1. IATA Training on BSP Travel Agents
For
Travel Agents
15 November 2007
17/09/2018

2. ▄ Date: Thursday, 15 November 2007 (10:00-12:00 or 1:00-3:00)
▄ Training Topics
BSP General
BSPlink
Q&A
▄ Date:   Thursday, 15 November 2007 (10:00-12:00 or 1:00-3:00)
▄ Venue:  Radisson Resort & Hotel, Sharjah 
▄ Provided By: IATA Team
       
17/09/2018

3. BSP Agent Training Session Objectives
Educate new agents on the overall practices and procedures of IATA’s BSP system.
Highlight the advantages gained by agents as they become BSP participants.
Refresh old agent’s knowledge of BSP / BSPlink.
Train agents on BSPlink.
Inform agents on the developments taking place in the aviation industry, such as E-Tickets.
17/09/2018

4. The Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP)
▄ BSP is a system designed to facilitate and simplify the selling, reporting and remitting procedures of IATA Accredited Passenger Sales Agents.
▄ A key feature of the IATA Billing and Settlement Plan is the Neutral Standard Traffic Document (STD), which is used by Agents on behalf of all BSP participating Airlines.
17/09/2018

5. Advantages of BSP
· Simplifies and reduces agents’ work through the use of STDs for automated or manual ticket issuance on behalf of all BSP Airlines.
· Provides one supply source of these traffic documents and automates their distribution to Agent locations.
· Simplifies paperwork and reduces overhead costs by replacing multiple sales reports with a single Agency Sales Transmittal (AST), submitted to the BSP Data Processing Center (DPC) electronically by the CRS (Computer Reservation System) or GDS.
17/09/2018

6. · Establishes one central point to which reports are sent.
● Uses a simple set of standard administrative forms to be used on behalf of all BSP Airlines.
· Enhances security - a single stock of traffic documents facilitates safekeeping for Agents, i.e. less space is needed for storage and inventory control becomes simpler and more secure.
· Establishes one central point to which reports are sent.
· Simplifies remittance procedures by establishing one point for Agents' payments.
· Encourages the use of the most modern automated ticketing systems and electronic ticketing, thereby economizing on time and money.
· Simplifies staff training. Courses specific to BSP procedures are organized locally by ISS Management.
1.The Agency Administrator is Tom Murphy (SVP IDFS)
2. Implementation of PAConf policy is the responsibility of all involved IATA staff.
3. Decisions of the PAConf are communicated from Geneva immediately following each conference
4. Each office is responsible for ensuring their procedures are updated to reflect the changes and communicated to all affected parties.
5. IATA is responsible to ensure that opportunities to develop and improve the programme are pursued, but final authority for any change to resolution belongs to the airlines through the Conference or bodies having specific delegated authority
6. IATA is responsible for ensuring that any financial security offered in a market to cover agent risk follows the guidelines published in the Agency Accreditation Services Procedures Manual – see IS OPS WHIP Site
7. The guidelines are supported by resolution 850p entitled Evaluation of Providers of Financial Securities
8. IATA is entirely responsible for accreditation and final approval of agents and therefore for ensuring their compliance with the Sales Agency Rules
9. In some markets applications from agents are voted on by the airlines through an Agency Investigation Panel
17/09/2018

7. How Does the BSP Work?
The Passenger Agency Conference, its rules, and all of its authorised local groups have immunity from prosecution in the joint development of the programme.
These immunities are specifically given by the US DOT and the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission.
All resolutions adopted at the Passenger Agency Conference require government approval
Once declared effective the resolutions are binding on all Members, Agents and of course IATA
Competition Law has global reach. This means that should competition law be broken in a meeting in a country where there is no local law it can still be brought into effect if a participant at that meeting should subsequently travel in a country where there is such a law, or if his company is based in such a country.
IATA is responsible for guiding its members and where applicable should provide legal support at consultative forum. The following message should be included in the agenda.
17/09/2018

8. Passenger Airline Agent
Tickets Payment
Tickets Service
Tickets
Remittance
Settlement
Bank
DPC
Credit Card
CRS / GDS
This message must be included in the agenda of all IATA meeting whether airline only or joint with travel agents.
BSPlink - Agent
Billing
Statement
BSPlink - Airline
Billing
Statement

9. Stage 1 Upon joining the BSP, the Agent:
· Receives stocks of STDs to cover an initial three months of business. These documents are supplied by a Traffic Document Distributor, and as tickets are issued stocks are replenished on a progressive basis.
· Obtains Carrier Identification Plates (CIPs) and/or Ticketing Authorities of BSP Airlines on whose behalf the Agent issues STDs.
· Purchases a ticket imprinter and an Agent Validation Plate (AVP).
N.B. CIP will not be required, once the market becomes 100% ET by 01st June 2008.
Agendas must be referred to legal for review
Accurate attendance lists must be maintained
Always follow the agenda
Terminate any discussion that strays into anti-competitive areas and advise legal of the occurrence
17/09/2018

