Summary
Hotels & resorts: typically 10-16%
Cruises: typically 10-18%
Tours/DMCs: typically 10-20%
Travel insurance: typically 15-40%
Cars/ground: typically 5-10%
Flights—domestic/economy: mostly not commissionable
Flights—international/premium or private: up to 22%
VIP perks don't reduce commission—they're added benefits
Commission rates by category
Hotels & resorts
Type | Typical commission |
Luxury programs (Virtuoso, Signature, etc.) | 10-12% + VIP amenities |
Resorts | 12-16% |
Boutique properties | 10-15% |
Standard hotels | 10-15% |
All-inclusives | Varies by property |
VIP perks (don't reduce commission):
Room upgrades (when available)
Complimentary breakfast
Property credits ($100+ for spa, dining, etc.)
Early check-in / late checkout
Cruises
Type | Typical commission |
Mainstream lines | 10-12% |
Premium lines | 12-15% |
Luxury lines | 12-18% |
River cruises | Varies |
Some cruise programs offer additional onboard perks for clients without reducing commission.
Tours, DMCs & experiences
Type | Typical Commission |
Tours | 10-20% |
Activities | 10-15% |
DMC (Destination Management Company) services—local operators who handle ground logistics, transfers, guides, and curated experiences in a specific destination | 15-20% |
Experiences (via supported partners) | Varies |
Travel insurance
Type | Typical commission |
Travel insurance | 15-40% |
Insurance is often a high-margin category relative to the booking value.
Cars & ground transportation
Type | Typical Commission |
Rental cars | 5-10% (varies widely) |
Transfers/ground | Varies by supplier |
Car rentals vary significantly by supplier and program.
Flights
Type | Commission |
Domestic economy | Generally NOT commissionable |
International economy | Generally NOT commissionable |
International business/first | Sometimes commissionable (up to ~22%) via third-party air desk |
Private charter | Commissionable up to 20% |
Many advisors charge service fees for flight booking support since flights often don't pay commission.
Understanding gross vs. net rates
There are two ways commission can be structured depending on the supplier. Most bookings use gross rates; net rates are less common and work differently.
Gross rates (most common, Fora standard)
Client pays the published rate; supplier pays commission later.
Example:
Client pays $1,000 to hotel
Hotel pays $150 commission (15%) to Fora
You receive 70% of $150 = $105
Net rates
Supplier provides a wholesale/net rate; you set the retail rate; your income is the markup.
Example:
Supplier offers $800 net rate
You sell to client for $1,000
Your income is $200 markup
Most advisors primarily book using gross commissions, especially for hotels and cruises.
Factors affecting commission
What can increase commission
Factor | Impact |
Preferred partnerships | Higher negotiated rates |
Booking volume | Some suppliers offer bonuses |
Luxury programs | Often higher base rates |
Group bookings | Volume-based incentives |
Insurance add-ons | High-margin addition |
What can reduce or eliminate commission
Factor | Impact |
Discounted/promotional rates | May reduce or eliminate commission |
Third-party OTA (Online Travel Agency, e.g. Expedia or Booking.com) bookings | Usually not commissionable |
Certain suppliers | Some simply don't pay commission |
Common scenarios
If... | Then... |
Client books a $5,000 luxury hotel stay | ~$500-800 gross commission → ~$350-560 to you (at 70/30) |
Client books a $10,000 cruise | ~$1,000-1,800 gross commission → ~$700-1,260 to you |
Client books a $3,000 tour | ~$300-600 gross commission → ~$210-420 to you |
Client needs flight support | Consider a service fee; flights often don't pay commission |
Client adds travel insurance | Additional 15-40% commission on insurance cost |
FAQs
Do VIP perks reduce my commission?
No. VIP perks (upgrades, breakfast, credits) are added benefits that don't reduce commission.
Are these rates guaranteed?
No. Rates are typical ranges and vary by supplier, property, and booking type.
How do I know the commission on a specific booking?
The Fora Portal shows commission rates for most bookings. You can also check with specific suppliers.
Can I negotiate higher commission rates?
Individual advisors generally can't negotiate rates. Fora negotiates preferred rates on behalf of all advisors.
What category has the best commission?
Tours/DMCs and insurance often have the highest percentage rates. Luxury hotels and cruises can have high absolute amounts due to booking values.
Why don't all flights pay commission?
Airlines largely eliminated travel agent commissions in the 2000s. Some international premium cabins are exceptions.