
Priceline Reviews
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About Priceline
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Priceline provides travel booking services. The site allows users to book flights, hotels, rental cars and vacation packages. Utilizing a Name Your Own Price tool, Priceline offers discounted travel options and express deals, facilitating budget-friendly travel planning since 1997.
Visit www.priceline.com- User-friendly booking process
- Affordable pricing options
- Quick refund process
- Poor communication from support
- Hidden fees and charges
- Inconsistent pricing guarantees
Priceline Reviews
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Reviewed May 6, 2009
Reviewed May 6, 2009
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Reviewed April 29, 2009
Reviewed April 29, 2009
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Reviewed April 26, 2009
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Reviewed April 21, 2009
I booked a flight for my wife and her two sisters for what I thought was a roundtrip to Orlando, FL. It turns out I booked it to Chicago, IL. The airport is only 1 1/2 hours drive from my home. Chicago is only 1/1/2 hours drive from the airport. I immediately called Priceline to see what could be done and was told I booked the flight and if I was to cancel it not five minutes later, it would be a $300 cancellation fee plus a $22.35 non-refundable processing fee. I believe this to be a bit extreme. I was also told if I was to rebook the flight, the $300 would be put toward the new flight, with still a loss of $30. After what I have been through with Priceline booking, another flight with them is totally out of the question. I told them that I informed my credit card company of the situation and I plan to fight all their fees and charges. The original request # is **.
Reviewed April 21, 2009
I tried to book a room in Manhattan (NYC) on 4/16/09. Instead, they booked me into a room out in Queens. I called immediately and was told there was nothing they could or would do about it. I e-mailed and called customer service (which is a joke) and they actually sent me an e-mail telling me not to contact them again because they weren't even going to respond. I made this reservation over two weeks in advance and I ended up paying for a room in Manhattan (where I stayed) and one in Queens, which I assume was empty. Not that it matters, but I checked the regular room rate for the Queens hotel and it was only $4 cheaper.
Reviewed April 16, 2009
I specified downtown Norfolk for a hotel. The system assigned a hotel 12 miles outside the area they have mapped for downtown Norfolk. I called and spoke with 4 representatives and offered to fax/email proof of what I specified, which I printed from the website. They refused to listen.Much time has been spent canceling this charge with the credit card company. Wasted hotel space. Lost customer! I would participate in a class action suit. A 24-hour cancellation window would be fair.
Reviewed April 15, 2009
I booked a hotel room for 4 nights through Priceline.com for one of my VPs. Upon arriving at the hotel in Danville, IL on Sunday, 04/12/09, he said the hotel was in complete disrepair. There were no cars on the parking lot and lights on the hotel sign were broken. My VP decided that the hotel did not meet the standards expected and did not check in. I called the hotel on 04/12 and stated my concern to Joseph, who answered the hotel phone. He said to take it up with Priceline and then hung up on me. I then contacted customer service at Priceline. They said the hotel would not give a refund and told me to take it up with the hotel.
Both parties have ignored the problem and neither have addressed the fact that the hotel is misleading buyers on their website regarding the quality. Priceline is not doing a very good job of ensuring the hotels they represent meet the ratings/standards they set for hotels. I have sent two requests to Priceline to explain how they rate their hotels and they do not answer that question. I believe since there are two days left, Priceline could force the hotel to refund the unused days and lower the star rating for that hotel. Thank you.
Reviewed April 8, 2009
I booked a hotel room with Priceline.com in Reno. When we arrived at the hotel, I was told Priceline has booked a smoking room for us; and unfortunately, the hotel and almost all hotels in Reno are sold out because of spring break. I replied I am allergic to smoke and could not stay in a smoking room. The hotel manager told me the only option is to wait around hopefully there would be cancellation. Exhausted after our 8 hour travel, we waited around. When I called Priceline to see what could be done or if they can find another option, the recording on Priceline's Hotline stated they were closed and to call back tomorrow!
At around midnight, I was told by the manager that there were no cancellations, but she felt awful about the issue and upgraded us to a suite instead. When I contacted Priceline the next day, the gentleman said, “The best I can do is to give you credit for $50.” I told him, “I was insulted. I want you to reimburse the entire hotel stay and make sure this doesn't happen again.” He told me the only option now is to file a complaint online. Upon return, I filed a complaint online. And when I didn't hear back after 10 days, I called back. This time, I was told, “You got an upgrade out of it, why are you calling?” He continued, “Priceline cannot determine whether you get a smoking room or not. It is up to the hotel. There is no guaranty you get what you asked for!” And by the way, they cannot connect to a supervisor!
Reviewed April 6, 2009
On March 25, 2009, I used Priceline.com to book 1 night at a 4-Star Hotel in Las Vegas for March 28 - March 29. To my dismay, Priceline.com confirmed my reservation at the Westin Casuarina, a 2.5-3.0 Star Hotel at best. Priceline's fees of $16.95 exceeded those of Hotels.com and other competitors. Additionally, the Westin Casuarina tried to assess me $16.16 in Hotel Services Fees for using Priceline.com. It is my opinion that Priceline.com does not conduct fair business practices.
Reviewed April 5, 2009
I requested room online through Priceline.com in April for August travel. I was not aware that I did not have option to change my mind once transaction had occurred online. Transaction was completed online and credit card was charged with no option to cancel transaction. I phoned Priceline immediately and attempted to negotiate cancellation with Priceline customer service agent to no avail. When I asked to speak to a supervisor, I was told that his supervisor and/or manager were not available to take my complaint (Sat. evening, April 4, 2009). I could not cancel through the hotel either. I was told (by hotel agent) that hotel cannot cancel Priceline's reservations once made.
