5 Differences of Consolidator Air Tickets
There are a few differences between standard published airfares and consolidator tickets which you should know about:
#1 Most of the time, no prices will be printed on the ticket. Airlines don't want you to know how cheap they are willing to sell their
tickets to consolidators, wholesalers and tour operators!
#2 if you change your plans and wish to change flights, or have your ticket endorsed and transferred to use on another airline, you may not be able to. Most airlines will not accept consolidator tickets issued on other airlines. However, if the airline cancels your flight, they are bound by law to accommadate you to another flight.
#3 there is usually no advance purchase requirement on consolidator tickets, whereas practically all retail published fares will require a 7, 14 or 21 day advance purchase.
#4 you cannot purchase a consolidator ticket direct from an airline, you can only purchase it from a travel agency
selling consolidator air tickets.
#5 many consolidator tickets can be canceled after purchase but before the travel date. It may have a stiff penalty though. That's still better than the airline's
published retail fares, once purchased, you loose your money if you cancel..
Most people consider the differences between a consolidator ticket and a retail ticket a small trade-off for the savings they enjoy with the consolidator ticket!
Make sure to check out the rules before you buy your ticket. Consolidator tickets (unlike many other inexpensive airline tickets) may be refundable with a penalty, be sure to ask. And when you fly with a consolidator ticket,
you travel as any other person paying a higher airfare. You'll entitled to get special meals and other benefits
as a normal passenger, including frequent flyer miles.
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