Complaintsforcheapbestfares.com

• Initial Complaint

  06/17/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I am disputing a transaction with this company on 6/17/22. While searching online for airline tickets for my son and I, a comparison rate site came up that listed all possible flights available from different companies. After choosing one with the best times for us, it redirected me to the Cheapbestfares site, which verified the price listed on the comparison site. After putting in my credit card information, I realized there was no information on their site or in their disclaimer, about baggage allowances. So, I called the ***** number listed at the top of the page. Once I got ahold of a customer service representative, he told me that the flight allowed no baggage at all, not even my purse! He also told me that my son and I could not sit together on any of the flights. For this reason, I told him I would not be purchasing the tickets. He then told me I would have to upgrade them and that he would give me a good deal close to the prices listed on the original comparison chart. The price he gave me was much more than twice the amount of the advertised price. I told him I would not be upgrading and asked him to delete my credit card information. At that point, he said he could do that but there would be a $60 cancellation fee for each person, which would have been two of us. I told him that the tickets were only pending and not yet processed, but he told me I would still be charged this fee if I didnt agree to upgrade the tickets. After telling him that he would be stealing my money, he said he had my card info and it was their policy whether my transaction was processed or not. Sure enough, they charged my account for $120.98 within the hour. I tried to file a fraudulent charge dispute through my bank, but they said they couldnt **** it as fraud since I entered my card info onto the site. I really need help with trying to get my money back from this company. After reading the reviews, I see that I am not alone in being scammed by this company. Thank you

• Initial Complaint

  05/18/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  It appears that Im not the only one that has been misled booking a flight through this Company. After reading all off the complaints, Im shocked that this company is allowed to practice business. I booked a flight today at approximately at 1:00pm . The fight was perfect on the times, layovers, and price. The total for the flight was $1001.00. Not even 2 hours later I received an email, stating that they were trying to contact me, but I never received a call , to discussed my Flight. The email seemed to be an automated email , I called and have my Information. I was told that the flight was no longer available. The personI spoke asked if I was flexible on days and time. I informed the sales person that I specifically choose that flight as it was perfect , and what I had in mind. I was told verde a different flight with a 7.5 hour layover, after a 8 hour flight. In the mean time I went on line and that flight was available, at the same price through this company. When I questioned how that could be, the answer I received was that the airline was no longer offering the discount and I did not qualify for the discount. I questioned as this did not come up during the check out and could not get an answer. I then was over ** another flight with an Increase off $230.00 and a longer duration. I requested to speak to a supervisor, and was told the supervisor was not available, and I would receive a call back with in an hour. 3 hours later I received a call back from a supervisor, telling me that she can not stop me from giving a bad review. I told her she was absolutely right and I will exercise my right as a consumer filing a complaint. I went back on line looking for flight and found the same flight I originally booked , for$100.00. This practice is deceiving, and unethical, I m disappointed that people not able to fly 1st class ext. would have to go through an experience like this, and this company still receive a license to run a scam in our country.

• Initial Complaint

  05/17/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  In Feb 2020 I purchased a ticket to ********* via British Airline, I used cheapestbestfares.com. Due to COVID restrictions I had to postpone to May 2021, then I had to postpone again due to covid restrictions.Cheapestbestfares.com charged me for both cancellations in the amount of $100.00 each time, totaling $200.00.They send me an email confirmation showing that I had a credit voucher of $795.60 valid through April 30th 2023. On May 7th I contacted cheapest bestfares, associate name was **** who helped me in booking my flight using the voucher to ****** for May 13-May 20 and charged my card an additional $449.50, they advised i would receive the e- ticket. By may 13th I still did not received my e-ticket - I spent countless hours on the phone with them and British airlines, only to find out that this credit needs to be approved and there is no telling how long it will take. The rep told me they have to put in a request -I have contacted them multiple times to get confirmation the request has been put in and cannot get 1 person to help me clarify this matter. I feel that I have become a victim of theft and my next step will be seeking legal course of action as well as criminal.I ask that you kindly look into my issue and help with this. I feel horrible for the other innocent individuals that have been treated this way. Thank you,*************************

  Customer response

  10/07/2022

   
  Complaint: 17213770
  
  I am rejecting this response because:the question at hand is a refund which I am owed in the amount of $795.00 which represents the amount of my credit as I purchased my *************** ticket through this agency in the amount of $1150.00 and I have already been charged $200.00 due to 2 cancellations as a result of the Covid pandemic. Very simply I am owed $795.00 or a credit voucher for this amount so I can book my next trip. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

  Business response

  10/21/2022

  Dear ********,

  Greetings!