Customer service agent emailed Priceline's standard contract to me. To wit: If Priceline accepts your price, Priceline will book your reservation in a property with an equal or higher star level than you requested. The hotel that is selected may or may not be one that you have seen during a hotel search on Priceline. Priceline will immediately charge your credit card the total cost of your stay. Rooms purchased through Priceline cannot be cancelled, changed or transferred and refunds are not allowed. If your offer is not accepted, your credit card will not be charged. Consumer should be warned of this. Are there no options for consumer? Are these fair business practices?
Reviewed April 4, 2009
Priceline is a stickler when it comes to their no cancellation policy. I've used them numerous times in the past. One of those times, I had to cancel my trip and they refused a refund, my loss. However, on this last booking, I had everything ready. I was not sure if I wanted to submit or not. I went to call the wife to see what she wanted to do and my 3-year-old decided to play on the computer. Needless to say, she submitted the request for a city we didn't want to stay in. It's amazing that a 3-year-old can click away like that. In the end, however, Priceline did issue a refund for all but one night's stay and allowed me to book in the correct city and refunded me that one night fee minus $25. It's not too bad considering I could've been stuck for something my child did.
Reviewed April 3, 2009
After booking my room, I called the hotel to request two double beds. The Benson Hotel, a Coast Hotel in Portland, Oregon told me it would be an additional $25 a night plus a 12% tax. I immediately called Priceline and was told basically I had two choices, pay the extra or cancel but my credit card would still be charged. They stated their policy accommodates 2 adults. Well, personally I have no desire to sleep with any relative while on vacation. I explained to Priceline customer service that it does indeed say 2 adults and that I know I needed to contact the hotel directly and that bed choice, smoking/non smoking was based upon availability but nowhere does it say that any additional monies may result. The rep told me I was out of luck. I am currently working with my credit card company to dispute these charges as Priceline practices fraudulent and misleading practices.
Reviewed April 3, 2009
I booked what I thought was a flight from Atlanta to Washington for June 14th through 16th for specific times. I was due to arrive in Atlanta for this flight later that day so I obviously wouldn't book the earliest flight Priceline had available; the online tool presented a flight later in that afternoon leaving Atlanta, so it was perfect. As soon as I put in my Visa card information and hit confirm, the itinerary changed and lo and behold, I'm booked on the earliest flight out of Atlanta on the 14th! To me, this was more of a bait and switch tactic.
I explained to the representative that I did not select this flight, nor would I ever because I'm not due to arrive in Atlanta until later in that day (June 14th) to even catch the flight out. She responded with the standard, "This is a non-refundable purchase and you chose it, sir." That is an utter lie. I informed her, "When your online systems presents an offer, and we the customer see that offer, that's what we are paying for, not the selection made or choice made by Priceline or its computers. You can't advertise one thing and then change it. It's illegal." I was transferred to supposedly a customer relations specialist who rambled the same company jargon that it's non-refundable and cannot be changed.
If this was a last minute flight or even a flight that was this week where booking is firm, I would understand that. But the fact that this is 60 days out and I'm being treated with no understanding or consideration is appalling. The representative said there will be a $150 cancellation fee! Further, the rep stated if I chose to rebook another flight, they will apply the $150 cancellation fee to that flight. There is no feature on that site to do that, so how would they be able to do that? Clearly, not possible. I feel that this is a clear swindle and legal action should be taken against this company.
Reviewed April 1, 2009
I booked a ticket from Fort Myers to Boston on May 22, Friday. The fare was including taxes and airport fees $100.00. I put in all my credit card information, said to check everything and hit submit button. After all the time I spent, it brought me back to home page. When I went to check reservation, said I didn't have one and now I can't find that same fare connecting through BWI. Now the fare shows $197.00. Please help me asap. Thank you.
Reviewed April 1, 2009
I put a bid in for a hotel using Priceline.com. Every search and every comparison I looked at was for Richmond, Kentucky. After I placed my bid and agreed to a no-cancellation policy, it made a reservation for Richmond, Virgina. I immediately contacted Customer Service to explain the mistake. They wouldn't have any part of it. They just kept repeating that I agreed to the no cancellation policy and they said I put in Virgina (no, I did not). They were kind enough to cancel my reservation with just the fee of one night's hotel cost deducted. There is no advantage to taking this kind of risk when making any reservation. You get what they give you, period.
No customer service is involved. It doesn't matter if your reservation is in a different country (although it does sounds like their customer service agents are from a different country). They say you made the reservation, you are stuck with the fees. 10 seconds 1 second, it doesn't matter. Once you push Accept, they are no longer concerned with you.
Reviewed March 31, 2009
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Reviewed Jan. 4, 2009
When using Priceline, be aware the acceptance is only good on their side. The process takes quite a bit of time because they will need you to say yes numerous times to confirm all of your information including the price. In the process of accepting a vacation package from them and after already confirming the cost, the price went up twice during the final conversation. I asked repeatedly to talk to a supervisor. Supposedly you can only speak to one if you have an accepted offer. This is the worst kind of customer service I have ever encountered. Representatives are taught a few responses to questions such as mine.
How could the cost go up when I had already accepted the cost? They will repeat the same answers over and over. I did not, thank goodness after reading the numerous complaints on this website, end up using Priceline. I did email their customer service. I received the same email answer to my question twice, once obviously from someone who could not write proper English. Using Priceline is for gamblers. They hold all the cards. Shame on William Shatner for being their spokesperson. But money is his game, after all. He obviously can't get enough from Boston Legal.
Consequence: They did put into an email that they did not charge my card. I do dislike, however, that they did get my credit card # in the process. The whole experience felt somewhat like operating in the underbelly of something which smelled.
Reviewed Jan. 1, 2009
Priceline charged $96 fee. I thought it was a hotel fee. Found out it was not. Hotel would have cost $618 for 3 nights. I was charged $714 by Priceline. $96 is Priceline fee. I did not know that until check-in at the Radisson Hotel in NY. I believe that fee is excessive. Online consumers asked if fee is still $20. Why was I charged $96?
