Airline Ticket Consolidator

BNT agents can book discounted airline tickets through our airline ticket consolidator, Downtown Travel (TheBestAgent.pro). Here is how consolidator fares work, when they save your clients money and what to check before you issue a ticket.

What is an airline ticket consolidator?

An airline ticket consolidator is a company or travel agency that buys airline tickets in bulk from airlines at discounted rates and then resells them, often at a lower price than standard published fares. Consolidators typically work with travel agents, but they may also sell directly to consumers. They specialize in discounted fares for international flights, though domestic tickets are sometimes available.

How consolidator fares work

• Bulk purchasing: consolidators buy large quantities of tickets from airlines, which lets them negotiate lower prices.

• Resale: they resell these tickets to travel agents or directly to travelers, usually below the regular market rate even after adding a markup.

• Types of fares: consolidator fares are especially useful for last-minute travel, business class and international flights, where savings can be substantial.

• Restrictions: consolidator fares can be less flexible. Date changes may be limited, tickets may be non-refundable and frequent flyer mileage accrual may be reduced.

• Who uses them: budget-conscious travelers, travel agents who need competitive pricing and businesses that want to reduce travel costs.

When a consolidator fare makes sense

• Long-haul international trips, where published fares are highest

• Business class and other premium cabin requests

• Last-minute international travel

• Trips where price matters more to your client than miles or upgrades

When a published fare may be better

• Short domestic flights, where airline sales are often just as low

• Clients with elite status who need full mileage credit and upgrade eligibility

• Trips likely to change, if the consolidator fare is non-refundable

How to quote a consolidator fare

1. Get the client's exact dates, routing, cabin and how flexible they can be.

2. Check the published fare first so you can show the saving.

3. Request a consolidator quote through Downtown Travel.

4. Read the fare rules: changes, refunds, baggage and mileage accrual.

5. Present both options with the rules in plain language, and issue the ticket only after your client approves.

Tips

• Send the fare rules in writing and keep your client's approval on file.

• Make sure the names on the ticket match the passports exactly.

• Offer travel insurance on non-refundable international tickets.

How BNT agents get access

Would you like to get registered with Downtown Travel? Contact our support team and we will help you set up access.

Not a BNT agent yet? See how to join.

More supplier guides for BNT agents: Bedsonline, Expedia TAAP, American Airlines Vacations, Princess, Holland America, Seabourn and Cunard, Viator and our full list of preferred vendors.