  We would request you to reach out to our customer support officer and check for the best dates in which the difference of fare will be minimal. The ticket was purchased in 2020 and the current fare can not be the same for 2022.

  Once you will reach out to our support staff, you will receive the best support. However, any difference in fare will be applicable.

  Kind regards,

  Supervisor

  Customer response

  10/24/2022

   
  Complaint: 17213770
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************.                                                        Hi.    I reached cheapest fares on Saturday October 22 and asked to book the ticket to ******. They promised to give the answer in 48 hours but did not, I called again and still waiting g F if another 2 hours. Seems like the same as usual, they promised but not delivery that. I have high blood pressure now and very disappointed. Please help me out to solve the problem. Thanks. ********

• Initial Complaint

  04/29/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Unresolved

  More info

  I purchased overseas airline tickets for myself and three other passengers via this travel agency on January 21, 2020. The agency subsequently issued a credit through the end of the year and eventually into 2021 due to the Covid19 pandemic. I first followed up in October 2021 regarding the status of the tickets/credit and was notified through the airline that the fares of all four tickets were refunded to the travel agency on April 14, 2021. Since this information has surfaced the travel agency has refused to refund the near $5,000 to myself and passengers despite having evidence of the refunded tickets provided by the airline (Air Canada). I contacted an attorney at this time who has since send two demand letters-the first on January 31, 2022 and the second on March 4, 2022. The agency refuses to respond at this point despite numerous outreaches by myself and attorney to rightfully return our money. Please assist with this matter. Thank you!

  Customer response

  10/07/2022

   
  Complaint: 17126409
  
  I am rejecting this response because: There was NO use of tickets and you continue to decline the refund went back to your company. All four passengers want their funds back that exceed $4800. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *****************************

  Business response

  10/21/2022

  Dear Customer,

  
  Greetings!

  It seems we in touch with your attorney and we are looking to get into a satisfactory resolution. As the case is under discussion.

  Your understanding and patience is appreciated.

  Kind regards,

  Supervisor 

  Customer response

  10/21/2022

   
  Complaint: 17126409
  
  I am rejecting this response because: ************ continues to delay and prolong the issue since 2020. The demand letters from our attorney have been ignored and OAG is now been contacted. There will be no satisfactory response or solution to this other than refunding the almost $5000 this company stole from me and our three passengers in the form of a check. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *****************************

• Initial Complaint

  04/07/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I was looking for flights for an upcoming trip, and this website came up showing a good deal for round trip tickets. I ended up booking the flight for 3 passengers and gave my email, phone number and paid via credit card. A couple hours later the company called and said they only have 2 out of the 3 seats available and I would have to pay more money, I then looked more into the company and saw reports of it being a scam, I asked the customer service person who called me from the company to cancel my flight, he then told me I would have to pay a $225 cancellation fee, I then got an email asking for a wire transfer for the cancellation fee with a link to click on to "confirm my cancellation" I did not click it or wire the money because it seemed suspicious. I had my credit card cancelled as soon as I realized what happened, but I am not sure if the charges went through yet or not.

• Initial Complaint

  03/17/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Booking flights, i scrutinized multiple sites to purchase tickets for June 8, returning June 11, as my spouse and I never went on a honeymoon.After purchasing the tickets, i got confirmation of my itinerary and within 12 hours was notified that I needed to confirm my reservation. When I called the number on the e-mail, I was told that the cost of the airfare had changed and because I did not call immediately (within hours) my flights were cancelled. I attempted to rebook, at which time they attempted to charge me $1100 for both tickets (original purchase price on 3/15/22 was $538.22). I told them no, went onto their website, found tickets that were again comparable to the tickets I purchased on 3/15/22 at $682.20. I contacted the customer service number, explained what happened prior and asked to book and confirm the tickets over the phone rather than go through the same experience again. The customer service agent stated that the tickets i was looking at would be over $1000, not the cost that was outlined on the site although the exact departure dates/times/flight layovers and airlines were identical. I explained that if felt impossible that airfare that needed updated could be off by 100s of dollars. A phone call was again made to review the above, which resulted in the same conversation. I articulated that the way they were conducting business was fraud and misrepresentation. They told me that I would not be charged for the initial charge of my tickets, though at this point, i do not have a statement showing that all amounts were recinded.

