FOR EXPERIENCED TRAVEL ADVISORS
Switching Host Travel Agencies?
Move Your Business Forward with BNT.
You have already invested in learning the business, building client relationships, and finding the travel you love to sell. Your next host agency should support that work with terms that make sense for your business.
BNT Travel Group welcomes independent travel advisors considering a change of host agency. Join a host operating since 2004, with no monthly or annual host fees, a commission split starting at 80%, and opportunities to grow to 90%.
One-time $299 registration fee. Supplier access, training, agent tools, and ongoing support included. Account activity requirements apply.
AT A GLANCE
Since 2004
Host travel agency based in New York
$0
Monthly and annual host fees
Up to 90%
Commission split, starting at 80%
WHY ADVISORS CHANGE HOSTS
Why do experienced travel advisors switch host agencies?
Most advisors do not leave a host agency over one bad day. They leave when the arrangement no longer fits the business they have built.
Fees that keep adding up
Monthly, annual, or technology fees that made sense at the start can weigh more as your business grows.
Supplier access that no longer fits your niche
Your focus may have moved to cruises, luxury, tours, or groups, and you need supplier relationships that match it.
A split that does not grow with you
Advisors who sell more want a commission structure that recognizes their production.
Support that does not keep pace
Slow answers on bookings, commissions, or supplier access cost you time with clients.
Limits on your own brand
Some arrangements make it harder to market under your own business name.
Terms that are hard to plan around
Unclear requirements or payout rules make it difficult to plan your income.
If any of these sound familiar, it may be time to compare your options. Below, see how BNT approaches each one, and how to plan a transition that protects your clients and your commissions.
PENDING COMMISSIONS
Waiting for pending commissions?
Don't let them hold your business back.
Pending commissions are the most common reason experienced advisors postpone a move. It is a fair concern. But waiting rarely protects your income. More often, it only pushes back the day your future bookings start working for you.
YOUR CURRENT PIPELINE
Pending commissions stay where they were booked
Bookings made through your current host are usually serviced and paid under your current agreement. Confirm those terms with your host, then let that pipeline pay out while you move forward.
YOUR NEW PIPELINE
New bookings start building with BNT
Once your onboarding and supplier setup are complete, new reservations go through BNT. Most supplier commissions are paid after clients travel, so the sooner you start, the sooner your BNT commissions begin to arrive.
THE COST OF WAITING
Every month you postpone adds up
Each month of delay is another month of new bookings placed under terms that no longer fit your business, plus any host fees you keep paying in the meantime.
Think of it as a snowball. Every booking you place with BNT today turns into commission that keeps arriving month after month. The longer you wait to start, the later your snowball begins to roll.
Not sure how your current agreement handles pending commissions?
Ask us how to plan your switch →
ON THIS PAGE
Why switch · Existing bookings · Transition plan · What moves with you · Compare costs · Is BNT right for you? · FAQ
WHY SWITCH
Why switch to BNT Travel Group?
When comparing host agencies, look at what you actually use, what you pay, and what you keep from your sales.
No monthly or annual host fees
BNT charges a one-time $299 registration fee to cover initial setup. There is no mandatory monthly or annual host agency membership fee.
That gives you a clear starting cost without adding a recurring host subscription to your business expenses. Optional services, personal industry memberships, and other business expenses may carry separate costs.
Review BNT’s pricing →
Commission splits starting at 80%
Every BNT advisor starts at an 80% commission split, including advisors switching from another host agency. Opportunities to reach 85% and 90% are based on the annual commission milestones described in our agent agreement.
Compare the complete arrangement: the supplier commission available on the trips you sell, your share of that commission, and any fees you pay.
Room for your own travel brand
BNT works with individual advisors and travel business entities. You can promote your own business name while making eligible bookings under BNT’s agency credentials.
Your destination knowledge, sales experience, and understanding of your clients remain valuable when you change hosts.
Learn how to promote your travel brand →
Supplier access for the travel you sell
Build your business around cruises, vacation packages, hotels, tours, car rentals, and travel insurance. BNT’s Travel Leaders Network affiliation also provides access to network resources and supplier programs, subject to their requirements.
Before joining, review the suppliers that matter most to your niche.
A back office that supports your daily work
The BNT Agent Back Office brings together essential how-to videos, business tools, client forms, sales reporting, and operational resources.
You also receive access to supplier training and weekday email support for questions about BNT procedures, your account, and supplier access.
See what's inside the back office →
TRANSITION PLAN
How to switch host travel agencies: a practical transition plan
STEP 1
Review your current agency agreement
Check the provisions covering termination, notice, pending commissions, client information, and any restrictions on other agency affiliations.
If a provision is unclear, obtain clarification before committing to a departure date. Seek qualified advice where needed.
STEP 2
List your open bookings and outstanding commissions
Create a record of upcoming travel, final payment dates, expected commissions, and unresolved client requests.
Separate bookings that must remain with your current host from new business you intend to place through BNT. Confirm the servicing and payout arrangements with your existing agency in writing.
