Complain about a product or service

Cheap Trips

Imelda of Hawthorne, NJ October 5, 2009

This is my second complaint to consumer affairs about this company. Back on September 24th I filed a complaint in regards to a refund that I have been waiting up to three months for. The exact amount out of my account was 59.95. I explained in detail in my previous complaint the issue I was having. After I filed my complaint I called Cheaptrips back and told them that I wanted to speak with a supervisor so I left my number for someone to call me back. I was told that a "supervisor" would call me back within 24 hours. On Friday I got a call from a representative setting up a telephone call for me to call on the 5th of October between 10am and 4pm to speak with a supervisor named Chris. I just got off the phone with this Chris character who was not only rude but didn't even resolve or explain the issue of why it was taking so long for my refund. And to be clear I was told the "supervisor needed time to look over my account to see why it was taking so long for my refund". That is why my appointment was made almost 2 weeks in advance. Chris proceeded to not only be slow and quiet while I was on the phone but to ask me my name about 4 times and then asking me to spell it a 5th time. Pretty redundent. Then he went on to tell me that my refund was issued on the 2nd of October back to my account in the amount of 50.00 because there was a processing fee of 9.95, which at no point in any of my phone calls to cheaptrips was I ever told, and that my refund would show in my account in 7 business days. So on the 24th of September I was told that my refund of 59.95 was reprocessed and would take 7-10 business days which would have been Wednesday the 7th of October, and now after getting off the phone with Chris, the supervisor, it was gonna take another 7 business days which makes it either the 14th or 15th of October.

Then when I started to tell him that I was never told there was a processing fee and that I was told my refund would be in full, he said that if I was not happy with the refund that it would only delay the process of me receiving my refund. In other words he said he would stop the refund of the 50.00 and submit a request for the 9.95. So basically it was either I took it or waited longer. Then I said why does he need to do that to give me an explanation and he said he could not discuss it with me at the moment because he did not have time. I waited 6 business days for our appointment for him to tell me that he could not discuss that with me that I would have to wait and call back. When I addressed this fact to him he continued to say that he was going to disconnect my call in 30 seconds so I either agreed to the 50.00 refund or not because he "had other complaints to deal with". So from Chris' own mouth I'm obviously not the only dissatisfied customer. When I told him I had already filed a complaint to consumer affairs he said "many people have filed complaints the company has been around for over 20 years".... So what does that mean exactly? Nothing is being done on the consumer's behalf that this company is continueing to provide horrible service and keep people's refund for almost 3 months and then not even giving them there full refund? Something needs to be done. I told Chris to refund my 50.00 because I refuse to wait for it any longer but their policies are seriously flawed if this is how they are conducting business. And I hope something can be done so that I can receive the remainder of my refund for a membership I cancelled within their 30 day period policy. Also I hope something is done so that other people who may be experiencing a similar problem with this company and don't have the time or the patience maybe to sit and write a complaint about it can get some closure themselves.

Mi of Beaverton, OR September 27, 2009

I was persuaded into buying a membership with cheap trips for 99.00 plus 9.95 handling fee on Sept. 24th. Like many of you who have been scammed, you probably said yes because you travel frequently, as I do. When I tried to enter the site with the pin I was given, it was an invalid/expired pin. I also tried calling the number that I was given, and kept getting a message that sounded like a home voicemail. By this time, it was pretty obvious that it was a scam and when I looked online to search if cheap trips was indeed a scam, I immediately saw the negative response to cheap trips.

After looking for some solutions, I read David's comments about contacting your bank to dispute a charge. I called my bank (US Bank) and told them that I would like to dispute a charge. She was extremely helpful and said that she would file a dispute right away. I told her that I had authorized the charge, but found out it was a scam and felt that they had wrongly charged me. I wasn't sure if they would dispute a charge because I had authorized it, but she said that I had the right to dispute any charge (even the ones I had authorized) if again, I felt that it was fraudulent, or what not. She also recommended that I close out the account so that they are not able to charge my account again and is now sending me a new card.

Many people have continued to be charged because this company still has your account information. Don't waste your time trying to contact the company. If cheap trips does send you a package, be sure to send it back so that they are not able to use that excuse against you, but contact the bank or credit card company that you had them charge you on and work with them to dispute it. Banks and companies are often very willing to help their customers with this kind of matter. I feel your frustration! But stay calm and trust that God will make good of all bad situations.

