“I’m not great with technology. Is this going to be a problem?”
It’s one of the most common concerns people raise before joining JLT. And we get it. When you picture a travel agent’s day, you might imagine complicated booking systems, multiple supplier portals, and endless spreadsheets. The thought of managing all that when you still ask your kids for help with the TV remote? Understandably daunting.
So let us give you the honest answer.
Quick Answer
- The real answer: No, you don’t need to be tech-savvy. You need to be willing to learn.
- The myth: That travel agents spend their days navigating complex software only IT professionals could love.
- What matters: Following training, asking questions, and trusting the process.
- The JLT reality check: Our systems are designed to make sense, not test your patience. And there’s always someone to call when you get stuck.
Breaking Down the Tech Fear
Most people who worry about technology aren’t worried about technology at all. They’re worried about feeling stupid. About clicking the wrong button and breaking something. About asking for help and being judged.
It’s a common concern. But the systems are learnable. And the support is real.
How JLT’s Systems Work
JLT uses a live booking platform called Top Dog, built in partnership with Top Dog Travel Systems. It was designed specifically for independent travel agents who need everything in one place.
Instead of logging into dozens of different supplier websites to compare prices, Top Dog pulls options from multiple tour operators, flight consolidators, and transfer companies into a single search. You type in what your client wants. The system shows you what’s available. You pick the best option, add your commission, and send a branded quote.
That’s the core of it.
Yes, there are more features. Yes, it takes time to learn the shortcuts. But the basics? Most agents pick them up within their first few weeks of training.
The platform also handles ATOL certificates, payment reminders, and booking confirmations. Things that used to require manual admin now happen automatically. Dynamic packages represent 30% of sales by the group, and agents using JLT’s quote-building tools saw sales rise by more than 70% in their first month because they could bring holidays to life with professional quotes instead of plain emails.
The Training That Gets You There
JLT’s Academy includes 26 modules. Several of them focus specifically on the booking system, walking you through searching, adding accommodation, flights, transfers, commission, and confirming bookings step by step.
There are video guides. Written instructions. Practice scenarios. And module reviews to check your understanding before you move on.
Most people complete the academy in three to four weeks alongside other commitments. But the real learning happens afterwards, when you start building quotes for actual clients and the muscle memory kicks in.
The Practical Bit
If you can send an email, scroll through Facebook, and book a restaurant online, you have enough technical ability to learn these systems. The rest is patience and practice.
What Happens When You Get Stuck
This is where JLT differs from going it alone.
There’s live tech support in the WhatsApp groups for urgent questions. Weekly Q&A sessions where agents can screen-share and get walked through problems in real time. Training Zooms dedicated to specific system features. And a searchable knowledge hub with cheat sheets, guides, and FAQ answers.
The “no question is too small” culture isn’t a slogan. It’s how things run within JLT.
The Agent Advantage
Technology in travel is a tool, not a barrier. The agents who do well aren’t the ones with computer science degrees. They’re the ones who care about their clients, ask questions when they’re unsure, and keep showing up.
Within JLT, systems are designed to save you time, not test your patience. And when something doesn’t make sense, there’s a whole community ready to help you figure it out.
If you’ve been holding back because you’re worried about the tech side, consider this your permission slip to stop worrying. The systems are learnable. The support is real. And the training is comprehensive.
