Consolidator Controversy

A few points need clarification in Toni Taylor’s story “Air Fares That Aren’t Advertised” (July 10). First, any travel agent who sends a client to a consolidator is passing the buck. We use consolidators here on behalf of our clients. We do the investigation for the client, check out which consolidators are reputable, make the reservations, collect the monies and see that the tickets are received on time.

Second, Taylor errs in the decision to choose a consolidator based on whether the airline will be identified at the time of booking or not. Third, surely there are other matters equally or more important--such as safety of money, length of time a consolidator has been in business, whether the ticket will be honored by the airline, and so on.

The point is that a well-informed travel agent, who must be bonded, is still the best source of travel reservations and information. We do add a small markup to the consolidator fares, but it is only to cover our time and overhead. We want our client’s future business.

RON RARIDON

Owner

Travel Network

Laguna Hills