However, consolidator seats can have even more severe restrictions than the airlines' own deep-discount fares, particularly if the flight is delayed or canceled. If you are flying to a popular foreign destination, or to Las Vegas or Hawaii, ask the travel agent about Public Charters. If it is, fares may be higher than for flights to other nearby cities because of reduced competition. Someone who lives at a hub might save money by leaving from another nearby city, even if they end up connecting through the hub to get to their destination. See the airlines' World Wide Web sites for information about these programs, or call their reservations line.
Many airlines offer a seniors discount off any fare to travelers over a certain age.
In addition, some carriers offer bereavement and emergency illness fares with varying documentation requirements and discounts. After you buy your ticket, you may wish to call the airline or travel agent once or twice before departure to confirm your reservations and check the fare. Fares change all the time, and if that same fare goes down before you fly, some airlines will refund the difference. But you have to ask.