Reviewed Dec. 31, 2008
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Reviewed Oct. 21, 2008
In trying to book a trip to Atlantic City - I put in my Name your own price of $60 for a hotel on the Boardwalk - a page came up telling me that that price was too low and suggested an alternate price of $125.00 for the Trump Plaza on the boardwalk. I hit my back browser as I did not want to pay that much. I again filled in the blanks with a new bid price of $70 and confirmed my bid amount. The page that came up was a confirmation of purchase for $125 @ The Trump Marina - miles away - much too far for my purposes. I immediately called Priceline. The first representative I spoke to seemed to realize there was an error made and tried to be helpful, but she was limited in what she could do.
I was disconnected when she tried to switch me to a supervisor. I called right back and spoke to another Customer Service rep who made no effort to help me and who refused to allow me to speak to a supervisor. I kept being told that since I confirmed the bid, I was stuck, which nobody would listen to me that I had confirmed nothing. I was told then by this Rep that I must write a letter or contact via email - which I did the very next day and never received a reply back. After receiving no response in my requests for a credit, I contacted my credit card company and filed a formal dispute of the charges, only to be denied. I did contact the Trump Marina and did cancel any reservations. I spoke to a hotel representative who told me that they did not charge for the room not being occupied but that Priceline will keep my money. They did not place any charges to Priceline.
Reviewed Oct. 20, 2008
I purchased 2 round trip tickets for my daughter, her fiance who are getting married in 2 weeks, Nov 2, 2008. When I went to Priceline, I inadvertently put my name in as the passengers. When I received confirmation that my bid was accepted, I just figured that my name was on the tickets because I purchased them. So, I started to worry about it and called Priceline, spoke to several reps, and they absolutely refuse to change the name on the tickets. Told me to call Delta because they told me that Delta was the company that would not allow the change. So after I called Delta about 5 or 6 times and they kept referring me back to Priceline, I called corporate headquarters and spoke to a lady by the name of Heather **. She said it would not be a problem to change the name but that I would have to call Priceline back and ask for the help desk and that they had the number to call Delta to change the names.
So I then called Priceline back and spoke Pam, a customer specialist at the help desk. She said she would call Delta, only after I insisted that she call. She put me on hold, then when she came back to the phone she said that they would do it, but I would have to pay 150.00 dollars per ticket for the names to be changed and pretty much bottom lined me on this was my only option. Why is it so hard to change the name on a ticket? I admit I evidently done something wrong, but it was a mistake. Why would I purchase two tickets for myself to Mexico? I am at my wits' end.
Reviewed Oct. 18, 2008
Priceline sold me 2 nights at a 4 star hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. When I arrived, the hotel was 1/2 mile from Las Vegas Blvd and could not possibly be above a 2 star hotel. I called the 800 number within minutes of arriving at the hotel and was told they could not do anything but document the call and that I should call back later.
Reviewed Oct. 17, 2008
I booked a fight, hotel, & car through Priceline.com. I booked them on 9/15 for a trip to begin 9/26 and return date of 10/6. On 9/25 my 6 yr old daughter suffered from her first seizure. I contacted her Dr... Needless to say numerous tests were then scheduled. I canceled my trip the evening of 9/25 (day before planned departure). I was told I would receive NO MONEY AT ALL back on the flight.... I was not happy about that, but if that's the rules.... then ok...
I dialed the #, put in my number, and recording told me I would receive a refund 10-14 business days.... Again, not happy, but OK... 10/16 still no refund, I called automated # and still was given the same info.... I contacted my bank.... still no refund. I scoured the internet looking for a # for a human to talk to. Below is what I found on www.my3cents.com:
Priceline.com800 Connecticut Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06854
www.priceline.com
203-299-8000
After about 30 minutes on hold I am now able to speak to someone.... I am told, nothing can be done about the plane ticket.... and Nothing can be done about the car rental.... their "policy". I asked to speak with a supervisor, explained the whole story and again was told the same thing.... The so called supervisor claims I made a reservation for... get this.... 2 cars (funny how I was only charged for one). I asked to speak with her supervisor.... and she begins to give me an address on where I can write a letter... I don't understand how this company can just TAKE 450.00 from me when they have provided me with no services... I will NEVER use them again!!! I will tell everyone I know DON'T USE PRICELINE.COM!!! My daughter underwent 2 EEGs and a MRI that week.... I have Dr notes and she was put on meds for epilepsy that week... BAD BUSINESS!!!
Reviewed Oct. 15, 2008
I rented a car via Priceline.com. I used a checking acct. that my husband and I share. The account was charged and payment rendered. I listed him as the driver. When we went to pick up the car, my husband presented his driver's license and ATM/Debit card. The ATM card was declined due to a banking error and my husband had neglected to bring any other credit cards. The car rental company (Hertz) refused to add me as the driver and Priceline has refused to refund the charge for a rental car that was never picked up or used. We have paid for a rental car that we were not allowed to claim.
Reviewed Oct. 12, 2008
I reserved a hotel room in Hawaii even paid extra for the insurance. My e-receipt says that I can cancel for a full refund at any time. I've tried and tried to contact them by phone but cannot get through to a person or any automated device that will let me do this. I've emailed them of my intentions but have gotten no response. Please help me.
Reviewed Oct. 10, 2008
I had a horrible experience with booking a hotel. I booked two double beds,. After paying, they confirmed me with 1 double bed. I did not BID. I paid what they were offering. I called them right away (within 20 min of confirmation). They transferred me to customer relations who was no help. I asked for a manager. He would not transfer me. He informed me that I would have to email management! I emailed management right away. Two days later, no response. I still have the wrong reservation and the hotel cannot help because we did not book through them. The hotel also told me that Priceline does not have to honor what you request... BUYER BEWARE!!!
