Net Fares

Term from Travel Agencies industry explained for recruiters

Net Fares are special discounted airline ticket prices that travel agencies can access. These are wholesale prices offered to travel agents before their markup, allowing agencies to add their own service fees while still providing competitive prices to customers. Think of it like buying wholesale products to sell in a retail store - travel agencies get these special rates and can then determine their own selling price. This term is important in the travel industry because it shows that a candidate understands pricing structures and revenue management in travel bookings.

Examples in Resumes

Managed Net Fares contracts with major airlines resulting in 30% increased profits

Negotiated Net Fare agreements with international carriers

Trained new agents on Net Fares booking systems and markup strategies

Typical job title: "Travel Agents"

Also try searching for:

Travel Consultant Corporate Travel Agent Airline Reservation Agent Travel Operations Specialist Fare Specialist Travel Product Manager

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you develop a strategy to maximize profits from net fare contracts?

Expected Answer: A senior agent should discuss analyzing market trends, understanding seasonal demands, negotiating volume commitments with airlines, and creating markup strategies while staying competitive.

Q: How do you handle complex multi-airline net fare agreements?

Expected Answer: Should explain managing relationships with multiple carriers, understanding different fare rules and restrictions, and creating booking strategies that maximize profitability while maintaining compliance.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What factors do you consider when applying markups to net fares?

Expected Answer: Should discuss competition analysis, seasonal demand, target market purchasing power, and service level included in the booking.

Q: How do you explain net fare restrictions to clients?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate ability to communicate complex fare rules in simple terms, focusing on important details like change policies and cancellation fees.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is the difference between net fares and published fares?

Expected Answer: Should explain that net fares are wholesale prices available to travel agents, while published fares are retail prices available to the general public.

Q: How do you calculate the selling price from a net fare?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain basic markup calculation, considering agency commission policies and market competition.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic fare calculations
  • Understanding of booking systems
  • Knowledge of airline geography
  • Basic customer service skills

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Complex fare rules interpretation
  • Markup strategy implementation
  • Multiple airline booking management
  • Client relationship management

Senior (5+ years)

  • Airline contract negotiation
  • Revenue optimization strategies
  • Team training and management
  • Market analysis and forecasting

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No knowledge of basic airline geography
  • Unable to explain fare calculations
  • Lack of experience with booking systems
  • Poor understanding of airline alliances and partnerships