10. Stage 2
· After obtaining the necessary equipment and STD stock, the Agent can issue tickets.
· All Agents will have access to Computer Reservations Systems (CRS), Global Distribution Systems (GDS), or other IATA approved Ticketing Systems.
· Agents will issue automated tickets using an IATA approved Ticketing System. Agents are also able to issue Electronic Tickets in our BSP.
· By the 1st of June, 2008 at the latest, all Travel Agents will issue only Electronic Tickets (E-Tickets).
17/09/2018

11. Stage 5
· The Agent makes a single net periodic remittance covering all its BSP transactions, made on behalf of all BSP Airlines. The ISS preferred method of payment is by direct debit or money (wire) transfer.
Resolutions are binding on Members and Agents. Whilst IATA is not specifically mentioned in most resolution we nevertheless have a duty and responsibility to apply and abide by all resolutions
Resolution 824 is the Contract known as the Passenger Sales Agency Agreement that binds airlines and agents
Resolution 822 provides for the unique IATA numbering system
Resolutions governing reporting and remittance are the focus of these two days and will be dealt with in a separate module
The passenger sales agency rules are adopted by region or market and include 800, 804, 808, 810, 810c, 810i, 810j, 810r, 814, 816, Area of applicability is indicated in each set of rules.
Resolution 866 provides key definitions that must be read in conjunction with the sales agency rules. For example if you do not read the definition for STDO it will not be possible to accurately apply the rules
The Travel Agency Commissioner is an essential neutral office designed deal with matters within the industry and to avoid expensive litigation The office of the commissioner will be address during the module on accreditation
Resolution 892 is a protective device that say no Member, Airline or Agent shall disclose positions held at an IATA meeting concerning passenger agency matters – full title Disclosure of Positions Taken at an IATA Meeting – applies to IATA staff too
17/09/2018

12. Stage 6
· The accounts department of each BSP Airline audits incoming data and addresses accounting memoranda (credits/debits) to Agents as necessary.
1. The PSAA is signed by IATA on behalf of all Members with individual agents
2. It is signed by the regional accreditation official as designated by the Agency Administrator
3. The PSAA is a contract that binds all parties to the terms and conditions incorporated in the resolutions of the IATA conferences where applicable and to the specific terms expressed in the agency conference publications, Travel Agent Handbooks and BSP Manual for Agents including the local criteria and chapter 14.
The PSAA cannot be varied or amended. Any variation to the PSAA would need to be agreed by the PAConf and then re-signed by every single agent world-wide.
It can only be terminated by the agent or by the Agency Administrator for cause as provided in resolution 824.
6. Carriers may establish side agreements and they typically do this for net fare arrangements.
17/09/2018

13. Reporting & Remittance Calendar 2007
17/09/2018

14. 17/09/2018

15. 17/09/2018

16. Excessive Void Charges
17/09/2018

17. More than 3% void tickets -
The agent will not be charged for void tickets caused by a system error. As for void tickets caused by the agent’s actions, the following applies:
· Up to 3% void tickets -
 Agent will not be charged.
More than 3% void tickets -
 Agent will be charged USD 2.00 per void ticket.
17/09/2018

18. BSPlink Charges · Monthly charges (AED 110, BHD 11, OMR 11, QAR 110).
Kindly be advised that if your monthly BSPlink charge is not paid by the 15th of every month, your BSPlink access will be
DE-ACTIVATED.
· Charges for re-activation are (AED 250, BHD 25, OMR 25, QAR 250)
17/09/2018

19. Electronic Ticketing 17/09/2018
A Member has the option in a market to appoint agents individually by a certificate provided under resolution 820
Alternatively a Member may appoint all agents in an IATA area by registering with the regional accreditation centre in Singapore, Miami, Geneva a Statement of General Concurrence as provided by resolution 878
A Member is not obliged to include all countries in its General Concurrence
General Concurrence provides the authority for an agent to promote and sell a Members services but it does not establish ticketing authority
A carrier may withdraw its appointment of agents at any time but has no authority to cancel the PSAA
Ticketing authority is provided as a separate step in the process.
17/09/2018