David of Arlington, VA September 26, 2009

CheaP Trips Telephone Sales Representative called stating that I can get membership that included 4 free airline tickets without blackout dates, etc. No catch involved, etc. She stated that the company (Cheap Trips) had greatly improved its services, etc. Since I am a frequent traveler, I figured I would take a chance and see. A hundred dollars would be worthwhile gamble. However, I did not expect the surprise on my credit card of being signed up for thier Vacation Club. Which I did not authorize. An additional hundred dollars.

Also, I did not expect the "catch" of having to stay in thier specified hotels. Automatically, this limits the locations of where the trips can be taken. I was left with the impression that the trips could be for anywhere worldwide. Nor, Did I expect that barrage of calls afterwards for many different Cheap Trips Telesales Represenatives. Additionally, A major red flag went off when I got a followup email using a yahoo email account.

1) Membership of 108 Fee. 2)Vacation Club 108 Fee. (not authorized) 3) Hassle of Telesales Representative Calls.

Ryan of Benton, AR September 25, 2009

In June of this year (2009), I received a call from a telemarketer offering me this great travel membership which would include 4 free airline tickets, 100 gas card, and lots of great travel deals on their website. At first I declined but unfortunately I told the lady to call me back in a few hours when I could focus on what she was saying (I was at work). She called back as promised and gave me the spill again. She assured me that if I was not satisfied with the service, I could request a full refund so since I was looking to do a lot traveling, I figured it was worth taking a look at it since I could get a full refund. Well the lifetime membership cost was broken down into 3 payments of 59.95 and I had 30 days to cancel if I was not happy with it. Just prior to my 30 days expiring, I had not received my membership package, but I had visited the site to book a trip. I looked at their prices and the prices from Orbitz and a few other sites and there was no huge saving at all. Matter of fact, the prices they displayed were the same as travelocity.com so I decided to cancel.

I called the company on July 7th and spoke with Scott. I told him I wanted to cancel because I had not received my package and that I didn't see the value in what they offered. I also told him that I saw a lot of complaints online about them and asked him if there was going to be a hassle getting my refund. He told me no, that they have over 300,000 happy customers but of course there would be a few unhappy people that would make bogus claims. So he told me where to send my cancellation letter to and I mailed it out the next day. He also told me that it would take 1 to 2 billing cycles (30 to 60 days) which I told him was extremely too long, but if that was their policy, so be it, just send me my money.

On July 29th I called again to make sure they received my letter and had processed my refund. Scott again told me that it was in work and would take 1 to 2 billing cycles.

On September 8th, 2 billing cycles later, I called and this time spoke with Kim who acted like she didn't see anything in the computer about my cancellation and asked if I had sent the letter in. I almost lost it at this point but remained calm since I handle customer service issues on my job and know how people can be rude when wanting a refund. She told me that she would expedite my refund and I should see it in 10 to 14 days which again I express to her was too long but I know we tell customers the same thing since different banks have different time frames on when the funds are credited back. I do know that most refunds only take 2 to 3 days from the time they are processed.

On September 14th I called and spoke with Scott again and he told me that Kim did indeed process the refund and to allow 10 to 14 days. Well today was day number 13 and still no refund so I called again and this time got a new rep named Fredrick. He told me that he saw where I had called on the 9th and 14th and that the refund was being processed and that the 14 days were not up yet. I asked him what merchant gateway do they use so that I could call and verify that a refund had been processed and he said he could not give me that information. I then asked if he could email me the confirmation info of my refund (which is what we do at work when we issue a refund) and he said there was no info to send until the refund was complete.

This is where my patients ran out because I knew I was getting the run around now. So I asked him what is the process he keeps referring to, did it mean they still had not released the funds or did it mean the bank had not received the funds. He couldn't answer the question and would only say it was being processed. I then asked to speak with someone else because obviously he didn't know anything and he told me all other reps were busy and that he could take a message to have the supervisor call me back. I went with that option and asked when should I expect a call. He told me it could be today or tomorrow. I finally had enough and hung up.

I then called my bank and disputed the charges which is my suggestion to anyone waiting on a refund. After so long, most merchant/payment gateways will not allow a refund (paypal is 60 days, authorize.net is 90 days, and so on)and I fill this is what this company is doing. They string you along until it is impossible to give a refund. However, if you dispute the charge through your bank or credit card company, it will cost them more due to the charge back fees. They also have the right to dispute the charge back but with information like this present about their scam, its not likely they will win the dispute even though you did authorize the payment.

