Consolidators
purchase large blocks of tickets and resell them at a reasonable
mark up. While you can often get a cheap ticket, buying at a
discount through a consolidator has its tradeoffs. You won't have
much flexibility for time changes or exchanges, and customer service
will sometimes be minimal.
Finding a Consolidator
Here is a short list of consolidators. It is by no means
comprehensive. Inclusion here does not imply endorsement by
CaribbeanLime Travel Services USA.
OneTravel:
Save up to 70% on your next trip!
Alaska
Airlines: Save on your airfares
Airline Consolidator.com, International Travel
through out the world.
Cheap
Tickets: Airfares, Various
Economy Travel
Lowest International airfares
Travelocity.com:
Domestic and International Travel
Discountfares.com
:
Big savings at discountairfares.co
The Sunday travel sections of major newspapers are also a great
place to look -- they are full of ads from consolidators.
Some things to keep in mind if you do go through a consolidator:
- The tickets you purchase from consolidators may not be eligible
for frequent flyer mileage. Verify eligibility with the airline and
consolidator before purchasing the ticket. Some consolidators allow you to enter frequent flyer mile information
when making your reservation.
- Some outfits try to pass charter fares off as discounted airfares.
While these may be cheaper than scheduled airlines, charters are
notorious for delays, overbooking and infrequent flights.
- Shop around carefully to make sure you are getting the bargain you
think you are. Fares vary even among consolidators. Make sure the
price you are quoted includes all applicable taxes and departure
fees. Sometimes you will do better with short-term promotional fares
that crop up during fare wars or with discount airlines.
- Purchase tickets in person, and use a major credit card. If there
is any problem obtaining a valid ticket, you will then have some
recourse for denying payment through your credit card company. Some
consolidators will pass along a credit card surcharge of 2-5%.
- Confirm your reservation both before and after purchasing your
ticket. If the airline can't confirm your reservation, obtain a
record locator number from the consolidator. If it still can't be
confirmed, do not buy the ticket. Get a seat reservation when
talking with the airline and make sure you have a confirmed seat and
are not wait-listed or reserved.
- Make sure you obtain clear and accurate information from your
agent regarding all policies and fees for ticket cancellations,
changes, refunds, re-ticketing and expiration dates. Verify these
with the airline.
- Purchase your tickets in advance. If you run into problems you
don't want to be scrambling at the last minute.
