BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR TICKET

Every airline has specific rules that make up what is known as the "Conditions of Carriage". The conditions include the airline's rules covering limits of liability for lost baggage, check-in deadlines, responsibility for delayed or canceled flights, compensation for injuries and many others. These conditions will be given to you, but you must request them. You should be aware of all the hidden conditions associated with purchasing an airline ticket. Without reading these conditions you will never know if your rights are being violated.

Are you aware that the ticket you bought last week might cost less now - and you may be entitled to a refund of the difference? Did you know that by traveling during certain days or certain hours of the day might reduce your flight cost by up to 75%? It is important to ask whoever is selling you the ticket many questions. Be persistent and you might be able to save a lot of money!

Make sure that you find out all of the restrictions before you purchase the airline ticket. Is it non-refundable? Can it be changed? These are important facts that may sway your decision to go with an advanced purchase type fare.

Consolidators are the "discount warehouse outlets" of the airlines. Ticket consolidators buy tickets in bulk from airlines at cheaper rates, or they have seats that would have otherwise not been sold. They resell them either direct to the public or through travel agents.

Before you take advantage of the "really good deals" there are a few things to remember when using a consolidator:

1) Always use a credit card. If the consolidator goes bankrupt, you can dispute the charge.

2) Most tickets have really steep penalties for refunding or changing. Find out what they are before you purchase the ticket.

3) Your ticket is only valid on the airline in which the ticket wa not honor your ticket.

4) Sometimes special discounted fares direct from the airlines are cheaper. Do your homework!

5) Don't assume you will get your frequent flyer miles. In most cases these types of tickets are not eligible.