Consolidator Fares
Consolidator Fares are special discounted airline tickets that travel agencies can access through agreements with airlines. Think of them like wholesale prices for airline tickets. Travel agencies buy these tickets in bulk at lower rates and can then sell them to customers at prices that are often much cheaper than what you'd find directly from the airlines. This is similar to how retail stores buy products in bulk at wholesale prices. Travel professionals who work with consolidator fares help their companies offer competitive prices while still making a profit on each ticket sold.
Examples in Resumes
Generated $500K in annual savings through Consolidator Fares and group booking negotiations
Managed relationships with airlines to secure competitive Consolidator Fare agreements
Trained new agents on Consolidator Fares booking systems and pricing strategies
Typical job title: "Travel Consultants"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Travel Consultants
Professional Associations
Online Communities
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you develop and maintain relationships with airline consolidators to secure the best fares?
Expected Answer: A senior candidate should discuss negotiation strategies, volume commitments, understanding seasonal trends, and maintaining professional relationships with multiple consolidators to ensure competitive pricing.
Q: How do you train your team to maximize profitability while working with consolidator fares?
Expected Answer: Should explain methods for teaching staff about markup strategies, understanding fare rules, comparing different consolidator offerings, and maintaining customer satisfaction while ensuring agency profitability.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors do you consider when choosing between consolidator fares and published fares?
Expected Answer: Should discuss comparing total costs, booking restrictions, change policies, customer needs, and commission structures to make the best choice for both client and agency.
Q: How do you handle customer service issues with consolidator fare bookings?
Expected Answer: Should explain the process of working with both consolidators and airlines, understanding fare rules and restrictions, and managing customer expectations and problem resolution.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is a consolidator fare and how does it differ from a published fare?
Expected Answer: Should explain that consolidator fares are wholesale rates available to travel agencies, typically lower than public fares, but may come with more restrictions.
Q: What basic information do you need to check before booking a consolidator fare?
Expected Answer: Should mention checking fare rules, restrictions, cancellation policies, and comparing with published fares to ensure the best value for the client.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of airline fare types
- Ability to book basic consolidator fares
- Knowledge of booking systems
- Basic customer service skills
Mid (2-5 years)
- Understanding complex fare rules
- Effective negotiation with suppliers
- Problem-solving booking issues
- Knowledge of multiple consolidator systems
Senior (5+ years)
- Strategic supplier relationship management
- Team training and development
- Advanced fare optimization
- Contract negotiation with airlines
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic airline terminology
- Unfamiliarity with major booking systems
- Poor understanding of fare rules and restrictions
- Lack of customer service experience
- No experience with international travel requirements
Related Terms
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
Workforce Solutions Aggregators: The Next Big Thing You Didn't Know You Needed
From Farewells to Future Allies: Transforming Exit Interviews into Lifelong Connections
Cutting HR Costs Without Sacrificing Quality: A How-To for Savvy Executives
