Be forewarned, if you are the group organizer, you will be driven nuts by the people you thought you were your friends. Carriers love groups because they get a single point of contact. That's you.

When someone breaks their leg, they will call you to arrange a refund. If that drops the group below the minimum, guess who has to call the others to collect more. When the aircraft is delayed or the chicken too cold, you will hear about it. When it comes time for full payment and someone is late, you will make up the balance and chase them for the money.

Far, far, far better to contact a reputable TA (someone referred to you by people you know and trust and who has office space physically in your community), ask them to coordinate and send all your friends and relatives the TA's contact information. Let everyone book through the TA. Overall, you and your family will still get the benefit of the discounts, but not quite as much when the TA's fees are figured in.

The TA will earn his money and you will have a good time.