Overseas Airline Consolidators

By Kent St. John

Several hub cities outside the U.S. are known for cheap consolidator fares. In some case it may pay to fly to one of these cities, then use the consolidator’s low fare to get to your ultimate destination. It’s also good to know about overseas consolidators in case of an emergency. If you need to return home quickly, a consolidator is likely to issue a one-way ticket more rapidly and at less cost than an agency.

Caution: Purchase tickets only from overseas consolidators who accept credit cards. This allows some recourse if there is a problem. (I usually don’t mind paying in cash if the ticket is issued on the spot.) Make sure the service fee doesn’t make the fare more expensive than a regular fare. Don’t trust the prices posted in the windows or given over the phone; taxes and fees may not be included. Be sure to check on the dollar conversion rate the consolidator is using. While consolidators can save you up to 60 percent off a fare, beware of a deal that sounds too good to believe. Get a price from another consolidator. In short, use the same caution you would if you were buying a ticket from a consolidator in the U.S.

While the length of time a consolidator has been in business in the same place is not a guarantee of quality, it does establish a record of basic service. Shady consolidators move frequently. Membership in an organization such as IATAN or ASFA is also a good indicator of reliability. In some countries consolidators are required to be licensed; call the tourist board to find out.

Unlicensed consolidators may be sub-agents and unable to issue their own tickets. If they must acquire them from wholesalers or the airlines this may mean additional fees. Try to call the airline ticketed to make sure the reservation is confirmed, but don’t ask about seats or frequent flyer miles until you are checking in.

KENT ST. JOHN is senior travel editor for www.GoNomad.com.