Difference between revisions of "Buy Bulk Airline Tickets"
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#*Some examples of consolidators are: 1-800-FlyEurope, Airfare.com, AirfarePlanet.com, AirlineConsolidator.com, AirTreks, BargainTravel.com, CheapTickets, Economytravel.com, Globester, and TFI Tours. | #*Some examples of consolidators are: 1-800-FlyEurope, Airfare.com, AirfarePlanet.com, AirlineConsolidator.com, AirTreks, BargainTravel.com, CheapTickets, Economytravel.com, Globester, and TFI Tours. | ||
#*You can also look for consolidators in the travel section of most major Sunday newspapers. | #*You can also look for consolidators in the travel section of most major Sunday newspapers. | ||
| − | #*Consolidators are different than discount airlines – they do not actually own planes, they just have access to deeply discounted tickets.<ref>http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/air-travel/airline-consolidators</ref> | + | #*Consolidators are different than discount airlines – they do not actually own planes, they just have access to deeply discounted tickets.<ref name="rf1">http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/air-travel/airline-consolidators</ref> |
| − | #*Some travel websites, like Travelocity and Expedia, sometimes offer consolidator fares on certain flights, but they are not actually consolidators. Generally, such websites only offer published fares. Consolidators, on the other hand, offer fares that are not published, and are worked out between the consolidator and the airline.<ref>https://hasbrouck.org/articles/orbitz.html</ref> | + | #*Some travel websites, like Travelocity and Expedia, sometimes offer consolidator fares on certain flights, but they are not actually consolidators. Generally, such websites only offer published fares. Consolidators, on the other hand, offer fares that are not published, and are worked out between the consolidator and the airline.<ref name="rf2">https://hasbrouck.org/articles/orbitz.html</ref> |
#Check their reputation. Consolidators pop up and fold quite frequently, so you need to check the reputation of the consolidator that you use. Check to see if they belong to a consolidator trade organization. | #Check their reputation. Consolidators pop up and fold quite frequently, so you need to check the reputation of the consolidator that you use. Check to see if they belong to a consolidator trade organization. | ||
| − | #*Look for membership in organizations like the United States Air Consolidators Association (USACA), American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), or the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA).<ref | + | #*Look for membership in organizations like the United States Air Consolidators Association (USACA), American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), or the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA).<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #*You should also check to see if anyone has reported the consolidator you’ve chosen to the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The consolidator should have good BBB reports and scores.<ref>http://articles.latimes.com/2013/sep/01/travel/la-tr-spot-20130901</ref> | + | #*You should also check to see if anyone has reported the consolidator you’ve chosen to the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The consolidator should have good BBB reports and scores.<ref name="rf3">http://articles.latimes.com/2013/sep/01/travel/la-tr-spot-20130901</ref> |
| − | #Check restrictions on bookings. When using a consolidator, check what restrictions there are on tickets you purchase through them. When you book with a consolidator, you usually can’t use frequent flyer miles to pay for your ticket. Additionally, the tickets are probably nontransferable and nonrefundable.<ref | + | #Check restrictions on bookings. When using a consolidator, check what restrictions there are on tickets you purchase through them. When you book with a consolidator, you usually can’t use frequent flyer miles to pay for your ticket. Additionally, the tickets are probably nontransferable and nonrefundable.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Make sure you ask plenty of questions while you're purchasing your tickets. Different consolidators have different policies, so you want to make sure you get all the details specific to your consolidator. You can either do this by calling the consolidator's customer service phone number and booking over the phone or using the website's chat box, although calling customer service will probably be faster. | #Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Make sure you ask plenty of questions while you're purchasing your tickets. Different consolidators have different policies, so you want to make sure you get all the details specific to your consolidator. You can either do this by calling the consolidator's customer service phone number and booking over the phone or using the website's chat box, although calling customer service will probably be faster. | ||
#*For example, find out if the consolidator has an emergency number to call in case of problems with your travel. Ask what happens if you miss your flights – the original flight or any connections. You should also ask if there are any fees associated with purchasing through them, on top of the price of the ticket. | #*For example, find out if the consolidator has an emergency number to call in case of problems with your travel. Ask what happens if you miss your flights – the original flight or any connections. You should also ask if there are any fees associated with purchasing through them, on top of the price of the ticket. | ||