Reviewed Oct. 6, 2008
My husband and I booked our airline tickets through Priceline.com and traveled for vacation to the Cayman Islands. We are scuba divers so while we were diving, I got Decompression Sickness and had to be taken by ambulance to a hospital 30 minutes away. While there, it was determined that I needed a table six treatment in a hyperbaric chamber. I completed the treatment and went back the room late that night. My breathing was still labored and I still had neurological symptoms the following day so I was scheduled for another table six treatment in the hyperbaric chamber. Following this treatment, I felt much better, although still unsteady and fatigued.
The emergency room doctor who was treating me the following day recommended that I not fly for 72 hours following my last treatment in the chamber. This meant that I needed to move my flight by one day. We mistakenly called Delta first to ask them to change our flight. They were more than willing at no charge to move the flight since I had a doctor's note stating that this is what I needed to do. However, they informed me that since I had booked our ticket through Priceline.com, I had to call them to do it. I called Priceline and they told me that they would charge me $200 plus $30 per person ($460 total). They said that the $200 was what the airline charge them.
Of course, we were in a very bad financial situation because of the hospital bill and hyperbaric chamber fees were very high and it was a cash-only hospital. I told them that Delta told me they wouldn't charge me that because of my documentation. The lady on the phone who was handling my call was so rude to me and was apparently annoyed that she could not hear me very well. The problem was on her end not mine as I had just spoken with a Delta rep on the same landline phone. I explained to her my story as I had done with the two other people I had talked with prior to getting her. They were compassionate and seemed to act like they could help me. After talking with her, she reluctantly agreed to call Delta to verify what I was saying. She called and then informed me that they said they wouldn't waive the $200 fee. Then, I was disconnected from her. I was not sure how or why.
I called back, took 45 minutes to get the same woman on the line (by coincidence only) and then she was short with me again and hung up on me on purpose! I was so shocked, I could not believe it. I called back and had to tell my story to two different Priceline.com customer service reps before getting transferred to her. I was trying to be kind to her despite the fact that I knew she just hung up on me on purpose. She talked to me for a second and after she determined she had said enough, she hung up on me again. Needless to say, I was so mad after having been transferred amongst the company for 5 hours only to be hung up on twice in a row that I threw the phone across the room in a fit, that was not like me at all. She just really angered me by her lack of compassion and lack of concern for something that the doctors had told me could kill me if I didn't reschedule.
I plan on pursuing this complaint against Priceline and the customer no-service rep, Leanne, until they change their policies or she is strongly disciplined (or fired) from Priceline. As much as my husband and I travel, I will NEVER purchase tickets/hotel/car from Priceline again! I am so angered by the fact that their representatives showed no compassion and even hung up on me while speaking with them on purpose. I want to pursue a formal complaint upon them and would be interested in legal action also.
Reviewed Oct. 4, 2008
I booked a hotel in NY in August in a particular area, however, they gave me a hotel in another area, claiming that I checked off both areas. I printed out copies of my computer screen as proof but they stuck to their story that THEIR records show I chose both areas. After reading some of the other complaints on this website it appears that they had some sort of computer glitch, which they're vehemently denying.
Reviewed Oct. 3, 2008
I made an error in the dates when bidding on PRICELINE.COM. The bid was accepted with the error. I called PRICELINE.COM within minutes but was told there would be a $61 charge to make a correction. PRICELINE.COM is a consumer rip-off!!
Reviewed Oct. 2, 2008
I purchased insurance from Priceline, but after repeated request to honor their policy, they denied all claims.
Reviewed Oct. 2, 2008
I booked a 3 star hotel for $85, was put into a substandard hotel I could stay in for $59!!! The telephone number to customer service does not go through until you complain on line and then call them!!! I have been on hold for over 10 minutes holding AFTER talking to someone in the Philippines that READS some ignorant inappropriate statement from Priceline. I will challenge the charge on my credit card.
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2008
I would like to know how their website can post No Priceline Change or Cancel fees and yet they do not allow you to do neither. Is that legal?
Reviewed Sept. 29, 2008
As I tried to explain to the customer representative on the phone, I had been planning this trip since May. On a weekly basis I check hotel reservations, flights, and prices. I knew exactly which flights I needed to take (so as to avoid unneeded car rental, extra hotel stays, and extended layovers). I knew exactly which hotel I needed and the style of room I needed. I spent time on Priceline, Orbitz, Travelocity, Farecast, Hotwire, cFares, Expedia, Cheap Air, Cheap Tickets, Kayak, One Travel, and Smart Fares. Not to mention that I checked nearly every major airline to research this trip. I decided on priceline for two reasons: (1) we had done business before and (2) no booking fees. In the past few years I have mainly used Orbitz and Travelocity, but thought about returning to Priceline.
After deciding on Priceline I was happy to see that I could CHOOSE my departing flight (times, layover, etc.) and I could CHOOSE my returning flight! For such a low price I was happy to have that option. After discussing my schedule with my wife and planning around my meetings, I choose the flights that were just right for me. (So far so good) The flights were selected and I was ready to proceed to booking. I entered my credit card info and am ready to finalize . . . . When I realize I still have not booked the hotel. No problem. Priceline offers a discount if I do both! Great! I had already spoken to the hotel and knew what was available. With a few clicks my hotel was booked on Priceline too. Wow! But little did I know that they were changing MY prior selections.
After viewing MY NEW travel plans I immediately called Customer Service. The representative said that somehow the contract gives them permission to do that . . . . I had initialed it. I understand that. What did I actually agree to? What about that contract? I had already selected my flights and room. Lets take a look at the contract . . . . .
