How to Use a Discount Airline Broker

Discount airline brokers can offer great low fares to domestic and international destinations. Do your homework and stay flexible, and you should be able to get a great deal on the trip of your dreams.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Travel Guides
• Internet Access
• Airline Tickets
• Bargain Airline Tickets
• Personal Organizers
• Computers

1. Get price quotes from a variety of conventional travel agents or airline ticket offices before you check out the discount brokers. This step will give you an idea of regular ticket prices and will help you figure out which discounts are truly good deals.

2. Be as flexible as possible. You'll find a better deal if your travel dates and times aren't carved in stone.

3. Find discount airline brokers/consolidators either locally or online. Use Internet searches and telephone directories to locate them.

4. Get price quotes from a number of different discount airline brokers, and don't let yourself be pressured into buying immediately. You will need time to compare fares, conditions and cancellation policies.

5. Find out the exact details of the flight you are interested in: What airline will you be flying? Are there any hidden charges or taxes? Are there restrictions on when you can go and the length of time you can stay? Will you be expected to pay a departure or airport tax? What if you get sick or have to cancel your trip?

6. Know which airports you'll be using, especially if you have connecting flights. Some major cities have three or more airports, and not all discount flights will take you to or from the most central ones.

7. Look at online travel auction sites - many trips available through these services are provided by discount brokers. But read the fine print and make sure you know exactly what you're bidding on before you start.

Tips & Warnings

• Check prices with the major online travel sites - such as expedia.com and travelocity.com - before heading to the discount brokerages. You'll learn what sorts of prices to expect and hope for. If you are a student, check with the student travel agency on your college or university campus.
• Sign up for "hot deals" or last-minute e-mail notification about discounts with as many travel agents and airlines as possible. If your travel dates and times are flexible, this can be a good way to save money on a trip - but it is a little too spontaneous for some people.
• Check with the Better Business Bureau or a consumer protection office in the city, state or province where the ticket broker is located to learn of any unresolved complaints against the business.