Consolidator airline tickets are a great way to save money on your next vacation to an international destination. These tickets are for the exact same seats you can buy directly from the airline or through one of the large internet-only web sites. The difference is that the major US consolidators sell their tickets only through a travel agent.
Consolidator tickets are not available for domestic flights within the United States or Canada; generally they are also not available for flights to Mexico and the Caribbean. There are always exceptions to every “rule” – but you’ll never find a consolidator’s ticket for a flight from one airport in the US to another airport in the US – even to Hawaii or Alaska. The major US air consolidators do not have contracts with airlines for flights within the US.
If you’re looking for cheap air line tickets for flights within the US, it’s best to start looking early, search the web sites of the “low-cost” airlines (Spirit, Allegiant, Southwest, Frontier, JetBlue, etc.), watch for special sales – especially on the full-service US airlines, and try flexible dates and airports for your departure.
AirBank sells consolidator airline tickets for international flights – in Premium Economy, Business and First Class – on more than 80 full-service airlines, including Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Air, Emirates, Etihad, Qantas and Air New Zealand. All of these airlines offer flights, on partner airlines, from a number of airports throughout the US and Canada to connect to the international flight to your destination.
These full service airlines typically offer expanded features and benefits compared to flights within the US – your ticket price includes meals, beverages, a checked luggage allowance, in-flight entertainment, and a blanket and pillow on overnight flights. On many airlines, pre-assigned seating is also complementary.
If your international fight includes a connecting flight on a US partner airline, the checked luggage allowance for your international fight will apply on your connecting flight – as long as both flights are on the same ticket. If you purchase your connecting flight separately, different rules for checked luggage will apply to each flight – and you will have to re-check your luggage for your international flight.
We do not have low cost consolidator tickets for all flights on all international airlines. Several low-cost airlines that fly from the US to international destinations offer their best pricing directly on their websites. These airlines may or may not offer complementary food and beverages, checked luggage and pre-assigned seating.
If your goal is to reach your international destination at the absolute lowest price, regardless of the number of layovers, and level of comfort and features on the airplane, let us know and we’ll suggest options for your trip.
Remember – AirBank delivers international consolidator airfare with a personal touch.
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