Your hotel reservation is guaranteed for arrival on the confirmed check-in date only. If you do not check-in on the first day of your reservation and you do not alert the hotel in advance, the remaining portion of your reservation will be canceled and you will not be entitled to a refund. (** No problem, I? had already selected my room! Surely they would not change what I have already put in the computer. . . . .)
The reservation holder must present a valid photo ID and credit card at check-in. The credit card is required for any additional hotel specific service fees or incidental charges or fees that may be charged by the hotel to the customer at checkout. These charges may be mandatory (e.g., resort fees) or optional (parking, phone calls or minibar charges) and are not included in the room rate. (** No problem, I? had traveled many times before!)
Requests for special needs (including preferences for smoking or non-smoking rooms) should be requested through your confirmed hotel and cannot be guaranteed. (** This should have been a red flag, I? trusted Priceline to grant my prior selections which had already been processed!)
Your tickets will be round-trip, coach-class tickets issued on one of priceline's package airlines. Your trip will start between 6am and 10pm on your travel dates and will be scheduled to arrive no later than midnight local time. (** No problem, I? had already selected my flights and knew them very well! Surely they would not break that agreement and those selections. . . .)
You will be issued electronic tickets for this trip. Remember to bring a valid government issued photo ID with you to check-in. If you are traveling outside the US you'll almost always need a passport. (** No problem, I? have it ready every time I travel!)
You must fly on the flights assigned to you. Upgrades and standbys are not available. If you do not take your outbound flight, the airlines will automatically cancel the remainder of your reservation. If any part of the ticket is unused it has no value after ticketed departure time. (** No problem, like I said I? had already selected my flights! Surely they would ignore what I have already selected. Im only trying to book a hotel room along with my flight. Thinking to myself, they could use my business and I could save a few bucks. . . .)
While we always search for a non-stop flight first, your flights may have up to 1 connection each way. Connections, if needed, will be 4 hours or less. Because these are heavily discounted tickets, you will need to fly on the flights assigned to you and flying standby is not permitted. Your flights will not be eligible for frequent flier miles or upgrades. (** No problem, again I? had already selected my flights! Surely they would ignore what I have already chosen. Who would do that?? Clearly, I did not take into consideration that priceline seems to be concerned with getting my money and will ignore what I have already selected. . . .)
This priceline vacation package cannot be changed, cancelled, transferred or refunded due to our travel partners' policies. (** No problem, why would I? need to change my trip? I had selected everything on this trip.)
You can imagine how I was shocked when I processed my travel package? to see that EVERYTHING about MY trip was changed. The good news . . . . I got a flight and a room, but nothing else matters. Will the flights fit my schedule? NO. Will the hotel room be sufficient? No guarantees. Do I feel like a valued customer? NO. Will I use priceline again? NO. I had everything ready to be processed exactly the way that I? wanted it, but they changed it.
I would like to note that no where in this contract does it say anything about name your own price!? The Customer Service representative I talked to on the phone said I signed (really initialed) a name your own price? contract. I assured him that I have used name your own price? contracts in the past and understand the significance of that contract. . . . THAT CONTRACT MEANS they choose my flights. THEY choose departures and returning. THEY negotiate the prices. No problem. I know that. Ive done it many times! If I had signed that kind of a contract I would have known what I was getting into. . . . (And mind you that knowing the prices I would have given a request MUCH lower with a name your own price? contract " had that been my intention " but no where was COST ever a part of the contract! Who would think it was NAME YOUR OWN PRICE if you never NAMED YOUR OWN PRICE!!!) All I did was purchase a package deal, just like half a dozen other companies offer. Who knew it would be a headache?
Thankfully the representative, Paul,? was kind enough (after some persuasion) to admit that THEY reserve the right to change MY previous travel choices in THEIR system when I choose to do a combination of any two or more items (car rental, hotel, flights, etc.). This should be clearly stated in THEIR contract and it is not. In my opinion, their deception must be dealt with.
I do not expect them to care about my work schedule, purpose for the travel, special needs, time management, distance from the airport, etc. But I do believe that they should care to honor the prior agreements on their website. If a customer has already selected their desired flights and hotel rooms, they should not be punished for doing more than one item at a time! No matter how much money it may save the customer. They ignored my prior selections and took the liberty to change MY entire trip.
I know that this seems small and thats fine. I will make it work. I have no choice (I clearly initialed the contract - I do not deny it). But I know that I will probably not use priceline.com again. I feel I was deceived. The contract is not clear enough. And my selections were already in the computer. I have informed those in my office, my family, and a few close friends about this problem. I have warned them of purchasing travel packages from priceline.com, not to discredit them, but to make them aware of the deception that WILL change their plans.
PLEASE pass this message on to others. It may help priceline.com a more customer friendly company. I will pass it along to others as well in hopes that it will save someone from becoming a frustrated customer! Thank you.
Concerned Customer
Reviewed Sept. 21, 2008
I used Priceline to blind bid on a hotel for a trip to the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles, for cancer surgery for my husband in October. I was very specific about the S.F.Valley preference. But I was 'awarded' a hotel in Eagle Rock, which is way outside the S.F.Valley! Called Priceline to ask that the error be corrected, and they said we had a contract that could not be changed, and they would not refund my money.
My 73-year-old husband, who is handicapped, is distraught beyond words, as am I. We have always expected fairness in the marketplace. We are both from the san Fernando Valley, and very familiar with it. I must get Bill to a hotel very close to the hospital after his surgery, and Eagle Rock is at least a 45 min. drive! I specifically asked for Studio City, Warner Center or even Burband as possible hotel areas. But the understanding was, the hotel had to be in the San Fernando Valley.
I want a full refund of my $187.14 and I have gone round and round with Priceline personnel in the Phillipines enough. They will not budge.