20. · Electronic Ticketing (ET) is a method to record the sale of passenger transportation without the issuance of paper flight coupons. The flight coupons issued for carriage are held electronically in the airline system via the GDS system used by the Agent. Electronic Tickets are also refunded via the issuing GDS.
· As there are no paper tickets to account for, stock control for Agents is much easier. Electronic Tickets are automatically reported to the BSP DPC for billing. Electronic Tickets may only be refunded electronically creating opportunities for interfacing to back office systems and providing more accurate accounting and control. Electronic Tickets, used for last minute bookings, avoid the need to issue MPDs for the traditional TOD arrangement.
The PAConf is responsible for the resolutions affecting the Passenger Agency Programme. Only PAConf can establish Agency Fees
Except as delegated to the appropriate Council or Assembly the PAConf is responsible for amending such resolutions and it does so by unanimous vote
Certain cost recovery charges can be established locally by an Assembly where so indicated in the resolution
Conference is made up of every Member airline having designated a accredited representative.
Such representative is designated by the most senior level within the airline
It takes action on matters dealing with the relationship between Members and Passenger Sales Agents excluding remuneration levels
All minimum standards for Agency Accreditation are established by the PAConf
Resolutions adopted by the PAConf take effect from the 1st of January each year with the publication of the Travel Agent Handbook
Resolutions of the Conference are not binding on agents if they have not been provided with a copy of the Travel Agent Handbook
Conference authority is as established by the Provisions for the Conduct of the Traffic Conferences and can only be amended by the Board of Governors
17/09/2018

21. Notice of Irregularity & Penalty Points
17/09/2018

22. · Overdue Remittance - Notice of Irregularity (non-payment)  2 pts
· Overdue Remittance - Notice of Irregularity (late payment)
· Default - Overdue Remittance - Notice of Irregularity
(non-payment in spite of our letter)
 4 pts
· Default - Accumulation of Irregularities
BARs do not have any say in the running of the agency programme
17/09/2018

23. Important Note Please make sure that you have a copy of the
BSP Manual for Agents including Chapter 14 in your office.
17/09/2018

24. IATA Customer Service
17/09/2018

25. · IATA Customer Services Help Desk or Portal
The customer queries are handled ONLY through IATA Customer Service Help Desk / Portal. Any queries not sent through the Customer Portal will NOT be answered. Please send your queries to the following:  
17/09/2018

26. · IATA Country homepage - Gulf Area
The IDFS Gulf Area home page has local information regarding this market, including airline key contacts, Customer bulletins and circulars, BSP/CASS performance statistics, as well as links to other IATA products & services.
17/09/2018

27. · BSPlink – www.bsplink.iata.org BSPlink – Enhanced
BSPlink – Enhanced
BSPlink is the user interface for all parties in the BSP Process. This is where you as an Agent will receive all your BSP Reports and corrective actions such as ADM/ACM and Refund Applications are entered and maintained by Airlines and Agents.
17/09/2018

28. IATA Services & Solutions
IATA's wide range of products and services can support the ongoing efforts of many functions within your organization. The following products can be a great benefit to you and to your agency.
17/09/2018

29. Distance Learning http://www.iata.org/training
Attain your personal and professional objectives with more flexible learning opportunities.
17/09/2018

30. International Travel and Tourism Training Programme http://www. iata
Course Title
IATA / UFTAA Programme - Level 3: Stepping into Management 
IATA/UFTAA Global Distribution Systems Fares and Ticketing Course 
IATA/UFTAA Travel Agents' Marketing Course 
IATA/UFTAA Travel and Tourism Training Programme - Level 1: Foundation
IATA/UFTAA Travel and Tourism Training Programme - Level 2: Consultant 
IATA/UFTAA Travel and Tourism Training Programme - Level 4: Senior Management 
17/09/2018

31. The IATA / IATAN Travel Professional ID Card
The IATA/IATAN ID Card confirms the professional status of legitimate travel agents worldwide via strict eligibility criteria and verification procedures.  It is a convenient and reliable tool for travel & tourism suppliers, supporting them in the management, distribution and control of their reduced rate offers for agents
17/09/2018

32. Key Benefits As an IATA / IATAN ID Cardholder:
·     Gain exclusive access to AgentExperience.com, where you can view the specific concessionary offers from participating travel & tourism suppliers honoring the ID Card, including hotels, car rental companies, cruise lines, tourist attractions, and more.
·      Special rates for the IATA/UFTAA training programmes.  Enroll in one of the IATA/UFTAA Four Level Career Path Programmes offered by the IATA Training & Development Institute and save USD 25 to 100. 
17/09/2018

33. Quality Publications, Interactive Tools, Training
IATA Online Store
Quality Publications, Interactive Tools, Training
17/09/2018

34. IATA Services & Solutions
17/09/2018