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Travel agents are always looking for ways to offer their clients the best deals on flights. One way to do this is by using an airfare consolidator. An airfare consolidator is a company that buys tickets in bulk from airlines and then sells them to travel agents at a discounted rate. In this article, we will take a closer look at airfare consolidators and how they can benefit travel agents and their clients.
What are Airfare Consolidators?
Airfare consolidators are companies that purchase tickets in bulk from airlines at a discounted rate. They then sell these tickets to travel agents who can offer them to their clients at a lower price than what is available on the airline’s website. Airfare consolidators are able to negotiate these discounted rates because they buy in such large quantities.
How Do Airfare Consolidators Work?
When an airline has unsold seats on a flight, they may turn to an airfare consolidator to help fill those seats. The consolidator will purchase a block of seats at a discounted rate and then sell them to travel agents at a slightly higher rate. The travel agent can then sell these seats to their clients at a lower price than what is available on the airline’s website, making it a win-win situation for everyone involved.
What are the Benefits of Using an Airfare Consolidator?
There are several benefits to using an airfare consolidator for travel agents. Firstly, they are able to offer their clients lower prices on flights, which can help them to be more competitive in the market. Secondly, airfare consolidators often provide travel agents with access to a wide range of airlines and destinations, making it easier for them to find the best deals for their clients. Finally, airfare consolidators provide travel agents with a one-stop-shop for all their flight bookings, which can save them time and hassle.
How Can Travel Agents Find Airfare Consolidators?
There are several ways that travel agents can find airfare consolidators to work with. One way is to simply search online for “airfare consolidators” or “wholesale airfare.” Another way is to attend travel industry trade shows and conferences, where airfare consolidators often have a presence. Finally, travel agents can also ask other agents for recommendations on airfare consolidators that they have worked with and had success with in the past.
Are There Any Drawbacks to Using an Airfare Consolidator?
While there are many benefits to using an airfare consolidator, there are also some potential drawbacks to be aware of. Firstly, travel agents may not have as much control over the ticketing process as they would if they were booking directly with the airline. Secondly, there may be restrictions on the types of tickets that can be booked through an airfare consolidator, such as limited availability on certain flights or limited refund options. Finally, travel agents may need to be prepared to handle any issues that arise with their clients’ bookings, as the consolidator may not be as responsive to customer service inquiries as the airline would be.
Conclusion
Overall, airfare consolidators can be a great resource for travel agents looking to offer their clients the best deals on flights. By partnering with an airfare consolidator, travel agents can save time and money, while also providing their clients with access to a wider range of airlines and destinations. While there are some potential drawbacks to using an airfare consolidator, the benefits generally outweigh any risks, making it a worthwhile option for many travel agents.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Lower prices on flights – Access to a wide range of airlines and destinations – One-stop-shop for all flight bookings |
– Limited control over ticketing process – Restrictions on types of tickets – Limited customer service |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an airfare consolidator?
An airfare consolidator is a company that purchases tickets in bulk from airlines at a discounted rate and then sells them to travel agents at a slightly higher rate.
How can travel agents benefit from using an airfare consolidator?
Travel agents can benefit from using an airfare consolidator by being able to offer their clients lower prices on flights, access to a wider range of airlines and destinations, and a one-stop-shop for all flight bookings.
What are the potential drawbacks to using an airfare consolidator?
The potential drawbacks to using an airfare consolidator include limited control over the ticketing process, restrictions on the types of tickets that can be booked, and limited customer service.
How can travel agents find airfare consolidators to work with?
Travel agents can find airfare consolidators to work with by searching online, attending travel industry trade shows and conferences, or asking for recommendations from other agents.
Are there any risks associated with using an airfare consolidator?
While there are some potential risks associated with using an airfare consolidator, such as limited control over the ticketing process and limited customer service, the benefits generally outweigh any risks.