Frederic of Moorpark, CA September 11, 2009

Told I won 4 free tickets and 100 gas coupon and I asked specifically what the catch was, told there is no catch. Got information in mail now saying I had to book a hotel with the trip, no mention of this in the initial conversation. Not able to get refund back

Jason of dahlonega, GA September 7, 2009

I was scammed by SRE-Cheap-Trips Incorporated. I was told that, I would receive a 30 day trial membership for 60, and that I can cancel at anytime during this period. Upon which, if I decided to canceled, I would receive a full refund. Unfortunately, to my dismay, the company decided to send my packaging materials at the end of the 30days.

Please note that during these 30 days, I made several calls complaining that my package did not arrive and I was promised by the company that they will extend my trial period for a couple of days.

The main reason why I purchased the package is because, I was told I would receive two free airline tickets to travel anywhere with no strings attached. However, when the package finally arrived, I was notified by letter that in order to receive the complimentary tickers, I had to stay 7 days and 7 nights in various hotels and resorts.

At this point I specifically asked for a refund. I was told to return my package materials, which I did, in order to receive my refund. However, even though I was promised my refund, after several months, I have yet to receive a dime. This company is currently conducting a fraudulent scheme. And all members involved should be brought to justice.

April of Cumming, GA September 4, 2009

I purchased two memberships for my sister and myself. Within the timeframe allotted, I returned my membership material to get a refund. Several weeks later I called - on April 6, 2009 - and was told they did receive my returned packet and I would receive a full refund in 30-60 days. Well, it's now Sept. 4, and I've gotten nothing! And I can't get anything but an answering machine at their telephone number. They owe me 276.85.

Patti of Melbourne, FL July 26, 2009

After having purchased a membership packet, I found that the program was not presented in full. I was told that I had to secure a hotel booking (which I did not plan on doing), before I received my airline tickets. Also, the promotion for a 100.00 gift certificate for gas, was incorrect. I would have to purchase other products in order to receive the gift certificate. I wrote to them cancelling my memship and asking for a full rfund ( the cost of which was 99.00, plus 9.95 for shipping and handling). I have since called the company on several occasions, and am told by SCOTT, that the supervisor will return my call. This has never happened.I was also told that the charge would be given back on my next credit statement, which of course does not happen.

vannessa of Glen St Mary, FL June 13, 2009

I ordered two travel deals which included four roundtrip tickets in each package.Each package was 59.95 a peice.I called them back not 10 mins. later and cancled the order and was assured it would not be sent through my account.I then called my bank to inform them about what I did and they noted it and red flagged my acount on this.Cheaptrips did put it through my account on 6/11/09

Kimella of Fairview, OR May 28, 2009

I joined Cheaptrips with the understanding that if I wasn't completely satisfied and that if everything they told me over the phone wasn't completely true I would immediately get my money back. Well, I was promised by K. Lane Agent #KL6152: 100 in gas money 100 in flight rebate money 4 Free roundtrip tickets no limitations and no stipulations no catches and a trip for two flight and motel accommodations totally paid for to either Los Vegas, Mexico or Orlando. The trip did not materialize, the gas money had a catch attached to it and the 4 free tickets has stipulations put on it. So I requested my money (139.95) be credited back to my account no later than the end of the month. (later I looked at my account and found out that they did not take 139.95 from my account but instead they took 149.95. It is now May 13th I have not heard from Cheaptrips. I have called and requested to speak to a supervisor twice. Both times, I was told one was not available and I would be put on a list. I have never heard from anyone again. I am hoping you can help me with this problem and help me get my money back from this company. I lost 149.90

Report Your Experience
If you've had a bad experience -- or a good one -- with a consumer product or service, we'd like to hear about it. All complaints are reviewed by class action attorneys and are considered for publication on our site. Knowledge is power! Help spread the word. File your consumer report now.

Follow us on Twitter.

Back to the top | Travel

Home | Rogues Gallery | Good Guys | Complaint Form | News | Recalls | Search
Consumer Resources | Find A Lawyer | Newsletters | Forums | Contact Us | Advertise

Consumer Affairs.Com is provided by ConsumerAffairs.com, Inc. in association with Joan E. Lisante LLC, licensed to practice in Virginia and the District of Columbia and the Law Offices of Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, Ltd., licensed to practice in Illinois.  ConsumerAffairs.com is an independent service not affiliated with any government agency.  For more information see the FAQ and privacy policy. The information on this Web site is general in nature and is not intended as a substitute for competent legal advice.  ConsumerAffairs.com Inc. makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information herein provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from the use thereof. 

Copyright � 1999-2001 ConsumerAffairs.com Inc.  All Rights Reserved.