Sir, Kindly Remove Your Hand From My Money
Written: Nov 25 '00
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As I've mentioned in a previous Epinion, I recently took a trip to New York City. Since it was a last-minute trip, I knew that I was in for expensive fares. I decided to try out Travelocity since a friend of mine is always raving about the cheap flights she gets with them. Even thought I've checked them in the past and never got the lowest rates that are advertised, I decided that I'd give them another shot.
It Started Out So Promising...
I logged onto their site and quickly found a few fares that were priced right. The cheapest one was a combo Northwest/Spirit Air flight for $289. While not being that familiar with Spirit Air, I decided that I couldn't beat that price. After filling out what seemed like dozens of pages, I was informed that they were unable to send me my conformation in time (the trip was 3 days away), so I was unable to get e-tickets. I was instructed to call their 1-800# to see if they can arrange me picking up hard tickets at the airport. I found that to be a bit odd, since I had a similar situation with Delta and it wasn't a problem. I figured it would be handled similarly, so I called.
The agent who answered was very nice and confirmed that yes, I would be able to pick up hard tickets at the airport the morning of my departure.
Phew! What a relief! He did inform me, however, that since it was a "mixed" ticket, and Northwest Airlines and Spirit Air did not have a baggage agreement (whatever THAT is), that they would have to tack on an additional $150 charge. HUH??? Forget that! I told him that I had also seen another itinerary with Spirit for both legs of the trip and to check for that. He comes back on saying that they did indeed have a trip with Spirit for $299. Book me! I told him. He precedes to inform me that since my trip only a few days away, and that I would have to pick up my ticket at the airport, that they would have to again tack on an additional $150 charge to my ticket. WHAT?????? I was in disbelief. I told him that I've never heard of such a charge for using a hard ticket before and that I've had friends who only use hard-tickets and never have a charge for it. He goes on to attempt to explain the reasoning behind the charge, none of them making any sense. I repeatedly asked for the reason, but never got one. He finally suggested that I call a travel agent or try to call Spirit directly.
Nice Try, Mister
Completely discouraged, I decided to call Spirit to see if they could explain the crazy situation to me. Surprise, surprise.... they booked my for the same flight, WITHOUT the mysterious $150 charge. They also charged me $10 less for the flight. So much for Travelocity giving you discounted prices. I booked my flight with no problems (see my Epinion on Spirit Air).
So, the guy tried to rip me off. Lesson learned. I'll know not to use them again or recommend them to others.
Another thing that bothered me about my experience was the fact that I could hear what the other reservation agents were saying while I was on the phone with my agent. The could hear the agent next to him loud and clear. She would get off the phone and mock what her previous customer had said and then I'd hear a mass of laughter from the other agents. This went on for the entire conversation. I don't feel comfortable with using a company who don't treat their customers with respect, even if they are no longer connected with the person.
Overall, I think I can safely say that I will never use Travelocity again.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
melly
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Member: Melissa
Location: Michigan
Reviews written: 25
Trusted by: 24 members
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