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Consolidators purchase airline tickets wholesale and re-sell them to consumers either directly or through travel agents. Using a
consolidator, you can sometimes save 50% or more off the airlines' lowest fares. Before you purchase a ticket with a consolidator,
check with a regular travel agent to make sure that the consolidator is offering you the lowest price available. During airfare sales,
you may be able to get a cheaper ticket with a published fare.
Most consolidators specialize in international travel. In addition to the consolidators, we found a couple of travel agencies that offer discounted domestic travel.
Consolidators usually do not impose all the restrictions that airlines have on advanced purchase fares.
For example, you can fly into one city and depart from another. Saturday night stays
are not required, and you trip can last for more than 30 days.
You need to be cautious when dealing with consolidators. You may not be able to change the dates and times of your travel
after purchasing the ticket. And, in some cases, airlines will not offer frequent flyer miles. Make
sure you pay by credit card so you can use the chargeback option if you have a problem.
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