Looking for a way to save big money on air travel? I am always on the lookout for ways to stretch the travel budget and recently received an e-mail from Bargain Travel spelling out exactly what a “Consolidator” is and what great savings can be had if you are thinking Business Class. This e-mail was so interesting that I asked Bargain Travel’s permission to pass on to you.

Consolidators are companies that negotiate with airlines to buy up seats that wouldn’t otherwise be sold. Think of them as a type of wholesaler. The tickets they sell are primarily for international flights but there are many available for domestic flights as well. Consolidators buy in large volumes, so they can offer their tickets for substantially less than normal published fares. You may find consolidator tickets available for flights shown as sold-out through the airlines, and the reverse can happen when consolidators may not currently have the exact itinerary you are looking for even though the flights may be available directly from the airline.

Bargain Travel works with many of the largest flight consolidators in the United States and offers an excellent selection of flights originating in the U.S. and Canada to places throughout the world including, but not limited to Europe, Asia, South America, Australia and Central America.

Singapore’s Changi Airport
Now for the big question. If the savings are so great, why would you not want to buy a Consolidator ticket? Because…

- You may be unable to meet the restrictions that the consolidator imposes, such as too many stops or an inconvenient travel time.

- You may feel uncomfortable not having a seat assignment until after you purchase the tickets.

- Most consolidators do have penalties for changes in travel plans such as cancellation and/or change fees.

- Some consolidators will not accept third party payment for tickets. Those that do, will always require a credit card authorization form.

- On one-way flights, many consolidators will require a credit card authorization form to help prevent fraud.

If you are flexible and willing to work within certain minimal restrictions, you can see the world for a lot less than even airline discount fares. Take a look and see how much you can save!

flying into Chicago, my home town
Bargain Travel has been an online travel agency since March 2001. From the beginning, they have offered international flights through a database of consolidators via an easy to use interface on their web site. Visitors can find savings of up to 60% off of regular published fares when purchasing consolidator tickets through their web site. Check it out. I’m certainly going to especially since I’d rather sit in Business Class then Economy any day of the week. Wouldn’t you?