[1] Airlines make tickets available to consolidators at significant discounts and special conditions to those available to the general public.
Consolidators seek to reach more niche markets, and are able to offer discounts and fare flexibility that is relevant to the target group.
Consolidators enter contracts with major carriers to sell at reduced prices to niche markets, the main benefit being that fares through consolidators will be lower than published rates available from the airlines themselves.
Consolidators most commonly operate in international markets.
Many online travel agencies (OTAs) use consolidators to increase margins on sales since airlines do not pay commissions.