BSP

Term from Travel Agencies industry explained for recruiters

BSP (Billing and Settlement Plan) is a system widely used in the travel industry that simplifies how travel agencies handle airline ticket sales and payments. Think of it as a centralized payment system that helps travel agencies sell tickets from multiple airlines without having to deal with each airline separately. It's managed by IATA (International Air Transport Association) and makes the whole process of selling airline tickets, collecting payments, and settling accounts much easier. This is similar to how a credit card payment system works - collecting money from customers and distributing it to the right businesses.

Examples in Resumes

Managed daily BSP reports and reconciliations for a multi-branch travel agency

Trained new staff on BSP procedures and compliance requirements

Reduced BSP payment discrepancies by 40% through improved tracking systems

Typical job title: "Travel Agency Account Managers"

Also try searching for:

Travel Agency Manager BSP Coordinator Travel Operations Manager Travel Agency Accountant IATA Compliance Officer Travel Agency Finance Manager

Where to Find Travel Agency Account Managers

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a situation where there's a significant BSP payment discrepancy?

Expected Answer: A senior manager should explain the process of reconciliation, working with airlines and IATA representatives, and implementing preventive measures to avoid future discrepancies.

Q: What strategies would you implement to ensure BSP compliance across multiple branches?

Expected Answer: Should discuss creating standardized procedures, training programs, regular audits, and maintaining communication channels between branches and IATA.

Mid Level Questions

Q: Can you explain the BSP payment cycle and reporting requirements?

Expected Answer: Should be able to describe the weekly/monthly payment schedules, required reports, and standard procedures for handling billing cycles with airlines.

Q: How do you handle BSP credit card chargebacks?

Expected Answer: Should explain the process of managing disputed charges, documentation requirements, and communication procedures with airlines and IATA.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is BSP and why is it important for travel agencies?

Expected Answer: Should explain that BSP is a centralized billing system that simplifies airline ticket sales and payments, making it easier for travel agencies to work with multiple airlines.

Q: What are the basic BSP reports you need to handle daily?

Expected Answer: Should be familiar with daily sales reports, remittance advice, and basic reconciliation processes.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic BSP report handling
  • Daily sales reconciliation
  • Understanding of payment cycles
  • Basic IATA regulations knowledge

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Advanced BSP troubleshooting
  • Credit card chargeback handling
  • Staff training on BSP procedures
  • Audit preparation and compliance

Senior (5+ years)

  • Multi-branch BSP management
  • Strategic financial planning
  • IATA compliance oversight
  • Team leadership and process optimization

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No knowledge of basic IATA regulations
  • Unfamiliarity with BSP payment cycles
  • Lack of experience with travel agency accounting
  • Poor understanding of airline ticketing processes