  Customer response

  10/09/2022

   
  Complaint: 16906761
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  The posted fares are a fraction of the actual cost they transition the charge to after purchase. I attempted, multiple times, to resolve the issue via customer service for DOMESTIC flights, not international travel. The issues was NOT availability of flight in March 2020 (unlike what is happening now), the issues is false advertising and schematic responses to people utilizing the service due to the lowest advertised rates only to cancel each ticket only to attempt to transition them to tickets 3x the cost. The fraud lies in the consumer being told (only 24 hours AFTER purchase, not prior) that it requires confirmation, which when you call, youre told that the ticket you paid for is no longer available with the excuse/rationale that they are not able to offer the rate that I purchased because the website has delays in price and availability. I called, after they cancelled my tickets, with the site pulled up in my computer to review the ticket availability and cost, MOST of the flight times were accurate, however the ***** was not. Odd that the flights were accurate, which is what I would expect to be off, but that jacked up the price by at least 2x the advertising cost. Imagine the people that experience this and say nothing. Businesses should not be allowed to operate under false advertisement like this. Agencies like BBB should not be satisfied in accepting generic responses like this from companies.
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

  Business response

  10/21/2022

  Dear ******,
  
  Greetings!
  
  We have rechecked all the information again and it seems that you may have mistyped the financial information online. This is the reason you did not get the confirmed ticket but "in progress" email.
  
  It is a very complex robo that can reject any transaction because of airline restrictions, technical issues, credit card authentication, card holder authentication, card company rejections, past account history, etc. We again apologize for the inconvenience caused however as mentioned previously there is no human intervention from typing your financial information online till getting the confirmed e-tickets. We will appreciate your understanding in this matter.
  
  Kind regards,
  
  Supervisor

  Customer response

  10/21/2022

   
  Complaint:
  
  

  I am rejecting this response because:

  The information supplied by this business is still reflective of a fraudulent practice. The notification of purchase was sent to me, my attempts to contact the organization seemed to be auto generated (as a bot rejection most likely happens EVERY public chase), with no easy method of communication to retain the offered price. Offering a product and changing or modifying that product after purchase is fraudulent. Saying that the authorization process is highly sophisticated but the site itself is poorly or not accurately updated (which is what customer service told me), seems to be inconsistent. The process seems to be, attract customers to a lower rate, get them to provide payment and then reject the reservation and offer the same flight number and same tickets at an inflated cost, attempt to offer the comparable costs to pressure you into paying a new higher rate that is slightly lower than other airlines and believe nobody will report the activity. I wonder how many flights are actually booked and the initial selection and amount for that selection is upheld/preserved by this business?
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

  Business response

  03/14/2023

  Dear ******,

  Greetings!

  We have checked your case. Fares and availability are dynamic. There can be many reasons a payment cannot go through via your bank even if you have funds in your account. It is controlled by the financial institutions. Fares are dynamic especially for international travel therefore. You are sure that you were not charged. We will appreciate your understanding in this matter. 

  We apologize for the inconvenience caused. We are looking to get your business whenever you book form our website directly not from any alternate websites.

  Kind regards,

  Cheapbestfares

• Initial Complaint

  12/09/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I paid for tickets for my husband to fly from ****** to ***** price was ****** then got confirmation qnd then got an email saying needed inquiry and i told them i wanted the same flight and theu tried to charge me 890 for the same flight that was on their site for the price i paid. I had emailled qll the documents to you in an email. Please go to their website and see their prices are from 412 to 458 and then they change them after they confirm you flights. Please let me know if you need my documents again. I would like my tickets that i ordered for the price on my summary that i was supose to pay ****** i have sent that in my first email but can and will send those again if i need too. Please let me know.

  Customer response

  10/07/2022

   
  Complaint: 16348244
  
  I am rejecting this response because: my bank did not reject the payment, i have sent all documents to the bbb already showing when the amount of price due to when i put it in my cart to pay and them when the prices went up. You can say all you want about my funds cause i had the money and my bank dont decline payments when funds are there or not because i have an over draft. You all post different prices then try to double prices when your at the final step to pay for the flight. I will never use your company again. This case can be closed cause i will always use a better customer service company and one that dont try to blame it on the financial company cause you dont want everyone know that your prices dont match what you put up online but i will tell everybody. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *****************************

  Business response

  10/21/2022

  Dear ********,

  Greetings!

  We have rechecked all the information again and want to know if you may have mistyped the CCV or expiration date. This is the reason you did not get the confirmed ticket but "in progress" email.

  It is a very complex robo that can reject any transaction because of airline restrictions, technical issues, credit card authentication, card holder authentication, card company rejections, past account history, etc. We again apologize for the inconvenience caused however as mentioned previously there is no human intervention from typing your financial information online till getting the confirmed e-tickets. Wewill appreciate your understanding in this matter.

