Everything You Need to Know About On Hold Messages for Airlines & Travel Agencies

Whether you're a commercial airline managing thousands of calls a day or a boutique travel agency curating luxury getaways, one thing is certain: your phone line is one of your most powerful touchpoints.

And yet, the "on hold" experience is often overlooked.

For airlines and travel agencies, when a customer calls, they're often looking for urgent information: a flight change, a booking update, or help with travel arrangements.

Silence or generic music isn’t just boring, it’s a missed chance to connect, inform, and impress.

A well-crafted on hold message transforms wait time into a smart brand-building tool.

Why On Hold Messages Matter in Airlines & Travel Agencies

Let’s face it: customers call travel companies when they need answers fast.

This industry sees some of the highest call volumes, especially during peak travel seasons or when unexpected events (think weather disruptions or airline strikes) occur.

And while no one enjoys being on hold, what happens during that wait can make all the difference.

• • A professional on hold message gives your callers more than just elevator music. It provides:
• • Reassurance that they’ve reached the right place.
• • Information that might solve their question before they speak to an agent.
• • Marketing that promotes current travel deals, loyalty programs, or updates.
• • A polished image that boosts your brand credibility.

Instead of dead air, you can use this time to direct callers to your website, tell them about current promotions, explain your hours of operation, or provide alternative contact methods.

It shows that your business is proactive, helpful, and engaged, even before the conversation begins.

Here’s where it gets interesting:

70% of customers who hang up during hold never call back.

But with an engaging and informative on hold message, you reduce hang-ups dramatically while building trust in your brand.

FAQ: Common Questions About On Hold Messages

How long should an on hold message be?

Most effective on hold messages run between 3 to 6 minutes, looping seamlessly to keep the experience engaging without becoming repetitive.

How often should I change my on hold messages?

You should update them at least quarterly to reflect new promotions, seasonal changes, or operational updates.

Should I play more than one on hold telephone music song?

Absolutely! Mixing up your hold music with 2–3 tracks keeps the experience fresh and less monotonous.

Should I consider getting an on hold subscription?

Yes, a subscription ensures your messages stay updated, relevant, and professionally maintained throughout the year.

Examples of Effective On Hold Messages for the Industry

Need some inspiration? Here are a couple of short examples tailored to airlines and travel agencies:

Airline Example:

"Thank you for calling JetAxis Airlines. Your travel matters to us. While you wait, visit jetaxis.com to manage your booking, check flight status, or explore last-minute upgrade offers. A representative will be with you shortly."

Travel Agency Example:

"Planning your next getaway? At Horizon Travel Co., we’re here to help! Ask us about our summer specials to Europe or our new all-inclusive Caribbean packages. Your next adventure is just a call away."

What to Include in Your On Hold Messages

To truly resonate with your callers, your on hold message should be tailored to your services. Consider including:

• • Your business location and hours of operation
• • Key services or promotions currently running
• • Common FAQs (like cancellation policies, payment methods, or travel insurance)
• • Seasonal or time-sensitive updates
• • Strong call-to-actions (visit the website, book now, sign up for email offers)
• • Remember, you're not just filling space—you’re guiding your customer toward their next action.

Best Music On Hold Genres for Airlines & Travel Agencies

The right on hold telephone music can elevate the entire on hold experience.

For airlines, genres like Chillout, Jazz Traditional, and Mellow Moods create a calm yet professional atmosphere that keeps callers engaged.

For travel agencies, Latin or World Beat can add a vibrant, vacation-like vibe that instantly transports callers to their next destination.

You can explore these genres directly on our website.

But here’s the catch: using on hold telephone music without a proper license can land your business in legal hot water.

That’s why licensed, royalty free hold music is essential, it protects your business and ensures you're fully compliant.

Why a Human Voice Over is Essential

When someone’s already frustrated about a travel issue, the last thing they want is a robotic voice.

A warm, professional human voice over brings clarity, comfort, and a personal touch to your messaging.

Even better?

Amazing Voice offers multilingual and accented voice options, perfect for global travelers or culturally diverse audiences.

DIY recordings might seem easy, but they often come off as amateur and can erode trust.

Get a Custom On Hold Message for Your Business

At Amazing Voice, we specialize in creating compelling, professionally voiced on hold messages tailored to your industry.

With fast turnaround times, an easy-to-use ordering process, and years of experience with airlines and travel agencies, we make it simple to sound your best, even when your customers are waiting.

Ready to elevate your on hold experience?

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