In the current climate of airline fare wars, airline consolidators have changed the discount airfare scene substantially by having an agreement with the airlines, usually the major carriers, to buy tickets in bulk at a discount price, which the airline consolidator then sells, mostly to travel agencies.

Airline consolidators can also be agents who specialize in a particular destination, aiming their sales at people who travel regularly to a certain region, e.g., immigrants returning home on business or vacation. Often the destination will be a non-English speaking country, so if you have a yen to visit someplace off the beaten track, seek out a specialist travel agent who may also be the official representative of that country’s national airline.

Some retail travel agents offer discount prices for international ticketing, specializing in all the complexities of fare construction, importing tickets and liaising with consolidators for all the major airlines. Known in the trade by the derogative term “bucket shops”, they offer deals, especially on one-way tickets, as part of world trips with multiple stops.

If you are looking for a discounted international trip, or a round-the-world trip with many destinations at a discount, or a low-cost trip to an off-beat location, find a travel agent that deals with airline consolidators for your best price ticket.

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