  Kind regards,

  Supvisor

  Customer response

  10/22/2022

   
  Complaint: 16348244
  
  I am rejecting this response because: the ticket was one price when i put it in my cart to pay for it. And then more than doubled when i went to pay, you can blame it on my card or me for mistying all you want. I screened shotted all of this and sent it to others already. Your company ***** and lies about prices and then changes them when customers go to pay. I pay attention to this s*** and make sure i dont get ripped off. Like i have said before i tell people not to buy from you all for this reason, and will continue, nore people that know the more business will go to others who appreciate their customers and dont rip them off.

   

  
  Sincerely,
  
  *****************************

  Business response

  03/14/2023

  Dear ********,

  Greetings!

  We have checked your case. Fares and availability are dynamic. There can be many reasons a payment cannot go through via your bank even if you have funds in your account. We are also only responsible for the flights that are showing up on our website not any 3^rd party website or if someone is being redirected from any other website that does not belong to us.

  We apologize for the inconvenience caused. We are looking to get your business whenever you book form our website directly.

  Kind regards,

  Cheapbestfares

  Customer response

  03/15/2023

   
  Complaint: 16348244
  
  I am rejecting this response because: i tried purchasing this online it wasnt through a thord that i knowbof it had ur company name on it. I will not purchase anything from u and i will tell my co-workers not to order from you also n family. When someone puts something in their cart then tries to pay for it and the peice jumps like that its a scam to get them to not pay attention then you have nore money from, happens alot and untrustworthy companies like yours is why cause you dont tell the truth and are ripping people off. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *****************************

  Business response

  03/17/2023

  Dear ********,
  Greetings!
  We apologize the inconvenience caused. We are requesting you to share your statement showing that the amount was authorized by your bank and the payment was charged from our end.
  We are not responsible for any fare showing anywhere accept our website. You can open our website and compare the same with the 3rd party website from where you may have been redirected. We are not responsible for any incorrect information showing anywhere else but our website. We are looking to get your business whenever you book form our website directly.
  Kind regards,
  Supervisor

  Customer response

  03/23/2023

   
  Complaint: 16348244
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  

  I was odering tickets obline, and ever since i filed this claim they have gave different responses, my complaint was they had cheap flights then when you put them in your cart and went to finalize the order the price double or tripled in the *** k right before tou paid. I will never use tgis company again. I will make sure nobody i know uses them. They keep saying show this and show that i have sent all forms to you to prive what happened. This company needs to move on n just realize they wont pull this over on ******* friends and family again. 
  Sincerely,
  
  *****************************

• Initial Complaint

  11/24/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased plane tickets for a trip to ******, ** for $319.30. My card was charged for this amount. I called the card company and they confirmed, the amount left my card as soon as I confirmed purchase online. Now cheapbestfares has canceled my tickets saying that my card was declined. I just want my tickets. Or my money back! And to stop being lied to when it was obliviously some type of glitch or error on their end!

• Initial Complaint

  10/25/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Unresolved

  More info

  On March 2020 I booked a flight through CBF, which was later cancelled by Swiss Air due to Covid 19. CBF issued a credit in the amount $876.35 (the cost I paid) for future flight with Swiss Air. In February 2021 I used this credit to book a flight with Swiss Air in June 2021. I paid additional $712.45 to CBF since the price of the flight increased. Total of $1588.80. Two weeks prior to my flight I have looked up my flight info and noticed my flight was canceled. I called Swiss Air directly and they confirmed the cancellation and stated that CBF will receive a refund and to retrieve it from them. CBF never notified my of this cancellation. When I called the customer service they were trying to sell me a new airline ticket for my travel dates for $2989 from which they would subtract my already paid $1588.80 which would result in an additional charge of $1400 to me. I have refused this offer and purchased the same flight through an airline for $1600. **************** told me at that time that I'd have to wait 45 days to receive a credit of $989. Since August I've been calling customer service and was informed that the refund was still processing. I have called Swiss Air directly and was told they refunded CBF on 5/17/2021 but they could not tell me the details of how much. On October 6th I started to make daily phone calls to customer service about my refund only to be told it's still processing and I'll receive a call back anywhere from **** hrs, depending on the particular agent I spoke with that day. I've never received a call back. On October 16th I was finally told they could issue a refund of $683 to me. This amount is unacceptable to me since I have not received any service from a this company and the flight was cancelled by the airline, not me. I've continued to call customer service and on October 18th was finally able to speak with supervisor and tell him the details of my case (as stated above). He assured me a call back withing 48hr which never happened.

