A

A la carte

This usually refers to meals, an indication that each dish is priced separately; also that a choice of meals may be available, such as on a tour.

Abeam

A directional term, used on ships and aircraft, which describes something off to the side of the vessel, such as the wings.

Add-on

An option, usually at extra cost, added to travel arrangements.

Adjoining rooms

Two hotel or accommodation rooms that have a door connecting them from the inside, allowing the guests to combine the two rooms into one larger room.

Availability

The total number of seats allowed to be sold at a particular rate.

Airport access fee

A fee paid to the airport authority by car rental companies for the use of shuttle vehicles. This often appears in customer’s car rental bills.

Agent

A person who has the power to act as the representative for another person.  Most Frequently in travel, a specific kind of agent such as a travel agent.

Aft

Toward the rear of a ship.

Airport transfer

A transport service to/from an airport to hotel, etc., normally prepaid as part of a package tour, but available separately as well.

All Inclusive

Sold for one price that includes charges and fees that are often added separately.

All-inclusive package

A tour package in which most travel elements are purchased for set price. Also called an all-expense package.

Amenities

A desirable or useful feature or facility of a building or place

Average room rate

The total guest room revenue for a given period divided by the number of rooms occupied for the same period.

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B

Base fare

The cost of an airfare prior to addition of fees, taxes or surcharges.

Blackout dates

Specific dates in which special fares or promotions do not apply. Typically exist around holidays or special events.

Boarding pass

A ticket issued at airport check-in that authorizes airplane boarding.

Bulk fare

A reduced fare for purchases of a large number of tickets.

Business class

While amenities vary based on the airline, business class generally falls between first class and coach.

Babymoon

A relaxing and romantic vacation or getaway taken by parents-to-be before their baby is born.

Baggage Allowance

The amount of baggage a passenger may transport without having to pay extra charges, determined by the carrier.

Bed and breakfast (B&B)

Overnight accommodations usually in a private home or boarding house, often with a full American-style or Continental breakfast included in one rate.

Berth

Usually refers to the bed in a ship’s cabin; also space at which a ship is docked.

Boarding pass

A receipt with a seat number, now issued only at check-in at the airport. A ticket is not valid unless a boarding pass has been issued. A Boarding Pass is not a ticket but allows you to board a plane or ship or other modes of transportation.

C

Cabin

The passenger area on an aircraft; the stateroom aboard a cruise ship.

Cabin Crew

The collective group of flight attendants and the purser as a whole. The cabin crew is responsible primarily for handling the duties within the cabin.

Cancellation penalty/fee

The monetary penalty due when travel plans are cancelled, usually after final payment has been made.

Captain

The captain is the pilot or commander of an aircraft or a ship

Carrier

Generic term for any company that transports passengers and/or freight.

Corporate agency

A travel agency that usually caters to medium-large sized businesses.

Conventional Tours

A gathering of professionals or others to discuss matters of common interest in a foreign land.

Carry-on

Currently, there are no uniformly enforced airline restrictions concerning carry-on luggage.

Certified Tour Professional (CTP)

A designation conferred upon tour professionals who have completed a prescribed course of academic study, professional service, tour employment, and evaluation requirements. The CTP program is administered by the National Tour Association (Lexington, KY) and is open to individuals employed in any segment of the tourism industry.

Certified Travel Associate – (CTA)

A travel professional certified by the Institute of Certified Travel Agents, who has passed a series of rigorous tests, assuring the traveling public of professional competence.

Circle trip

Any trip that involves more than a single destination, but which returns to the initial point of departure.

City Guide

A tour guide who points out and comments on the highlights of a city, usually from a motor coach or van.

Confirmed Reservation

An oral or written statement by a travel supplier that they have received and will honor a reservation.

Connecting Flight

A flight that makes a stop at an intermediate point where the traveler must change planes in order to continue/connect to another flight to reach their destination.

Connecting Room

Two rooms that are connected to each other by a door. These rooms can be sold as a connecting/adjoining room to the same party or separately to two different parties (in which case the doors are locked from both sides).

D

Database

A computerized, organized collection of individual customer information.

Deck

The floor area of a ship. Some cruise liners have as many as 11 or more decks.

Deposit

An advance payment required to obtain and confirm a reservation.

Destination

The geographic place to which a traveler is going.

Direct Flight

A flight that goes from a traveler’s origin to their final destination with no intermediate stops.

Domestic Fare

An additional fare added to an international flight/fare.

Double occupancy

the way in which almost all cruise fares and tour packages are quoted, that is, based on two people traveling together. Most hotel rooms are quoted based on two adults to a room.

Downgrade

To move to a lesser level of accommodations or a lower class of service.

Duty-free imports

Item amounts and categories specified by a government that are fee of tax or duty charges when brought into the country.

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