Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true and remember that an advertised price may not always be available. Return to Top Consolidators and Travel Agents Ticket consolidators buy tickets from the airline at a reduced rate, which gives them the opportunity to offer these tickets at a discounted price to consumers. However, consolidators generally do not give the same amount of assistance as a travel agent in making your travel arrangements. In addition, many consolidators do not accept credit cards or will add a surcharge for using a credit card. Consolidators are often less flexible about changing flight times and cancellations.
Travel agents promote and sell transportation and related services including travel packages.
They can be of assistance in planing your trip and often have knowledge of the area you wish to visit. However, the price you pay for your flight may be higher than what you would pay from a consolidator. Airlines do not guarantee their schedule. Bad weather, air traffic delays and mechanical difficulties are beyond an airline's control. Nevertheless the airlines do attempt to help stranded passengers when schedules are not met.