Interline

Term from Travel Agencies industry explained for recruiters

Interline refers to agreements between different airlines that allow them to work together and handle each other's passengers and tickets. Think of it as a partnership system where airlines help each other serve customers better. For travel agencies, understanding interline agreements is important because it allows them to book complex trips using multiple airlines while giving customers the convenience of a single ticket. This is similar to how train companies might honor each other's tickets, but for air travel. When you see this term in a resume, it usually means the person has experience handling multi-airline bookings and understands airline partnerships.

Examples in Resumes

Processed over 200 Interline bookings monthly for international corporate clients

Managed complex Interline and codeshare agreements between major airlines

Trained new staff on Interline ticketing procedures and regulations

Typical job title: "Travel Consultants"

Also try searching for:

Travel Agent Airline Reservation Agent Corporate Travel Consultant International Travel Specialist Air Ticketing Specialist Fare Specialist Travel Operations Coordinator

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a complex multi-airline itinerary with different fare rules?

Expected Answer: A senior agent should explain the process of checking airline partnerships, understanding fare combinations, ensuring baggage transfers, and confirming that connection times meet interline agreement requirements.

Q: Describe a situation where you had to resolve an interline ticketing dispute between airlines.

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate problem-solving abilities, knowledge of airline policies, and experience in coordinating between different carriers to resolve passenger issues.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the key factors to consider when booking interline tickets?

Expected Answer: Should mention checking valid airline partnerships, minimum connection times, baggage policies, and fare rules for combined tickets.

Q: How do you explain interline baggage policies to clients?

Expected Answer: Should show ability to communicate complex policies in simple terms, explaining how bags transfer between airlines and what guarantees are provided.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is an interline agreement?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that it's a partnership between airlines allowing them to handle each other's tickets and passengers.

Q: What's the difference between interline and codeshare agreements?

Expected Answer: Should explain that interline allows tickets and baggage transfer between airlines, while codeshare means one airline can sell seats on another airline's flights.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic airline booking procedures
  • Understanding of interline agreements
  • Customer service skills
  • Basic fare calculations

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Complex itinerary planning
  • Interline problem resolution
  • Advanced fare construction
  • GDS system expertise

Senior (5+ years)

  • Strategic partnership management
  • Training and team leadership
  • Crisis management
  • Complex fare optimization

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No knowledge of major airline alliances
  • Unfamiliarity with basic airline terminology
  • Lack of GDS system experience
  • Poor understanding of international travel requirements