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Business Profile

Travel Agency

Hydra Travels Inc.

This business is NOT BBB Accredited.

Find BBB Accredited Businesses in Travel Agency.

Complaints

Customer Complaints Summary

  • 17 total complaints in the last 3 years.
  • 4 complaints closed in the last 12 months.

If you've experienced an issue

Submit a Complaint

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

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Complaint status

Complaint type

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:03/24/2025

    Type:Product Issues
    Status:
    AnsweredMore info

    Complaint statuses

    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    On December 16, 2024, I used ****** to search for the customer service number for *************** in order to redeem flight credits. Unknowingly, I was connected to a third-party agency called Hydra Travel, who falsely identified themselves as Delta representatives.When I asked, "Is this Delta?" the agent affirmatively said yes, clearly and knowingly misrepresenting both himself and his company. I explained that I was calling to use Delta flight credits, and the Hydra agent claimed that due to the class of credit I held, I was required to upgrade to Comfort Plus and could not book an Economy seat without an additional charge.I clearly stated that I was fine with Economy, but the agent insisted that the upgrade was mandatory. I reluctantly paid $451.00 for what I believed was a required upgrade to Comfort Plus.On March 21, 2025, I contacted ***** directly due to a change in flight times. A legitimate ***** representative informed me that my reservation had been booked online in regular economy, and later modified to include bulkhead seats under a disability designation.This was shocking to hear, as no one on my reservation has a disability, nor did we request or authorize such an upgrade. I never received the Comfort Plus seating that Hydra Travel charged me for. Its clear now that Hydra Travel falsely claimed a disability, upgraded the seat to bulkhead (not Comfort Plus), and kept the $451.00 for themselves under deceptive and unethical pretenses.This entire interaction was based on misrepresentation, coercion, and fraudulent billing. I am requesting a full refund of the $451.00 and would like ***** to investigate how Hydra Travel was able to falsely represent themselves as your official agents.I have alerted my credit card company.Please advise how you will proceed and what documentation you may need from me to initiate a full investigation and refund.

    Business Response

    Date: 04/21/2025

    Dear Team,


    Firstly we never say that we are any airline, there might be some confusion. We did book the flight as per the customer travel dates and by mistake the agent put the disability. Agent was assigning comfort plus seats only but somehow it was done to bulkhead seats. We already spoke to the customer before this complaint and refunded the amount.

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:01/29/2025

    Type:Product Issues
    Status:
    AnsweredMore info

    Complaint statuses

    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    My husband and I paid for a direct roundtrip airfare on United Airlines leaving ******, ** to ********, ** from January 18 through January 23, 2025. Due to the severe weather conditions, the flight from ******** was cancelled.On Wednesday, January 22, we called the number we Googled listed under United Airlines in an effort to rebook the flight from ******** back to ******. We went over possible times of departure from ******** and then the representative quoted a price. I explained that we already paid for a roundtrip flight that it's no way we'd have to pay additional money. She insisted that it's because the flights are more expensive to leave on a Saturday. This went back and forth for too long and I gave her my **************** Card number in an effort to secure the seats. She was very clear in what I was expecting, however, there was a great deal of deceptive behavior in full play on the company's part. The representative's behavior, demeanor, and demands were suspect, but I continued the conversation to get our reservations completed. She was pushy and insisted that I confirm the reservations immediately as she only had two seats remaining. ALL ALONG, I HAD NO IDEA THIS IS A TRAVEL AGENCY.I was giving her the numbers to my **************** card and she told me I had to use another payment method because their system for **************** had been down all day. She said I had to use a **** or **********. (That was such an usual and strange statement.) I wasn't able to put my hands on my debit card at that time and asked her if she could put a hold on the tickets until I located my card. She sighed and she huffed and then said, "just give me the **************** card numbers. (That was exceptionally odd and scamish behavior.)On Friday, January 24, once I saw the $280 charge on my AMEX Card, I called United and they confirmed it was in fact through a Hydra. I contacted Hydra and they claimed not to have any records of our confirmation numbers.

    Business Response

    Date: 02/13/2025

    As discussed with the customer over the phone, the confirmation number has alphabet O at the end and customer was saying number 0, that is the reason we could not find the reservation. But later on when we checked with correct confirmation number the reservation was tracked and refunded already before this complaint.
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:05/14/2024

    Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
    Status:
    AnsweredMore info

    Complaint statuses

    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    They said they were Expedia Travel and they are NOT. They charged the ******* to my debit card and made it look like it was American Airlines on my bank statement. American airlines do not have any record of any bookings that they made. This is a fraud business

    Business Response

    Date: 05/16/2024

    Dear **************,

    We checked and found that we never told you we are Expedia or any of the airlines. After you asked about the company we did inform you this is Hydra Travels.
    After investigating the case we got to know that the amount charge $1568.64 USD was for the deposit for a package reservation, As your payment was declined for the entire amount at the first time. 
    You were in touch with us for this package reservation, However your card declined multiple times. You asked us that you will call back on Monday or Tuesday i.e. 5/13/2024 or 5/14/2024. 
    We received a call from you on Tuesday 5/14/2024. When you said that the airlines couldn't find your reservation, We did inform you that the amount paid was only for the deposit and not the full payment, We only issue the tickets once full payment is received, However we were holding your reservation.
    When your card declined again on 5/14/2024, You asked us to cancel the transaction and at the same time you were informed that the refund of $1568.64 USD is initiated and would reflect in the same form of payment within the next 7-10 business days.

