Like Unicorns (or in these trying times, a bank you can trust) consolidator fares are elusive, precious items that can offer a traveler great savings. Airfarewatchdog.com has taken the time to track down the facts about these airline special offers. In the first installment, we learned they were created to ensure flights sold out, but in an era of airline consolidations and bankruptcies, these deals are getting fewer and far-between.
They're elusive. The airlines don't like to talk about them (we asked). And determining their legitimacy from among the myriad websites that claim to specialize in them is a Herculean task. We're talking about consolidator fares, those secret airfares the airlines release in limited "buckets" to companies that re-sell them for big discounts.
Visitors to the website airfarewatchdog.com were recently asked to share their top tips for managing little ones when flying. Here's what travelers had to say:
A funny thing happened to post-9/11 registered traveler programs: Created to thwart would-be terrorists, they have quietly morphed into airport and travel-industry concierge services that have much more to do with convenience than security.
Air fare sales last about as long as it takes a leaf to fall to the ground on a blustery autumn day. But if you move fast, you can get good deals for air travel this fall - and in some cases, beyond.
Air fare sales last about as long as it takes a leaf to fall to the ground on a blustery autumn day. But if you move fast,
Every airline flight is supported by a host of largely invisible but vitally important ground personnel. Their work helps make each flight safe - and you could be among their ranks.
So, your flight was delayed, and may be cancelled. You missed your connecting flight and you face hours at the airport waiting for Plan B to play out. What to do?
Travelers have a lot of choices when traveling to central London from the area's airports - many more than they had just five or 10 years ago.
Air Canada has decided to eliminate all the second-checked-bag fees it began charging in the spring when fuel prices soared and to incorporate all fuel surcharges into its advertised base fares on North American flights.
Slowly but surely airlines are edging into online social networking, giving air travelers an opportunity to share experiences and maybe score some discounted airfares. In return, the airlines are developing a marvelous new marketing tool.
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