Reviewed Sept. 20, 2008
I was new customer. I asked Priceline to book a hotel in a certain area. They put me on the fringe. I ended up paying the rack rate. The hotel had no problem canceling the reservation with a lot of notice, but not Priceline.
They simply bagged me.. a new customer. Customer service, give me a break! They read me the contract terms. They just want you money. The hotel just called me back. They cancelled the reservation. Priceline was only representing their own interests!
Reviewed Sept. 11, 2008
I recently purchased airline tickets with Priceline's with an option, rental car + airticket. It said, USD 300 for both. Though not very cheap, I thought of buying it thinking that, I would get atleast 24 hours of time in between onward and return journeys. I gave my dates as 13 Sept 08 and 14 sept 08. I search the schedules, there were flights available at 6.00 am from Bloomington and at 5 pm at the destination the next day by the single airline. I saw the stipulation that stated I had choose the travel between 6am and 10pm. However, because I was sure that, with other booking sites (expedia etc) there weren't any real problematic itineraries out there.
I was so annoyed with the booking, I had to arrive in my destination at 6.30 pm and start my journey back at 7.00 am in the morning. I even insured my ticket as it said that, i can get refund. THen I called up AIG, they said the special cases, that I get the refund. For these so called cases, why should I pay the insurance. The objective of the system seems to be to provide as little time as possible at your destination that is not our choice. Why does Priceline can't show you this itinerary before the purchase, that would be less cheating and more transparent.
I was not even thinking of this so called site, when i called up the representative of priceline, he said, he is helpless and the system is like that. I am yet to make my journey, let me see how it goes.
Reviewed Sept. 10, 2008
I booked a trip from Boston to New Orleans for 9/5 - 9/8. On 9/2 I received an email from Priceline stating that New Orleans was still closed to tourists due to Hurricane Gustav and that a refund for the hotel portion of my vacation package would be refunded and to contact the airline regarding the airfare. I called Northwest Airlines who told me on 9/3 that the airport was still closed and that I would probably get a refund but to call back Thursday night (I was supposed to fly out at 6:30am on Friday. I called the airline again and was advised that the airport was open so Northwest could not refund my ticket. They had a letter from Priceline advising that all consumers go back to Priceline and they could conference call Northwest in if necessary.
I called Priceline and it then took me over 3 hours and 4 representatives to get my money back. It was not my fault I could not go. There were NO hotels open, NO restaurants and the City of New Orleans was officially closed to tourists. Reshawnda at Priceline told me there was nothing they could do, that I could technically fly to NOLA. AND DO WHAT?? I asked. Sleep on the streets for three nights? She told me I could stay at the airport. SERIOUSLY???
I was then transferred to JR who also refused to call the airline. He refused to let me speak to his supervisor. He told me that I was just going to have to accept that I could not have my $483 back. After a very heated conversation, he reluctantly made the call to the airline. And guess what! In 10 minutes time, Northwest gave them the authorization code necessary to refund my money. Why couldn't someone have made this call three hours ago when I asked??? I would not recommend this service to anyone for any reason.
Reviewed Sept. 9, 2008
I purchased two plane tickets for Norfolk VA - one for my brother, and one for myself to go to a family reunion in Nags Head. Tropical Storm/Hurricane Hannah came in, and our reunion was cancelled. I knew I had purchased non-changeable tickets, but I called Priceline hoping they might have some sort of leniency due to severe weather events (the airline does)and I was told that if Norfolk was placed on Delta's affected airport list, they would be able to do something for me. I talked to four different people who told me this. Imagine my jubilation that night when Norfolk showed up on the list.
So I called in, and sure enough they put me right through to someone who said they would issue a refund to me and gave me a confirmation number. Since the other ticket was in my brother's name, I gave him the information so he could call and work out the refund on his ticket. He called that night and they kept him on hold for about an hour, during which time their business hours expired and they closed for the day.
So the next morning he called in, and they had a whole new policy about when they can do something in a severe weather event. Now, they were saying they can only refund if the flight is cancelled. He and I both talked to them at length, and asked for an explanation for the discrepancy in what we were each told. The policy changed overnight.
As consumers, we have no way to prove what we were told the first day and if they say one person made an error and we must be mistaken about everyone else, there's nothing we can do. I assure you, there is no mistake about what I was told. There is also no mistake that they told me they can only offer what the airline allows them to offer, but the airline has published policies regarding weather events that Priceline would not honor. I also would like to register my complete disgust over the fact that members of the escalation department yell at you. I have never been yelled at by a customer service department before, and I for one will not stand for it.
This netted in a loss of about $197.00 for my brother. This is not a lot of money to some people, but it is to him. The ultimate loss will hopefully be to Priceline, as I am a frequent traveler who will never use them again. I will also make it my mission to spread the word as much as I can. There are at least 25 family members who will not be using Priceline. Seems like it would have just been more profitable to return my $197.00.
Reviewed Sept. 1, 2008
On or about July 31st I made reservations online thru Priceline for a complete vacation package for myself and my 4 yr old son, to Nassau, the Bahamas (airfare & hotel from Los Angeles). At one point I was given a confirmation number for the Paradise Hotel that included breakfast however, at the end of entering everything it told me to use another card because my debit card was being DECLINED. I contacted my bank as well as look up my account online and could see that the charges had gone thru, the bank assured me that the charges had gone thru and that if Priceline had any questions to have them call the bank.
I then called Priceline and spoke to FIVE different individuals, I was being transferred from one person to another, until I reached a person named Francis who stated Priceline had NOT gotten an approval from my bank, so we called on a 3-way where MY bank confirmed an authorization code WAS given. Even after confirming the approval Francis indicated that there was NOTHING he could do to rectify my initial purchase. WHY could he not offer me the Customer Service anyone would expect in a situation like that?