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:11/15/2023

    Type:Customer Service Issues
    Status:
    AnsweredMore info

    Complaint statuses

    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    Already had flights just wanted to contact Delta about my return flights seat assignment so I ************* Airlines phone number and the page that came up had the Deltas Logo and had the number *****************, called that number answered as Delta gave them my reservation number they indicated they can upgrade us. They gave us an upgrade from Main Cabin Seats to Comfort Class seats for 3 persons and quoted a price of $486 which I paid that by credit card. I was to receive updated information in 24 hours I realized we were being scammed and I was not talking to Delta. I canceled my card. They have all my information, names, dob for all passengers. Ive change my reservation number and have disputed the charge on my credit card. I never received anything they said I would receive within 24 hours my confirmation and of the seats in the upgrade in the seat numbers I never received anything scam. This just happened on 11/11/2023 no documentation from my credit card company yet other than the charge has been disputed.

    Business Response

    Date: 12/12/2023

    We apologies for the inconvenience caused to you. We checked and found that seats were assigned to you as requested and mail was not sent to you within 24 hours as it was bouncing back. The mail delivered to you on 19th November. You have already disputed the charge and the same has been refunded to you in the same form of payment.
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:11/11/2023

    Type:Product Issues
    Status:
    ResolvedMore info

    Complaint statuses

    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    Hydra Travels is a fraudulent company that posed as a legit airline. I did an online search for ***** Airlines and a number showed for the airline that wasnt actually for the airline. Person on the other end of the call posed as a legit customer service representative for ***** Airlines. I asked to verify my plane tickets and seat numbers and was told that my flight did not have a confirmation and that the only way to correct this was to first do a refund and then do a separate transaction. Called my bank to make sure I wouldnt get charged twice and through a 3-way call with ***** were told that ***** had no knowledge of that transaction. My account was charged $761.86 with the name of ***** Airlines ***. This is Hydra Travels. ****** search of the ***************** which is the number I dialed shows traveloagency.com and email receipt shows cheapflights.com. This company is fraudulent and needs to cease immediately. I will be disputing this charge once posted to my account.

    Business Response

    Date: 11/25/2023

    We apologies for the inconvenience caused to you. We did check and found that when the representative was helping you with that reservation, he was unable to pull up the same. So he advised to make a new reservation. But later on when we found that your reservation is intact we already refunded your amount in the same form of payment which was charged($761.86). The same amount must be reflected back to your bank. Please check with your bank and let us know if you need more details.

    Customer Answer

    Date: 11/25/2023

    I have reviewed the business response and accept this resolution. 
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:09/07/2023

    Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
    Status:
    AnsweredMore info

    Complaint statuses

    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    On July 4, 2023, Air ****** flight AC307 was so delayed out of ******** that my daughter would not make her connection in ********* en route to her study abroad semester in AKL, ***********. I paid $1386.00 for this one-way ticket from ******** to ********* via kiwi.com. While waiting on a very long line to rebook her flight at the ****************************************** in ********, an Air ****** representative told me to leave the line and use the white phones at the airport instead where a customer representative could help me. I was immediately connected to a Mr. ***************** (no dialing out was involved) who allowed me to rebook my daughter's flight to *********** with the caveat that I purchase a round-trip ticket. Only under these circumstances would he be able to secure full reimbursement for me in the amount of $1386.00 for the ticket I had already purchased for my daughter's travel to *** but that would go unused. ***************** quoted me a price of $4500.00 for my daughter's roundtrip airfare to and from ***. I was overwhelmed by this ticket price but felt that I had no choice but to move forward with the purchase since my daughter had to get to the University of ******* for the start of her winter term semester. I trusted this man on the other end of the telephone line because an Air ****** representative guided me away from the long lines at the Air ****** ticket counter and to the white airport telephones. I believed him to be legitimate and trustworthy owing to Air Canada's involvement. When my credit card bill arrived the next day, I noticed that the $4500.00 I paid for my daughter's RT travel to/from ******* included a charge of $2141.90 which represented a so-called FVT fee. I later learned that this fee represents a flyvaultdeals.com service fee - I investigated flyvaultdeals.com on the internet and noted that it is not registered with the BBB and that there are numerous reports of other similar complaints. Needless to say, I never received the kiwi.com refund that I was promised by *****************. I am writing to report this business (flyvaultdeals.com) as well as Air ****** for directing into a scandalous situation that caused me to overspend $3527.90 for my daughter's round trip ticket to and from ***. I am seeking compensation for these monies lost.

