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Outlet Ticket Shopping
Cheap Charlie · September 15, 1999

Every so often, Cheap Charlie refers to "consolidators." Several of you have recently asked what a consolidator is. Good question.

Consolidators are an unusual breed. A consolidator is a discount airline ticket-seller. When normal airline deep-discounts still leave significant numbers of empty seats available on a given flight, the airlines release seats to consolidators who can sell these discounted tickets through travel agents, or in some cases directly to the public.

You might call them the "factory outlets" of airlines. As with many discount stores, the names of the airlines are not advertised. Most of these operations are closely aligned with the major airlines. Just as you might see a Mikasa Factory Outlet, some consolidators are what might be called a "Northwest/KLM Factory Outlet" or the "TWA Factory Outlet."

Consolidators are not limited to no-name airlines. The world's largest airlines all sell tickets through consolidators. You will be told of your airline choices before you purchase any tickets, and they will be clearly marked on your ticket. Consolidator tickets can be purchased for domestic and international travel.

Though there are horror stories about consolidators, if you stick to the rule of using a credit card and working through a reputably travel agent, there is nothing to fear, only bargains to be enjoyed.

Where do you find consolidators? The travel sections of major newspapers such as The New York Times have scores of advertisements, but the best way to work with consolidators is through a travel agent.

Consolidators have their own language and with different consolidators specializing in different airlines, it helps to have someone who knows the ropes. Consolidator fares normally are competitive with advance-purchase airfares; however: you do not have to purchase your ticket until the day of the flight if seats are still available. Your benefit is flexibility of purchase time, combined with advance-purchase pricing.

BE CAREFUL: Consolidator tickets may be more expensive than deep-discount promotions. Make sure to do your homework. Consolidators have several drawbacks: Depending on the type of ticket you purchase, you may not be eligible for frequent-flier mileage credits or frequent-flier upgrades. Your choice of airline and selection of available flight times are also limited.

Also, with many consolidator tickets, seat assignments may only be given at flight time at the airport, and some of these tickets also preclude special meals. Your ticket theoretically is only valid on the airline originally indicated on the ticket.

If there is a flight cancellation or delay, you will either have to take a later flight on that airline, which may mean staying overnight, or purchase a full-fare ticket, eliminating any discount benefit. (Reportedly, some airlines have been known to make unofficial arrangements for stranded consolidator ticket holders, but don't bet on it.)

Consolidator tickets cannot be refunded through the airlines -- they must be refunded through the consolidator. In some cases they are nonrefundable. Buy consolidator tickets only with credit cards. If the consolidator goes bankrupt or fails to send you your ticket, you can cancel the charge. Currently, most nonrefundable tickets purchased from airlines can be reapplied to another flight upon payment of a small fee if your plans change; consolidators may not allow that flexibility.

First- and business-class consolidator tickets are hard to find. Be careful when buying discount premium class fares to insure you are actually dealing with a consolidator rather than a frequent flier coupon broker that involves significant risks. For more information on consolidators, ask your travel agent. They normally work with several consolidators for international and domestic travel.

The Consumer Reports Travel Letter often reports on international and domestic airline consolidators and has back issues available. More cheap deals can be found on the Web, through Internet consolidators or through the auction sites, and through what are called "Net Fares." We'll deal with those in the future.

Charlie Leocha is the Boston-based author of Travel Rights: Know the Rules of the Road and the Air Before You Go. Cheap Charlie appears every Monday on this site. E-mail him at cheapch@aol.com or access his Web site.