Airfare Consolidators
Consolidators for flight ticketsThis is Airline Consolidators: All you need to know
Travellers who are always looking for a better fare miss an important resource for low-cost flights: the consolidators of the air carriers. The consolidators buy directly from the carriers at specifically agreed tariffs and then sell them to tour operators or customers at lower tariffs than the advertised tariff. You will often find the best discount on your ticket.
These lower rates are often subject to more constraints than those applied by airlines. If you shop through a consolidator, you may not be entitled to earn FFP mileage or a pre-selection of seats, and you will not have much leeway to make changes to your route without incurring significant modification charges. Flight price consolidators also usually have few personnel, so client services can be minimized.
Prior to posting with a validator, do your homework to ensure that it is a legitimate business. Verify membership in commercial organisations such as the United States Air Consolidators Association (USACA), American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), International Air Transport Association (IATA) or United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA). The tariffs even differ between the consolidators.
Occasionally you will do better with short-term advertising prices from carriers, and the limitations are likely to be similar. Don't miss to find out about low-cost carriers flying to your destinations. You may not be able to earn miles for the qualifying items you buy from Consolidators. Please make sure that you are authorized by the carrier and the validator before buying the flight fare.
Several consolidators allow you to input information about miles when making a booking. In order to help yourself, always use a common debit-card when purchasing your airfare. Acknowledge your booking both before and after buying your tickets. You will receive a data set number from the consolidator if the carrier cannot reconfirm your booking.
Obtain a place when speaking to the carrier and make sure you have a valid place and are not on the waiting list or reserved. Ensure that you receive clear and precise information from your consolidation agent about all guidelines and charges for ticketing cancellation, changes, reimbursements, re-ticketing and expiry date - then check with the carrier.
Where possible, buy your ticket in advance. Buy your ticket in advance. Your ticket will be sent to you. This is a brief listing of air fare consolidators that provide fare services to the general public. Click here for a complete overview. Many consolidators only resell to tour operators. It's by no means all-inclusive. It' a highly competetive business and sales are high, so research your consolidation company thoroughly before you make a booking.
You can also try STA Travel and StudentUniverse.com.