If you’re going on a trip – it’s good to have a plan. So you’ll need the assistance of Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents. These are people who provide advice and information, make reservations, and sell or process tickets for travelers. Some transportation agents work directly with customers at airports, as well as at train or bus stations. Or they may work in large rooms called reservation centers. These places can be crowded and noisy, and often there is pressure to handle customers quickly. Even so, the agent must be polite and able to cope with people who might be in a hurry, or frustrated by delays. Other challenges might include having to lift heavy bags… …or eye strain from looking at a computer screen for several hours at a time. The ability to understand schedules and prices, and a clear speaking voice are requirements for these agents. Most have high school diplomas and are trained on the job, often through formal company training programs. And all agents must have good computer skills. In fact, because computers are increasingly being used to make travel plans, fewer agents will be needed in the years ahead. But the knowledge and assistance of reservation and ticket agents will always be useful: without them, we wouldn’t be a nation on the go.