He not only said that my deal was lost and there was NOTHING he could do BUT Priceline had a HOLD on MY funds that were NOT released for nearly 10 days which held me from booking another vacation. This is really unacceptable that a company that praises themselves on good negotiations and great prices would just drop me and my deal and have me carry on as if nothing had taken place. WHERE is the great customer service?.
Priceline NOT only lost my booking due to a glitch in their system but held my funds from that original sale, the one they said they had NOT received an authorization for, for 10 DAYS, which prevented me from making other reservations until those were dropped.
Reviewed Aug. 29, 2008
I booked my trip to exactly the way I wanted it to find that my return travel times was for P.M. instead of A.M. Price line will not do anything to help me. The airlines will not help without charging a $150.00 change fee per ticket. I understand the non refundable part of this, but I didn't make the mistake, pricelines site did and now I have to suffer the consequences. I will never book with them or refer them to anyone else.
Reviewed Aug. 29, 2008
I placed a name your own price bid on a 5 star hotel in Dublin Ireland for 2 rooms at $100 per night per room for 6 nights and the Priceline web site changed my choice to a 2 star without telling me. When I was notified that my bid was accepted ($100 per room per night for a 2 star, but was upgraded to a 3 star (totaling approximately $1,300)) I saw the 3 star and paniced. I immediately called the number provided by the website. After receiving nothing other than the automated system, I became more paniced .
I finally exited the system and called 1-866 priceline. Finally, reaching a human voice in the customer service department I explained that I did not bid on a 2 or 3 star hotel, I bid on a 5 star hotel and that they needed to cancel my reservation. I was told there was nothing they could do since the system showed I asked for a 2 star. I asked for a Supervisor, I was given another customer service representative, only to find that she was truly sorry, but there is nothing I can do for you. She referred me to the Executive web site.
After reading a recent similar complaint on this web site, it appears that priceline has a glitch in their system that when you use the safari search engine and a mac computer, your request automatically defaults to a 2 star. It appear that they are continuing to ignore that they have a glitch. I have notified Priceline that I am aware of the glitch, and expect them to cancel my reservation and refund my American Express account. I have been in contact with American Express and made them aware of glitch. This truly is a traumatic experience. I will never use priceline again.
American Express has received the Priceline $1300.00 charge, however it takes 48 hours to post. American Express advised that I file my dispute in 48 hours. I was in a total panic. I am a nervous wreck, I have had anxiety all night thinking about and will until this is settle. What a traumatic experience.
Reviewed Aug. 29, 2008
I was repeatedly receiving unwanted solicitation calls Wyndham Vacation Resorts, even after I asked them to remove my phone numbers from their call lists. They were calling on both my cell and home phone. I couldn't figure out where they got the information until I happen to go to Priceline.com and saw their advertising. I checked my profile and sure enough, both those numbers had been given to Priceline.com when I bid on Airline Tickets.
I wrote several emails to Priceline.com requesting the contact Wyndham Vacation Resorts and have my number removed. They never denied selling it to them, they just repeatedly told me the could not contact them to remove my numbers.
Nuisance, Nuisance Nuisance calls every day on both my phone numbers. Priceline sold my personal information to Wyndham Vacation Resorts without my permission.
Reviewed Aug. 28, 2008
We mad our reservatioms om priceline and requested a king size bed no smoking. When we arrived they had two double beds in the pet room which we don't have a pet. The HOTEL made it right. Its priceline who is the rip off. We were told at Pony Soldier that they have more complaints on priceline bookings than one could believe. They book you on anythimg they chose. I will no lomger use this sight to book reservations.
After traveling most of the day and I am handicapped I don't need the hassle we got. It is not legal to not disclose what type of room you book and where it is located. Pet ROOM? Give me a break!
Reviewed Aug. 28, 2008
I had a bid accepted on priceline for a rental car in Greensboro, NC where I live. after reserving the car I get to the airport to pickup the rental and cannot get the rental because I was told that I needed a credit card instead of a debit card. After speaking with priceline I was told that their was a box I needed to check If I was going to be using a debit card instead of a credit card and that it would be 7-10 days before a refund could be issued. I did go back home and check the web site and there is a box that you can check if you are only using a debit card.
we stillneed a car so we rented a few days from enterprise which accept dedit cards but the price was more than we wanted to pay, so we decided to go back to priceline and bid again I check the box indicating that I only use debit card that would limit the bidding only to those rental companies that accept debit cards the bid was accepted by the same company that accepted the bid a few days earlier again we could not rent the vehicle
I ask priceline why alamo was allowed to accept that bid if they do not accept debit cards again the famous apology and we will refund you in 7-10 days so they have about 500.00 of my money that I cannot get for 7 days now I don't have the money to rent a car
I cannot rent a car which I so badly need because all my money is tied up with priceline
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2008
I put in a request for a hotel in Manchester, N.H. for Sept. 14, 2008 with a check out for Sept. 15, 2008. I then was told that my price offer was not accepted. Later on I received an email from Priceline stating my offer was accepted. When I looked up the status of my booked room, I noticed they had the wrong days. It was for Sept. 15 to Sept. 16, 2008. I immediately tried to call them and was told by a recording they could not help me. So I emailed them a couple of times requesting the correct dates and I was told no.
When I demanded their proof that showed where they got their dates they showed me their own dates which were wrong with my initials on the contract. I informed them these were not the dates I requested. They emailed me and said they would cancel the room but would charge me a $45.00 fee which was the same price as the room. But if I did not want to do that I signed the contract and would have to live with it. I find Priceline rude and completely unable to give satisfactory customer service. I will never use Priceline again and I will let everyone I know how awful they treat their customers. It's a very risky way to get a great deal.
Now I have to pay for a room that I will not be able to use and this was for a vacation I was looking forward to. Now I have a negative feeling about my trip.
