As more travel agencies handle credit card payments via GDS platforms like Amadeus, Sabre or Travelport, PCI DSS compliance has become a growing requirement, especially for IATA-accredited agents. But the good news? Most travel agencies do NOT need full-blown PCI audits. We’ll break down practical PCI DSS compliance solutions customised for travel businesses, so you can stay secure, avoid unnecessary costs and meet industry standards without the stress. The IATA accreditation is a globally recognized symbol of authenticity. In order to increase choice and customer service, IATA is dedicated to collaborating with all travel agents. Global standards for airline efficiency, sustainability, safety, and security are provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in support of aviation. Let's explore the benefits of joining this prestigious club as an IATA-accredited agency and demystify the different accreditation levels: IATA GoLite, IATA GoStandard, and IATA GoGlobal.
PCI DSS is a global standard that sets the rules for securely handling credit card transactions. If your travel agency processes, shares or stores payment data, meeting these requirements is not optional, it’s essential for compliance and customer trust.
But not all agencies handle data the same way. Most travel agents only type card details into a secure GDS. That distinction matters.
If your travel agency:
Then you’re likely eligible for SAQ C-VT — the simplest PCI DSS self-assessment form designed for virtual terminal-based manual payment entry.
Skybook Global provides the right PCI DSS compliance solutions to help travel agencies like yours meet these requirements with ease.
| Requirement | SAQ C-VT (Most Travel Agencies) | SAQ A (Rare Case) |
|---|---|---|
| Card entered by staff | Yes | No |
| Card data stored? | No | No |
| Fully outsourced processing? | No (entered manually) | Yes (customer enters on hosted page) |
| Uses GDS/BSP forms | Common | Not applicable |
| Compliance difficulty | Light | Very light (but rarely applicable) |
IATA requires that all BSP-participating travel agencies declare their PCI DSS compliance. Even without storing cardholder data, you’re still responsible for ensuring secure payment handling.
Currently, many QSAs charge $2,000–$5,000 for PCI DSS certification, often issuing SAQ C-VT. But here’s the catch:
Most travel agencies don’t need this level of audit.
At Skybook Global, We provide comprehensive PCI DSS compliance solutions customized specifically for travel agencies. Here’s how we simplify the process for you:
How to Become PCI DSS Compliant (Step-by-Step)
1. Classify your risk – Are you storing, transmitting or just keying in data?
2. Use secure GDS entry only – No emails, screenshots or written notes.
3. Harden your device – Antivirus, browser security, no open downloads.
4. Complete SAQ C-VT – Self-assessment with required documentation.
5. Get help if needed – Don’t overpay for unnecessary audits.
Yes. If you enter card data (even if you don’t store it), you are still in PCI DSS scope.
It’s a self-assessment for merchants who manually enter card data via secure portals, without storing it.
Yes. If your setup is simple, a facilitator like Skybook Global can negotiate with a QSA and secure the best PCI DSS compliance solutions for travel agencies.
Disclaimer: Skybook Global is not a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) or PCI-accredited audit body. Our services are limited to advisory support, facilitation of the SAQ process and providing best-practice compliance documentation. For formal certification or audit requirements, please consult an accredited QSA.
Don’t let PCI DSS overwhelm or slow down your travel business. If you’re using a GDS and not storing cardholder data, you can become compliant without the hassle or high costs.
Contact Skybook Global today to simplify your PCI DSS compliance solutions.
