Airline consolidator
Encyclopedia
An airline consolidator (sometimes called a bucket shop) is a specific kind of airline ticket
reseller. Consolidators work through contracts with major carriers to manage blocks of airline seat
inventory at reduced prices which they then sell. The main benefit being that fares through consolidators will be lower than published rates available from the airlines themselves. Airlines consolidators do not buy the seats in bulk for resale, they sell the available inventory at contracted rates. The consolidator gets the ticket rates at a less rate and they can sell it within a the maximum limit [putting an adequate profit to it]. The consolidator rates are usually lesser than or equal to the net fare.
Consolidators are most beneficial in international markets. For domestic U.S. markets, typically, they are only advantageous for business class
and first class
fares. Tickets purchased through consolidators may have very different fare rules
than typical published fares, and sometimes frequent flyer credit may not be accrued.
Even though many consolidators are online, most consolidators still work only through bona fide retail travel agents.
Airline ticket
An airline ticket is a document, issued by an airline or a travel agency, to confirm that an individual has purchased a seat on a flight on an aircraft. This document is then used to obtain a boarding pass, at the airport...
reseller. Consolidators work through contracts with major carriers to manage blocks of airline seat
Airline seat
An airline seat is a chair on an airliner in which passengers are accommodated for the duration of the journey. Such seats are usually arranged in rows running across the airplane's fuselage...
inventory at reduced prices which they then sell. The main benefit being that fares through consolidators will be lower than published rates available from the airlines themselves. Airlines consolidators do not buy the seats in bulk for resale, they sell the available inventory at contracted rates. The consolidator gets the ticket rates at a less rate and they can sell it within a the maximum limit [putting an adequate profit to it]. The consolidator rates are usually lesser than or equal to the net fare.
Consolidators are most beneficial in international markets. For domestic U.S. markets, typically, they are only advantageous for business class
Business class
Business class is a travel class available on many commercial airlines and rail lines, known by brand names which vary by airline or rail company. In the airline industry, it was originally intended as an intermediate level of service between economy class and first class, but many airlines now...
and first class
First class (aviation)
First class is a luxury travel class on some airliners that exceeds business class, premium economy, and economy class. On a passenger jetliner, first class refers to a limited number of seats or cabins located in the front of the aircraft which are notable for their comfort, service, and privacy...
fares. Tickets purchased through consolidators may have very different fare rules
Travel class
A travel class is a quality of accommodation on public transport. The accommodation could be a seat or a cabin for example. Higher travel classes are more comfortable and more expensive.-Airline booking codes:...
than typical published fares, and sometimes frequent flyer credit may not be accrued.
Even though many consolidators are online, most consolidators still work only through bona fide retail travel agents.