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Booking Authorization

Booking Authorization

Understanding the authorization process.

What Authorization Means

At TravelFirst, no booking is submitted and no charge is processed until you have provided explicit written authorization. Authorization is your written approval of the specific itinerary, amounts, and payment details documented in the authorization document we send you.

Authorization is not a booking. Authorization is not a ticket.

Providing written authorization is your approval for TravelFirst to proceed — it is not itself a booking confirmation, a ticket, or a guarantee of availability. The booking is submitted after your authorization is received and payment is processed. The ticket is issued after the booking is confirmed in the airline's system.

What authorization is

  • Your written approval of the exact amounts stated in the authorization document
  • Your approval to charge the specific payment method identified in the document
  • Your acknowledgment of the billing descriptor that will appear on your statement
  • Your confirmation of the passenger details and itinerary for which the booking will be made

What authorization is NOT

  • A booking confirmation or a guarantee that the itinerary will be ticketed (fare availability is confirmed at time of ticketing)
  • A ticket or e-ticket number
  • Authorization for any amounts beyond those stated in the document
  • Authorization for future charges without separate written approval
  • A blanket authorization for multiple bookings

What the Authorization Document Contains

Before you are asked to authorize anything, TravelFirst sends you an authorization document that contains all of the following, stated explicitly:

  1. Total airfare amount The full airfare figure you are authorizing — including base fare, all taxes, and all carrier-imposed surcharges. No hidden components.
  2. Itemized taxes and fees A breakdown of government taxes and airport fees included in the airfare total. You will know exactly what portion is taxes before you approve.
  3. Agency fee amount (separate line item) The TravelFirst agency fee shown as a discrete, standalone line item — not embedded in or combined with the airfare total.
  4. Charging party for airfare The name of the airline or accredited ticketing partner that will process the airfare charge. This will not be TravelFirst LLC.
  5. Statement descriptor (TRAVELFIRST) The exact descriptor that will appear on your card statement for the agency fee component: TRAVELFIRST
  6. Total amount to be charged The combined total of all amounts — airfare plus agency fee — that will be charged to your payment method upon authorization.
  7. Passenger details for verification Full name(s) of the passenger(s) as they will appear in the booking, for you to verify accuracy before authorizing.

Review every item before you authorize.

The authorization document is your opportunity to review all amounts, fees, passengers, and descriptors before anything is processed. If anything is unclear or appears incorrect, contact us before authorizing. We are happy to clarify any item.

Billing Descriptor

What will appear on your card statement

For the agency fee component charged by TravelFirst LLC:

TRAVELFIRST

For the airfare component charged by the airline or accredited ticketing partner:

The airline or ticketing partner name will appear on your statement — not TRAVELFIRST. The exact descriptor depends on the carrier and your card issuer. The charging party is identified in your authorization document.

If you see TRAVELFIRST on your statement and have any question, contact us before contacting your bank. We can provide same-day documentation for any charge we have processed. 📞 +1 (888) 992-4455

Step-by-Step Authorization Process

1
You submit a travel request

Through TravelFirst's request form, email, or phone. No payment is requested at this stage.

2
TravelFirst researches and presents options

We identify available itineraries and present them with full pricing and fare condition information. Still no charge.

3
You select an itinerary to proceed with

You indicate which option you wish to book. An authorization document is then prepared.

4
Authorization document is sent to you

The document contains all 7 items listed above: total amounts, itemized breakdown, agency fee, charging parties, and billing descriptor.

5
You review and provide written authorization

You review every item, ask any questions, and then provide your written approval to proceed. This is the authorization.

6
Payment is processed and fulfillment begins

Only after your written authorization does TravelFirst process payment and submit the booking for ticketing.

After Authorization

Amounts cannot increase after authorization.

Once you have provided written authorization, the total amount stated in that document is fixed. TravelFirst cannot and will not charge any amount greater than that stated in your authorization. Any additional service, change, or modification that would require a different charge will only be processed after a new, separate authorization document is issued and approved by you.

What happens next

  • Payment is processed — airfare charged by the airline or ticketing partner; agency fee charged by TravelFirst LLC.
  • The booking is submitted to the airline's reservation system through an accredited ticketing channel.
  • Your e-ticket and itinerary confirmation are delivered to the email address on file.
  • A copy of the authorization document is retained on file for 24 months.

If the fare changes before ticketing

In rare circumstances (e.g., fare expiry between authorization and ticketing), TravelFirst will not proceed with a different amount. We will contact you, issue a revised authorization document with the updated amount, and obtain your written approval before proceeding. You are never charged more than you have authorized in writing.

Documentation & Record Retention

TravelFirst maintains complete records of all authorizations, transactions, and confirmations.

24-month record retention

Authorization documents, payment records, and booking confirmations are retained for a minimum of 24 months from the date of the transaction. During this period, we can provide complete documentation for any charge we have processed, upon request.

If you need a copy of your authorization document, payment receipt, or booking confirmation at any time, contact us:

📞 +1 (888) 992-4455   ✉ support@travelfirst.us

What is retained

  • A copy of the authorization document sent to you (including all amounts, fees, and descriptors)
  • Timestamped record of your written authorization
  • Payment processing records (transaction IDs, amounts, dates)
  • Booking confirmation and e-ticket delivery records
  • All correspondence related to the booking

Ready to experience travel without surprises?