STEP 3
Compare BNT with your actual business needs
Consider your main suppliers, typical booking types, annual commissions, and preferred way of working.
BNT supports a leisure travel business. We do not support standalone airline ticket sales, guarantee clients, or provide Errors and Omissions insurance.
Review our pricing and activity requirements before applying.
STEP 4
Complete your BNT enrollment and supplier setup
After approval and enrollment, follow BNT’s onboarding instructions and register with the suppliers you plan to use.
Some suppliers may allow an existing advisor profile to be updated. Others require a new registration under your new agency. Follow each supplier’s process rather than assuming every login can be transferred.
STEP 5
Update your business information and begin new bookings
Once your access is confirmed, update the agency information associated with your new bookings and any applicable business disclosures.
When permitted under your current agreement, explain the transition to clients who need to know. Make clear which agency is handling each existing reservation and where future bookings will be placed.
WHAT MOVES WITH YOU
What moves with you, and what needs review?
PART OF YOUR BUSINESS
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your experience and destination knowledge
You bring these skills to your work with BNT.
Your own business name
You can promote your own brand through BNT.
Client records and relationships
Review your existing agreement and applicable permissions before transferring data or contacting clients.
Existing reservations
Plan for them to remain with the original agency unless an approved transfer is possible.
Outstanding commissions
Payment depends on your previous agency agreement and the handling of those bookings.
Supplier logins
A supplier may update your affiliation or require a new account.
Training and certifications
Ask the issuing supplier or organization whether your record can be retained or updated.
Personal industry ID cards
Eligibility and affiliation changes must be confirmed separately.
COMPARE COSTS
Compare the cost of your next host agency
A higher advertised commission split does not tell you everything. Neither does a lower registration fee.
For a useful comparison, estimate:
Supplier commission on your expected bookings × your advisor split − applicable host fees.
For example, $50 in monthly host fees adds up to $600 per year. BNT’s $299 registration fee is an upfront cost, with no mandatory monthly or annual host membership fee. That example compares host fees only; your total earnings also depend on supplier commission rates, your split, and other applicable expenses.
Qualifying new BNT agents can receive a refund of the $299 registration fee when BNT receives at least $350 in their agent share of supplier commissions within three months of joining. The refund is added to the next commission payment. Renewals are excluded.
Commissions paid through your former host do not count toward BNT’s refund requirement.
IS BNT RIGHT FOR YOU?
Is BNT the right host agency for your next stage?
BNT MAY BE A GOOD FIT IF YOU WANT TO
✓ Sell cruises, vacation packages, hotels, tours, and other leisure travel.
✓ Operate under your own brand.
✓ Avoid monthly and annual host membership fees.
✓ Grow your commission split up to 90% at the highest tier, based on the annual milestones in the agent agreement.
✓ Develop your client base through your own relationships, referrals, and marketing.
✓ Use supplier training and agent resources to expand your expertise.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about switching to BNT
Can experienced travel agents join BNT from another host agency?
Yes. BNT welcomes experienced advisors from other host agencies. Review your current contractual obligations and BNT’s program terms before arranging your transition.
Will I lose pending commissions if I leave my current host?
That depends on your current agreement. Some agencies have conditions affecting commissions after termination. Confirm your position directly with your existing host before leaving. BNT cannot guarantee payment of commissions held by another agency.
Can I transfer existing cruise or vacation bookings to BNT?
Sometimes, but transfers are not automatic. They depend on the supplier’s policy, the booking’s status, and any required agency and client authorizations. Contact BNT with the supplier and booking details before planning around a transfer.
Can I stay with my current host while joining BNT?
Do not assume overlapping affiliations are permitted. Check your existing agreement and discuss your proposed transition with BNT before enrolling. Pending reservations and commission payments need to be considered separately from where you place new business.
Do experienced advisors start at a higher commission split?
Every advisor starts at 80%. BNT offers opportunities to reach 85% and 90% under the annual commission milestone terms in the agent agreement. Previous production with another agency does not automatically establish a higher starting split.
Do I receive my own CLIA or IATA accreditation?
BNT agents make eligible bookings under BNT Travel Group’s agency credentials, issued in BNT’s name. Joining does not give you separate personal CLIA or IATA accreditation.
A personal CLIA EMBARC ID is separate and requires qualification. Review BNT’s personal CLIA membership requirements.
Do I have to repeat all my supplier training?
Not necessarily. Ask each supplier whether your existing certifications and training history can remain associated with your advisor profile. You will still need to learn BNT’s booking submission, reporting, and commission procedures.
How quickly can I start booking through BNT?
Timing depends on application approval, completed onboarding, and the suppliers you need. Begin booking only after BNT confirms your enrollment and the relevant supplier access is active.
READY FOR YOUR NEXT STAGE?
Give your next stage a stronger foundation
You already know the work behind a successful trip. Choose a host agency whose costs, resources, and expectations fit the business you want to build.
Explore BNT’s terms, review your current commitments, and ask us about the suppliers and booking arrangements that matter to you.
Still planning your move? Contact BNT about switching host agencies.