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"Travel consolidators" also known as "bucket shops" are travel agencies that have arrangements with specific airlines to sell international tickets for considerably less than the airline's published fares.
You can indeed save money on consolidator fares, and experience a completely successful trip abroad. However, this segment of the travel industry contains enough landmines that you should use consolidators only if you follow the tips given in this article.
Although financially secure vendors like Priceline may match or exceed bucket shop international discounts, and provide you with a more comfortable purchasing experience, the consolidator option is still worth exploring. Their tickets often permit you to change your destination or dates for a fee, which Priceline 'Name your own price' tickets, for example, never allow.
But, study these guidelines and proceed with caution!
You may see ads for consolidator airfares in major newspapers and on the Internet. However, even though the newspaper or website may have a good reputation, the consolidator which advertises there could be at best, disorganized, and at worst, downright dishonest.
Over the years, I have heard many tales of fly-by-night, shady bucket shops (and have had run-ins with several myself), and so I now use these only if I have a solid recommendation from:
One of the best sources for a reliable bucket shop referral is a friend from the same ethnic group as your destination. If comfortable, ask your friend to obtain the price quotation. On many routes, travelers whose families originally came from the destination country get the lowest quotes.
Some consolidators are reputable and some are not. I am not promoting them, nor am I saying to stay completely clear. I have used them and saved money.
I just want you to be armed with the best strategies for protecting yourself and setting up a comfortable trip when you find a reputable one. (And, remember the best source is a trusted friend who has used the same bucket shop many times.)
Let's say better safe than sorry, rather than better save than sorry!
Image above: Aviondansesnuages (c) FOTOLIA
Thanks, Stefan!
Sorry can’t help you with a specific recommendation,
Even if you get a personal recommendation, please vet with the suggestions above, unless that person has used that consolidator a several times over at least several years. This I say from experience.
Going Thailand! Do try the durian fruit ice cream. It’s waybetter than how the fruit itself smells (ghastly) before processing. :)
Great advice, Don. I used to try to use bucket-shop sellers to travel to out-of-the-way destinations, but it was always a dodgy experience. You have to make some quick judgments:first, do they know what they’re doing, and second, do you trust them?
You bring up some other great questions, too, especially about flight connections and potential problems on that front. I think getting someone of the same ethnicity to book the tickets is a great suggestion—but then, some people specialize in bilking their countrymen, too.
Thanks, Paul.
The travel industry needs to follow the same professional standards as other professions. It cries for far more oversight than exists now.
A doctor does not legally administer to patients without having shown that he or she has gained appropriate knowledge. A chartered accountant or certified public accountant must adhere to certain ethical standards. Their advice should be for the benefit of the client, not themselves..
Currently to open a travel agency you must seek approval to sell airline tickets. If you have sufficient funds, a manager with a certain level of experience (with no passing of tests or whatever required of other employees), and no criminal record, your doors can open in most jurisdictions.
That’s not enough. The industry itself should demand more for its own benefit.
Paul, thank you again.
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Good blog! Do you happen to know a reputable US based consolidator specialized on Thailand? Thanks!