  Customer response

  10/07/2022

   
  Complaint: 16058337
  
  I am rejecting this response because: unlike the response from Supervisor says I have not received any refund and they still own me $1588.80
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

  Business response

  10/21/2022

  Dear *****,

  Greetings!

  We have rechecked your case and found that you are not eligible for the refund because as per the agreed terms and conditions the value of your ticket has already been converted into credit voucher for your future reservation. The same was done ***** your agreement with the travel agency.

  We also see that you have filed a chargeback with your bank. Therefore, please get through to your bank to know the status. Alternatively, you can reach us anytime so that we can further assist you.

  Regards,

  Supervisor

  Customer response

  10/28/2022

   
  Complaint: 16058337
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Dear Supervisor, 

  I have made multiple attempts to contact any supervisor  as you previously suggested with no response. I have been promised by your associates to receive a call or email as I requested by supervisor ***** or ***** within 2 hours after each call I have made with no contact from either. 

  I would like to receive an email with details about my credit voucher for my future travel which you mentioned in your email. Since you have my contact information through this complaint and through the associates emails I dont see a reason why you couldnt contact me directly to resolve my complaint. If there is a better way to contact you directly, please share that with me.

  Sincerely,

  
  *************************

  Business response

  03/14/2023

  Dear *****,
  Greetings!
  We apologize for the inconvenience caused. We checked and found that you filed a chargeback and the case has been closed under your favor. Therefore, you have received the amount already. If the airline has refunded directly to your card then you would have got double the amount.
  If you have any questions, feel free to call us at ***************.
  Kind regards,
  Cheapbestfares
  

  
  

  Customer response

  03/17/2023

   
  Complaint: 16058337
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  Hello, you are right that I contacted my credit card to remove the charges that I didnt receive any service for from your end and wasnt able to get refunded or credited. The credit card company removed the charges on October 27th 2021 (see attached screenshot) As they processed my complaint they acknowledged that too much time has passed since my initial purchase and therefore reapplied the charges one in November 2021 and another one in January 2022 (see attached screenshots) Therefore in fact I have not received money from anyone. 
  So, please reopen the claim you closed and work with me on at least issuing a credit of $1588 for a future travel. Please, feel free to contact me via email at **********************
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

  Business response

  04/02/2023

  Dear *****,
  
  
  Greetings!
  
  
  We thank you for accepting the future credit. We never denied the same.
  
  
  Anytime if you want to use the credit amount. You can reach us at our support phone number i.e. *************** and our support staffs will help you with your travel arrangements.
  
  
  Kind regards,
  Supervisor

  Customer response

  04/10/2023

   
  Complaint: 16058337
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Greetings,

  once again, when I call the number you suggested to speak with your associates, theyre not aware of my future credit and are unable to give me any answers. They are also not able to hold their promise to call me back.

  Can you provide me with my case number or supervisor number to have a contact with.

  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

  Business response

  04/20/2023

  Dear *****,

  Greetings!

  Please share the letter issued by the airline as a future credit so that we can look into the same.

  Kind regards,

  Supervisor

  Customer response

  04/20/2023

   
  Complaint: 16058337
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  Dear Supervisor,

  I have never received any letter from the airline (SwissAir). SwissAir cancelled my flight at least 2 weeks before departure. Cheap Best Fares associate told me I will receive refund or future credit (this is almost 2 years ago) but that it will take several months. When several months past and Cheap Best Fares associates were telling me they still havent received a refund from the airline, I called the airline myself and was told they sent the refund to Cheap Best Fares but that they couldnt give me anymore details because I purchased the ticket through a 3rd party - Cheap Best Fares and so I have to get the refund/future credit through them. Which means you.

  Im not sure how much clearer I can be about my case. Im concerned that you have given me a different response with each of my response. 

  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

• Initial Complaint

  10/08/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I booked airline tickets for me and my family today and canceled within minutes due to restrictions on the tickets.I have been told by the agent that Im going to charge a $50 per person total amount of $200 for the cancellation. I check with the ********** of ************** and been told that airlines must let travelers hold a reservation at the quoted fare for 24 hours without payment, or allow a purchased reservation to be canceled within 24 hours without penalty and with a full refund to the original form of payment. When I told the agent this, he threatened me by saying that we put no travel restrictions on airlines if you dont pay. When I check my credit card account it shows that there is a $200 charge from this travel agency. I need to get this charge stopped or refunded

*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. ↩