| − | #Use a major credit card to book. If you can, use a major credit card to book your travel through a consolidator. This can be a personal or business credit card. Using a major credit card gives you recourse if you don’t get a valid ticket because you can deny payment to the consolidator through your credit card company.<ref | + | #Use a major credit card to book. If you can, use a major credit card to book your travel through a consolidator. This can be a personal or business credit card. Using a major credit card gives you recourse if you don’t get a valid ticket because you can deny payment to the consolidator through your credit card company.<ref name="rf3" /> |
| − | #Confirm your reservation with the airline. Before you pay for your ticket through the consolidator, contact the airline and make sure they have your reservation in process. This way you know the consolidator is doing what they’re supposed to be doing on their end. You should also check with the airline again after you pay.<ref | + | #Confirm your reservation with the airline. Before you pay for your ticket through the consolidator, contact the airline and make sure they have your reservation in process. This way you know the consolidator is doing what they’re supposed to be doing on their end. You should also check with the airline again after you pay.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #Get a record locator number from the consolidator. Once you’ve booked your travel with the consolidator, ask for a record locator number (this might also be a confirmation number). This gives you proof that you booked your tickets through the consolidator and gives you a reference number in case you need to contact the consolidator later.<ref | + | #Get a record locator number from the consolidator. Once you’ve booked your travel with the consolidator, ask for a record locator number (this might also be a confirmation number). This gives you proof that you booked your tickets through the consolidator and gives you a reference number in case you need to contact the consolidator later.<ref name="rf1" /> |
===Booking Through an Airline=== | ===Booking Through an Airline=== | ||
| − | #Purchase a commuter book. Some airlines offer what’s called a commuter book (or, alternatively, airpass memberships). Commuter books are books of coupons (usually 10) that can each be redeemed for one one-way flight between two specific airports on that airline. You pay one set amount for the book and can then use the coupons to book flights any time in the future. These are an especially good option if you know you'll need to be traveling frequently between the same places but aren't sure of exact dates yet.<ref>https://www.quora.com/Can-I-pre-pay-an-airline-to-buy-tickets-in-bulk</ref> | + | #Purchase a commuter book. Some airlines offer what’s called a commuter book (or, alternatively, airpass memberships). Commuter books are books of coupons (usually 10) that can each be redeemed for one one-way flight between two specific airports on that airline. You pay one set amount for the book and can then use the coupons to book flights any time in the future. These are an especially good option if you know you'll need to be traveling frequently between the same places but aren't sure of exact dates yet.<ref name="rf4">https://www.quora.com/Can-I-pre-pay-an-airline-to-buy-tickets-in-bulk</ref> |
#*The price of the commuter books varies depending on where you’re flying from and to, so it’s best to shop around before you choose one. If you usually fly in one area of the country, look for commuter books through regional, rather than national, airlines. | #*The price of the commuter books varies depending on where you’re flying from and to, so it’s best to shop around before you choose one. If you usually fly in one area of the country, look for commuter books through regional, rather than national, airlines. | ||
#*Once you're ready to book your flight, you'll input your traveler information and seat preference like you would when making any other flight reservation, but instead of putting in credit card information to pay, you'll enter the code off of one of the coupons in your book. Keep in mind that you may have to pay extra for things like flight insurance. | #*Once you're ready to book your flight, you'll input your traveler information and seat preference like you would when making any other flight reservation, but instead of putting in credit card information to pay, you'll enter the code off of one of the coupons in your book. Keep in mind that you may have to pay extra for things like flight insurance. | ||
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#*There are now third-party apps and subscription services, like OneGo, that allow you to purchase a flight subscription for a set amount per month and give you the freedom to book with more than one airline. These are a great option for very frequent business travelers. | #*There are now third-party apps and subscription services, like OneGo, that allow you to purchase a flight subscription for a set amount per month and give you the freedom to book with more than one airline. These are a great option for very frequent business travelers. | ||