    Business Response

    Date: 09/08/2023

    Please be advised that we have never spoken to this customer. In the complaint as well customer has mentioned that she has booked with flyvaultdeals.com. So we request customer to take this complaint back and speak to her travel agency regarding the refund. They will help her out in the refund.
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:08/23/2023

    Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
    Status:
    UnansweredMore info

    Complaint statuses

    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    They it sound like they were ***** Airlines when I called to make an air travel change. The answer service is deceptive as they answer wait for the next agent. The entire time I thought I was talking to *****. Easy to get scammed.
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:03/29/2023

    Type:Product Issues
    Status:
    UnansweredMore info

    Complaint statuses

    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    I accidentally contacted cheapflightdeals.com on February 24th 2023 to arrange a one way flight for my son to travel from ********* to ******* via ***** airlines for spring break. I was not aware that I was not on the phone with a ***** agent because the representative, ******, did not identify the agency when we were connected on the phone. My son is a minor and he requires an unaccompanied minor fee of $150 in addition to the $394 ticket price. As I am getting ready to complete the transaction, ****** requests to send me an email to authorize the charges to be applied to my card. I thought this was a new safety measure enacted by ***** to protect transactions so I obliged. When my husband, who is a sheriff in *********, went to check our son in for his flight on March 24th, his dad was told that he needed to pay the unaccompanied minor fee of $150 again in order to have a travel agent fly with our son to *******. My husband calls me while at the ***** counter to verify that he needed to pay the unaccompanied minor fee again or our son could not board the flight. All of this is being discussed on speaker phone and my son is crying because he has been waiting to fly to ******* for his spring break. These people are disgusting and despicable. I attempted to call today, March 25, to get my money refunded ($180.90). The call was breaking up and the representative, ****** called me back from a number that registered as Virago Travel on my phone. ****** informed me that he could refund me $150 at that time or I would have to wait two hours for his manager to authorize the full amount of $180.90. When I tried to call back, the number rings like a fax machine. It is a *************************************** February listed Hydra Travel. When I called the number and spoke to ******, he called me back from a number that belongs to ******. Virago and Hydra Travel are synonymous. I want my money back and an apology to my family.
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:03/17/2023

    Type:Product Issues
    Status:
    AnsweredMore info

    Complaint statuses

    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    I purchased tickets for Air Canada through Expedia.com. I thought all taxes and fees were paid on my tickets. I decided to call Air ****** to confirm my tickets. The phone number I found for Air ****** online did not direct me to Air ******. It directed me to a Hydra Travels or an email address WAYFARE_DES_84475215MIAMIFL. They claimed to be a consolidation desk for Air ****** & other airlines. They told me I owed taxes on my return flight. I paid them $1,776.00. Afterwards I called Air ******. They said I never owed any taxes. Everything was paid for initially when I bought tickets through Expedia. I need a refund. It was a fraud. My contact number is ************. Thank you

    Business Response

    Date: 04/11/2023

    As discussed with customer over the phone, we have checked at our end and this is not our booking. We have neither charged this amount nor we have spoken before. Please send the screenshot of the email which you received or the transaction statement of your credit card.

    Customer Answer

    Date: 04/11/2023

    I am rejecting this response because:   
    The person from the business I am complaining about is saying his business never charged me any money. He says they dont have my name or reference number or any of my information, but the guy I spoke to is one of the same guys I spoke to when I was making the payment. 
    Clearly he is denying everything. 

     

     

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:02/13/2023

    Type:Product Issues
    Status:
    AnsweredMore info

    Complaint statuses

    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    Made flight reservations directly with *****.com on 12-17-2022. Discovered I needed to change one name. Called ***** airlines on 12-18-22 to make change. (or so I thought). Was told there would be an additional charge to change just my name of $700.00 as they have to cancel the ticket and re-issue. Worked with ****** at *****. The original tickets were Refundable tickets for international travel. Tickets were re-issued on 12-18-22; credit card was charged $1,150.00 on 12-19-22. I re-confirmed with ****** these were Refundable tickets. ****** assured me they were. 12-20-2022 checked on *****.com and didn't see they were refundable, called and spoke with ******, yes, they were refundable and Support Desk will send email stating so within 24hrs. No email rec'd. 12-23-2022 called. spoke with ******, again indicated tickets were refundable. Bank statements showed charges were from ***** airlines flights. Upon calling ***** regarding another flight discovered that tickets were NOT refundable and I was charged the non-refundable cost $1,331.95. Was fraudulently charged $1,150.00 for a name change that is a no-charge fee with ***** AND got non-refundable tickets. Have started dispute with Bank and filed compliant with *************** Ohio.

    Business Response

    Date: 03/23/2023

    Business Response /* (1000, 10, 2023/03/13) */
    Apologies for the delay in response, it was already refunded on 15th Feb. Also Customer has mentioned the same here as well.

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