I just booked my vacation using the internet for the first time . now I'm hearing horror stories about travelocity.Is it really that bad? should I be worried?Are they gonna scr#@% me big time?
2006-06-09 17:32:31 · 5 answers · asked by frogger 3 in Travel ➔ Travel (General) ➔ Other - Destinations
I worked for an airline at the ticket counter and gates for many many years. I have seen people get burned by all of the travel websites. They buy the cheapest most restricted fares from the airlines and then add more terms and conditions to them. Travelocity I would say was one that I would choose over Priceline, Cheaptickets, Lowestfare.com, Hotwire and any of the other "book cheap" websites. Most of the troubles I saw with Travelocity is that when an airline changed their schedule or flights passengers claimed to have never been informed. Airlines post their schedules and advise the companies with as much advanced notice as legally possible. I even saw one lady who purchased a ticket on Travelocity and was sold the old schedule that had changed a month prior. The airlines can not hold responsibility for errors like this. It is up to the 3rd party company to keep the passenger informed if that is outlined in their contract. Secondly, a passenger must always check the schedules with the airline the closer it gets to time of departure. You have no recourse with an airline if you purchase from another website.
I have used the sites for hotels, but never airline travel. Always would start with Orbitz and price compare. Orbitz is owned by the airlines and is easier to deal with when making changes. The bulk consolidator websites tickets are untouchable and unchangable by any airline, you must contact that websites customer support to make changes. Ive used Hotwire, Orbitz and Hotels.com for hotels and rental cars and had really good results. I price compare on all of the websites then go directly to the airlines page to compare and book.
No matter what avenue you choose, someone will have good experiences and some with have bad. The most important thing is to always read the rules in fine print before purchasing. Use a premium credit card that has travel protection or purchase travel insurance if your vacation is worth several thousand dollars.
But of all of the travel sites, next to Orbitz, Travelocity is one of the better ones I would suggest over Priceline, Cheaptickets, Hotwire (for airline travel) and Lowestfare.com
2006-06-09 18:45:48 · answer #1 · answered by southrntrnzplnt 5 · 10⤊ 1⤋
I don't think that Travelocity is any better or any worse than any of the other "online discounters" Personally, I always use a travel agent. Even though I have most likely been on a similar vacation countless times before, I would never book a trip without a travel agent. My agent is able to do things that I would never be able to do without her. Not to mention that she is usually less than the "online discounters" most of the time, but she is able to help me plan my trip and make all my arrangements so all the stress is taken out of the planning, but I still get to enjoy the planning stages.
I think that the problem with these sites is that they are more than happy to help you when you are in the booking process. You call them up with a question, they will take care of you and help you as much as possible. That's great, so you book your trip. Later, you discover a problem and then suddenly they aren't so helpful and willing to work with you. Just be sure that you have read the fine print. This is where a lot of people have experienced problems with extra fees, non-refundable trips, etc.
The other problem is with the actual bookings. I'm not exactly sure what you booked, just a hotel, air tickets, a cruise, etc. But, this is what I have heard from this site as well as the other like it. After booking the trip, then the customer seems to be left out on certain details and information for their trip. For example, I read somewhere a couple was going on a cruise and found out the day they arrived for the cruise that the ports had changed for that cruise, they were never informed. Another big thing is that people will find out months after booking their vacation that their reservations were not made. Some people were lucky and just didn't have the reservation like they had expected, other people didn't have the reservation but still had the charge. They call the company and there is nothing that can be done.
For me personally, I would just prefer the personal service and extra touches of a travel agent to avoid the risk of having a bad vacation. But, many people use these sites and are happy with them. Each persons situation is going to be different. And yes, in many cases the people may have just been picky and upset because the hotel wasn't what was expected, it does require some research before hand so you know what you are booking. Some people use the sites all the time with no problem, other people try them and end up dissapointed, you just can't tell what the situation will be.
The biggest thing to consider is what you actually booked, as it seems different people have different experiences depending on what has been booked.
2006-06-10 01:39:21 · answer #2 · answered by tech_fanatic 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I still use travelocity- but I still shop around. The good price is a good price no matter where you get it. If you booked thru there (as I have many times) I won't be worried. I have never had a problem with tickets or hotels. Just make sure you do your research. A good hotel is a good hotel (and a bad hotel is a bad hotel) no matter where you book it.
2006-06-10 00:51:07 · answer #3 · answered by Lizzzzie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the early to mid 90's they were great. Now I would say fair at best.
Not a rip off per say, but keep your guard up.
I quit using them back in the late 90's.
2006-06-10 00:46:47 · answer #4 · answered by Robin 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try cheap tickets.com
2006-06-10 00:37:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