One of the first questions every new Travel Professional has is: “How do I actually get paid?” It’s a fair question — after all, this isn’t a typical 9-to-5 paycheck. The travel industry has its own rhythm, and once you understand how commissions work, you’ll see how transparent and straightforward it really is with GOwithHIPPO.
The Truth About Travel Commissions
When a client books travel — whether it’s a flight, resort, cruise, or vacation package — the supplier (like WestJet, Air Canada, Sunwing, Disney, etc.) builds a commission into the total price.
Here’s the important part:
- If a client books directly with the supplier → the supplier keeps the commission as profit.
- If they book with an online giant like Expedia → that company gets the commission.
- If they book with you, a Travel Professional → you earn that commission.
It’s the same trip, the same price for the client, but with a different outcome.
The GOwithHIPPO Split: 70/30
At GOwithHIPPO, we believe in keeping things simple and fair. Our model is a 70/30 commission split:
- You receive 70% of the commission.
- GOwithHIPPO keeps 30%, which goes toward covering operational support, memberships, systems, and the resources that help you run your business smoothly.
✨ Bonus Perk: For personal travel (you or your immediate family), you keep 100% of the commission. That’s our way of saying, “Enjoy the perks of being a HIPPO!”
When Do You Get Paid?
Commissions are usually paid after the client travels, although some suppliers release payment once the trip is fully paid. Once GOwithHIPPO receives the commission, we pay out your share on the 15th of the following month.
Example: If we receive commissions in October → you get paid on November 15th.
What You Need to Do to Get Paid
To make sure everything runs smoothly, there are two important requirements:
- Enter every trip into VacationCRM (VCRM) within 48 hours of booking. Think of it as your digital filing cabinet — it’s how we track and match commissions.
- Keep your HIPPOaccess Fees (HAFs) up to date. Commissions are only paid out if fees are current.
Why Transparency Matters
Some agencies advertise “100% commissions.” But here’s the catch — it’s often 100% of a reduced amount. For example, they might only pass along 5% out of the 10% they receive, while keeping the rest.
At GOwithHIPPO, what you see is what you get. We pass along 70% of the full supplier-paid commission — no hidden percentages, no smoke and mirrors. Integrity matters to us, and it should matter to you, too.
✅ With this system, you get paid fairly, on time, and with full transparency. Your effort equals your reward — and you can focus on doing what you love: helping clients plan unforgettable adventures.