5 minute read
When it comes to booking premium air travel, business class tickets are the gold standard for comfort, convenience, and service. But with astronomical prices that tend to discourage even experienced travellers, travel agents usually turn to business class consolidators in order to obtain cheaper prices on business class seats. These consolidators typically have exclusive deals with airlines and receive bulk promotions and discounts unavailable to the general public. Travelers have reported savings of hundreds, and even thousands of dollars, on long-haul business class flights with these services. Add to that the convenience of allowing a professional to take care of the booking process, and it can translate to a more relaxed, stress-free travel from the moment the trip is booked.
But as a leading travel technology company, we’re often asked: Is it too good to be true?
Let’s break it down.
What Are Business Class Consolidators?
First off, what is a business class consolidator? You might not have heard of it before, but they are third-party companies that purchase plane tickets in bulk from airlines at wholesale rates and then resell them, often for a price much lower than if you bought them through conventional channels. For travel agents and travel agencies, this presents a tempting possibility: selling consumers business class luxury flights for nearly economy prices.
Here at Traveltek, we work with several tour operators and agents globally, and we’ve seen firsthand how consolidators can be either an asset or a liability, particularly when not properly screened.
Most people get overwhelmed by the process of finding affordable business-class tickets. The truth is that there are just too many options, as well as constantly changing prices, and complex booking systems to navigate. That is where business class consolidators fit in, sorting out the best deals for the bargain and handling the complexities in booking for you. Not only is this a time-saver, but it also offers a smooth experience for both frequent flyers and those who are flying up for a one-time event.
Business Class at a Fraction of the Price
The biggest draw about booking through a business class consolidator is the possibility for enormous discounts, typically between 30% and 70% off standard premium ticket rates. These discounts can completely alter the manner in which travel agents and tourists obtain business-class tickets. For travel agents and travel agencies, sole-sourced consolidator fares provide higher profit margins, more control over prices, and a competitive edge. It also allows customers to be upsold from economy or premium economy to business class at an additional cost, adding real value without the desperation of overcharged tickets.
For passengers, the benefits are compelling too. The chance to recline on a lie-flat bed at 38,000 feet, indulge in gourmet meals and complimentary champagne, becomes significantly more plausible when the fare does not look extortionate. From frequent flyer executives who are out of town on business and need comfort and convenience, to honeymoon or milestone travelers who want to make their trip special, the luxury flight experience without the expense is revolutionary.
Lastly, business class consolidators make high-end air travel affordable, allowing agents to provide great experiences while still being competitive in a world where travelers are demanding more for less.
When It’s Too Good to Be True
But it’s not always smooth sailing.
Certain business class consolidators operate in a manner that can compromise your customers and your business’s reputation. We’ve even known cases of tickets being sold on other people’s frequent flyer miles or bookings being done in violation of airline policy. On the worst occasions, passengers have arrived at the airport only to find their airline ticket has been cancelled with no recourse.
For travel agents, such circumstances are detrimental both financially and to their image. That is why due diligence is essential.
What Travel Agents Should Watch Out For
If you’re a travel agent or travel agency considering working with a consolidator, here’s what to keep in mind:
- Transparency: Can the consolidator clearly explain how tickets are issued?
- Reputation: Check independent reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor, Reddit, and Trustpilot.
- Accreditation: Do industry bodies recognise them or do they partner with reputable suppliers?
- Support: Is their customer service responsive when issues arise?
- Airline loyalty: Will the customer keep earning frequent flier miles or elite benefits?
The Role of Travel Technology
At Traveltek, we provide travel agents with the tools to access authentic and competitive rates from reliable sources. Direct API connections, GDS integration, or reliable consolidator partnerships, our technology makes smarter, safer ticketing possible.
Our products help travel agencies identify real-time seat availability, apply fare rules, and manage bookings efficiently, whether you’re dealing with a standard economy ticket or a discounted business class seat.
Business class consolidators can tap fantastic value in the higher-end travel sector, but they must be utilised responsibly. If it sounds like a dream come true, then odds are it isn’t.
By doing your homework and using reputable travel technology solutions, you can give great offers without jeopardizing your client’s vacation or your business.
Want to streamline your air travel bookings and grow your business class flight inventories? Call us at Traveltek and learn how our global booking solutions can enable your growth, no guessing required.
