsTypical requirements include a notarised application, business licence, ownership documents, Seller of Travel registration in states that require it, and proof that the qualified manager has two years of experience.
- Show financial standing or ARC approvalNon-ticketing locations prove available capital, travel income or sales. Ticketing locations provide an ARC approval letter and a signed IATAN agency agreement.
- Receive the code and listingOnce approved, the agency is listed in IATA CheckACode and the IATA agency list, which suppliers use to verify it.
- Register staff for ID cardsEligible owners, employees and contractors are added to the agency personnel list and can apply for the IATA/IATAN ID card.
IATAN in practice
Verified figures from IATAN's accreditation requirements (December 2025 version; fees subject to change):
| Location type | Application fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Head office or branch office | 280 |
| Corporate travel department, corporate client location or host service location | 450 |
| Independent contractor business | 110 |
For non-ticketing locations, the same document asks home-based businesses and those trading under a year to show USD 10,000 in available capital. Established businesses show USD 20,000 in gross travel income or capital, or USD 200,000 in annual gross sales.
For the ID card, IATA's eligibility page requires US applicants to work at least 20 hours a week in travel sales and to have earned at least USD 5,000 in salary or commission in the past 12 months.
Who uses it
Advantages and limitations
Advantages
- Gives a US agency an internationally recognised identifier that suppliers can verify online.
- The ID card offers staff a recognised professional credential and access to supplier concessions.
- Available to non-ticketing and home-based businesses that do not meet ARC's ticketing requirements.
- Listing in IATA's agency directory helps foreign suppliers recognise US agencies.
Limitations
- IATAN accreditation alone does not let an agency issue airline tickets; ARC approval is still needed.
- Fees, insurance and financial evidence add cost for very small agencies.
- ID card eligibility depends on hours worked and earnings, so part-time advisors may not qualify.
- Supplier discounts tied to the card are offered at each supplier's discretion and can change.
Frequently asked questions about IATAN
Can an IATAN-accredited agency issue airline tickets?
Not on IATAN accreditation alone. In the US, ticketing authority comes through ARC, and IATAN's own requirements ask ticketing locations to provide an ARC approval letter. Non-ticketing IATAN agencies usually sell air through a consolidator or a host agency that holds ARC accreditation.
Who is eligible for the IATA/IATAN ID card in the US?
IATA's eligibility page lists owners, employees or independent contractors of an agency with a valid IATA code who are on the agency personnel list, work at least 20 hours a week in travel sales, earned at least USD 5,000 in the past 12 months and are 18 or older.
Is IATAN the same as IATA?
They are linked but not the same. IATA is the global airline trade association. IATAN is an IATA-affiliated, non-profit body that runs agency accreditation and the ID card for the United States. IATA's accreditation page directs US agencies to the IATAN programme instead of the standard IATA process.
How much does IATAN accreditation cost?
IATAN's December 2025 requirements list application fees of USD 280 for a head or branch office, USD 450 for corporate travel departments and host service locations, and USD 110 for an independent contractor business. Fees are non-refundable and subject to change, and insurance or financial evidence adds further cost.
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