2torial #0904: Learn2 Shop for Bargain Airfares Consult consolidators Like courier flights, ticket consolidators are an underused resource--and one that your friendly travel agent might forget to mention (they're direct competitors). Consolidators act very much like travel agents, except they actually buy large blocks of plane tickets in advance, then resell them to you at a discount that ranges between ten and 40 percent (usually you can count on fares 20% below the airlines' cheapest coach fares). You can find their ads (always with a phone number and usually with a Web site) in the travel section of the newspaper: they're the ones with the small ads boasting super cut-rate fares. Unfortunately, consolidators can't provide seats on every airline or every flight. That means you might not be able to fly on the exact day you'd like, or with the airline where you have the most frequent flyer miles. Still, the savings might make adapting your plans or flying a different airline worth it. Step 3