#Call the airline group reservation desk directly. If you’re booking large group travel, call the airline’s group reservation desk directly. Their representatives have considerable experience booking air travel for large groups, and they can help guide you through it. | #Call the airline group reservation desk directly. If you’re booking large group travel, call the airline’s group reservation desk directly. Their representatives have considerable experience booking air travel for large groups, and they can help guide you through it. | ||
| − | #*Before you decide on one airline, call a few different group reservation desks to compare prices as well as flight details. It might work out that you can get a better rate or better flights if you book the different legs of your flights on different airlines.<ref | + | #*Before you decide on one airline, call a few different group reservation desks to compare prices as well as flight details. It might work out that you can get a better rate or better flights if you book the different legs of your flights on different airlines.<ref name="rf4" /> |
#*When you're ready to book a group flight directly through an airline, make sure you have all of the travelers' information in front of you: their full legal names, the type of ID they'll be using, their addresses, and their birthdates. The airline's group reservation agent will need this information to reserve your block of seats and issue boarding passes for all of the members of your group. | #*When you're ready to book a group flight directly through an airline, make sure you have all of the travelers' information in front of you: their full legal names, the type of ID they'll be using, their addresses, and their birthdates. The airline's group reservation agent will need this information to reserve your block of seats and issue boarding passes for all of the members of your group. | ||
| − | #Reserve your flight at the right time. If you’re booking for a group, you want to reserve your flights approximately 8 to 10 months before your planned departure. Airlines release individual seats for specific flights up to a year in advance, but they don’t release groups seats until later.<ref>https://thedragontrip.com/group-flights-to-china/</ref> | + | #Reserve your flight at the right time. If you’re booking for a group, you want to reserve your flights approximately 8 to 10 months before your planned departure. Airlines release individual seats for specific flights up to a year in advance, but they don’t release groups seats until later.<ref name="rf5">https://thedragontrip.com/group-flights-to-china/</ref> |
#*Airlines release group seats at slightly different times, so check the specific timeframe for group seats with your airline. | #*Airlines release group seats at slightly different times, so check the specific timeframe for group seats with your airline. | ||
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#Meet your travel agent in person. Whether you’re booking business flight for yourself or group travel for others, it's best to meet with your travel agent for the first time in person.. This gives you the chance to meet the agent, discuss your specific travel needs, and have a longer conversation than the phone or email allow. | #Meet your travel agent in person. Whether you’re booking business flight for yourself or group travel for others, it's best to meet with your travel agent for the first time in person.. This gives you the chance to meet the agent, discuss your specific travel needs, and have a longer conversation than the phone or email allow. | ||
#Ask questions. Make sure you ask your travel agents plenty of questions to clarify the details of your trip. You should know if there are there fees on top of the price of the ticket and if there is a help hotline you can call if your travel plans are disrupted. | #Ask questions. Make sure you ask your travel agents plenty of questions to clarify the details of your trip. You should know if there are there fees on top of the price of the ticket and if there is a help hotline you can call if your travel plans are disrupted. | ||
| − | #*You should also ask your travel agent the best way to communicate with them – do they prefer the phone or email? This is particularly important if you need to contact them while you travel.<ref>http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/none/why-you-still-need-a-travel-agent</ref> | + | #*You should also ask your travel agent the best way to communicate with them – do they prefer the phone or email? This is particularly important if you need to contact them while you travel.<ref name="rf6">http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/none/why-you-still-need-a-travel-agent</ref> |
| − | #Create a schedule. After you’ve met with your travel agent, create a schedule with the due dates for each of the phases of your trip. This includes knowing when you need to have all of the traveler information to the agent, when they need copies of passports/IDs, and when down payments and final payments are due.<ref | + | #Create a schedule. After you’ve met with your travel agent, create a schedule with the due dates for each of the phases of your trip. This includes knowing when you need to have all of the traveler information to the agent, when they need copies of passports/IDs, and when down payments and final payments are due.<ref name="rf6" /> |
==Tips== | ==Tips== | ||
