Airline consolidators work closely with airlines to essentially purchase airfares in bulk for up to 30% less than published fares<\/strong> that the traveling public would find online. These discounts are passed on to the travel agents who work with the airline consolidators, allowing the agents to set their own markup. In this way, agents can nab a great deal and impress their clients while still maintaining a healthy commissions for themselves.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There are a few situations when having an airline consolidator is crucial for home agents.<\/p>\n Some consolidators, like Sky Bird Travel & Tours, have a dedicated Groups Department \u2013 specifically there to assist with airline groups of ten or more passengers. They\u2019ll assist with everything from arranging hotels, booking flights, and locking in rates so everyone in the group pays the same low price.<\/p>\n Even if you\u2019re fluent in a second language, it\u2019s just easier to converse in your native tongue. Many consolidators hire employees who can speak multiple languages<\/a> to make booking easier for their clients. Don\u2019t be afraid to ask your consolidator if\u00a0 they have someone who can assist you in your preferred language.<\/strong><\/p>\n An individual agent negotiating with an airline may not get far. A consolidator has the bargaining clout to secure those extra few tickets for you when the airline may be reluctant to work with an individual agent.<\/p>\n There\u2019s never a convenient time for travel emergencies to happen. When you\u2019re faced with a crisis at three o\u2019clock in the morning, knowing you don\u2019t have to manage the whole thing on your own is a relief. An airline consolidator will help you navigate the rough waters from the start of your clients\u2019 trip to the end.<\/p>\n Consolidators have the means to market more flights, tour packages, and destinations compared to a homebased agent. In fact, a homebased agent may not have a budget<\/strong> for promotional materials whatsoever. Working with a consolidator allows you to ride the coattails of their marketing potential.<\/p>\n When clients approach you asking for a Caribbean cruise or a getaway to Cancun, planning their trip is a walk in the park. There\u2019s no shortage of tours, packages, cruises, and hotel deals. After all, those are two of the most popular destinations for vacation. What happens, though, when someone asks you to plan a trip to Madagascar to see the baobob trees? Or a client wants to learn about local Mongolian culture and stay in a yurt? Of course you want their business, but it\u2019s out of your realm of expertise. When you work with an airline consolidator, you can rest easy. They\u2019ll help you plan the trip from start to finish, ensuring a great trip for your client and repeat business in the future. In fact, many consolidators have a tours division. You can book a pre-planned land package and customize it in accordance with your clients\u2019 wishes. The next time someone comes asking for a trip to Mongolia, you\u2019ll be able to say with confidence that you can book that!<\/p>\n Airline consolidators also protect niche agents who may not have airline contracts. There\u2019s nothing more awkward than having to explain to clients they must find their own airfare. This creates several problems:<\/p>\n None of these bode well for the travel agent. Skip the problem altogether and let an airline consolidator take the wheel.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you worked at a large travel agency, having a bad week or two doesn\u2019t necessarily affect the bottom line. There are other agents to help float things. A homebased agent doesn\u2019t have this luxury. One slow week could make or break an income. In the age of online booking, it\u2019s harder for agents to sell their services when clients can book a trip with a few clicks of a button at home. Airline consolidators give agents the competitive advantage they need.<\/p>\n Working with an airline consolidator gives you access to unpublished fares that are up to 30% lower than the client might find online. Essentially, you\u2019ll be able to price match the internet.<\/strong><\/p>\n Airline consolidators can also make upselling easier. Even if clients have a long flight, they may be reluctant to get extra legroom for fear of the cost. Airline consolidators can help facilitate the upsell because the upgrades are often lower than what is advertised online. And consolidators have a greater selection of airlines to choose from so you as the agent can compare and contrast different offerings and make the best decision for your client.<\/p>\n While most people think of travel as a vacation, there are several circumstances in which travel requires a specific expertise on the part of the travel agent.<\/p>\n Many religions require their adherents to perform religious pilgrimages \u2013 most notably Islam. However, journeying to Mecca is not as simple as booking your clients a flight and hotel. There is an incredible amount of paperwork and documentation required. Working with a consolidator can help you cut through the red tape<\/a> so your clients can focus on having a spiritual experience.<\/p>\n Helping others is one of the noblest reasons to travel. Consolidators will ensure these types of clients will have a safe and affordable trip to wherever they\u2019re needed most and can advise agents on things like vaccines and travel warnings.<\/p>\n There\u2019s a reason student discounts exist: being in university is not cheap. A consolidator will ensure students taking an educational trip<\/a> or traveling for athletic competitions won\u2019t have to break the piggybank.<\/p>\nAirline consolidators provide homebased agents with a team of resources<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Group travel<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Multilingual assistance<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Negotiating with airlines<\/strong><\/h4>\n
24\/7 assistance<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Marketing manpower<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Airline consolidators can expand customer base<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Airline consolidators provide value to homebased agents in the days of online booking<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Airline consolidators help homebased agents with niche areas<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Religious travel<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Voluntourism<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Athletic travel and Study abroads<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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