Reviewed Aug. 27, 2008
I have used Priceline over the years for vacation planning, the last time was maybe 5 years ago. They were fantastic, great flight plans, great upscale hotel deals, rental cars were never a problem. So......I used it again for a one night stay on the Big Island, Hawaii. Big mistake, I should have read all the comments of the problems people have had over the last couple of years. I needed a one night stay in Kona. I filled out the request form, 2 adults, 2 kids. They placed me at the Royal Kona Resort for 65.00.
I called to confirm our reservation and was told that they only book rooms for two people and each additional person is 35 dollars extra a night. How can this happen? I called Priceline, they looked through the form I filled out, agreed that that was how I filled it out and told me there's nothing we can do about it, I'll have someone from customer service call you to straighten it out.
It's been over two weeks, no word from anyone, we did stay at the hotel for that one night, it has two huge buildings, we were put in the older one which was filthy, mold all over the bathroom, paint peeling, rusted door hinges and faucets, the carpet in the room was filthy, not even a 1 star substandard, but advertised as a 4 star. My next step? The board of health in Hawaii, this place should be shut down. The entire resort wreaked of old and unkept.
Reviewed Aug. 26, 2008
They resort to deceptive marketing practices. Recently, priceline.com sent an e-mail offering cash bonus rewards if you book 2, 3, 4 day hotel room, but they fail to tell you that it is a very limited promotion (you can only qualify if you click on a certain weblink apparently). So, after booking and paying, you think you should qualify for the credit, but priceline.com will not credit you the cash bonus. I tried contacting Customer Service, but there is no incentive to credit anyone once it already has your money in hand. Exceedingly poor customer service relations.
Reviewed Aug. 25, 2008
I tried to make a reservation for my son who just returned from the service and was visiting a friend that he was in IRAQ with for the 4th of July he just returned home that week and I made the reservation for the plane ticket and the car rental but what they didn't tell me is that he couldn't pick up the car I had to because I paid for it even though it was in his name so after many calls along with the corporation consumer liaison I was told that even if he could pay cash because he didn't have a credit card he couldn't use that reservation so I cancelled it and the women told me that they would have to wait until the 10th of July the last day of the reservation to make sure no one showed up and then I would be refunded in 6 to 8 weeks so It's about that time so I called and they put it down as a no show and never cancelled it so I don't get the refund,they will pull the phone records from the 30th but that's not the last person I talked to.
I live on a single income and that $259 would pay a lot of my bills and in fact I was counting on them being paid with this money I denfinately will be short this month and with my son not working yet he can't help with that loss either in fact I'm supporting him also because he can't find a job and has some medical issues to deal with since he's come back
Reviewed Aug. 19, 2008
Read that again: If you have a problem that requires CS support you need to first submit your need to them in writing and if they accept your request they send you a case number that you must key in before the call will go through. What does that say to you about the level of service PL provides? It says to me that they are so inundated with calls from unhappy and angry customers that they have to screen their calls before they get on the line.
So ok. I went through this "process" and got my "case number" and I called PL-CS. When you get them on the phone (I went through three separate agents on the same call, duration of call about 40 minutes) the one single characteristic they all had in common was attitude. They don't even pretend to like you, it's all attitude. After having been passed off to the third CS rep, all three having gone through the same drone about how the ticket was non-cancelable and non refundable (all of which I readily acknowledge) the rep finally cancelled my reservation.
We hung up and ten minutes later I received email confirmation which said the following: Thank you for contacting us regarding exchanging your tickets for Itinerary Number 5xxxxxxxxxx. Your original itinerary has been cancelled and the value of your ticket(s) has been reserved for future use. Please contact Customer Service at 1-800 to rebook your reservation. You must exchange your tickets before the value on your ticket(s) expires; you have until 06/03/2009 to complete the exchange.
Alright.... getting that response was a lot, but heck, I had the result I wanted. My best revenge? Don't use Priceline ever again. But I had to use them again because they have my $600. I'm about to go on line and purchase another ticket so that I can get to the west coast. But you can bet your bottom dollar I'm not buying it on Priceline.com. William Shatner should be ashamed of himself for representing such an unprofessional and unethical organization.
Today, two weeks after canceling the flight, I discover that I need to fly to the west coast in October. So, I called the "CS" number they told me to call in order to effect this very result.
That number goes to the inevitable automated operator ("because you really matters to us") and once you get past the syrupy intro message you are offered 2 options. Dial #1 if you want to inquire about a "Ticket Offer" you may have pending with PL or Dial #2 if you would like to hear about the myriad products and services that PL offers.
There is no Dial #3 option and if you don't enter #1 or #2, quickly, the system hangs up. End of story. So, I dialed back in and drilled down on both option #1 and #2 to make sure I wasn't the idiot and, nope, I wasn't the idiot. The Customer Service Line they directed me to call (and the ONLY telephone number for PriceLine ANYWHERE on their site) did not provide me with the ability to talk to the promised Customer Service Rep who would (rudely, no doubt) rebook my cancelled flight, per their instructions.
I went back and scoured their FAQ's and the Self Help site... No help. Finally, having remembered that, before I cancelled the original flight, I first had to submit an explanation via email to CS explaining why I wanted to talk to a CS rep, I went back into their "Self Help" site and logged a request to speak to a CS rep so that I could rebook my flight. 12 hours goes by, no response. I log another request, pointing out that this was my second one on the subject of rebooking my flight.... 12 hours later and no response. Then a third....
Guess what? No response.
They've got my money and I'm sure that's fine by them.
Reviewed Aug. 19, 2008
I said do we need to cancel the other reservations and he said he would take care of it. He took the credit card and charged it out as $81 on our card. So now on our credit card bill it shows Priceline for $117. I called Priceline and told him the story and he said to get: Name of Staff:Position of Staff:Cancellation # etc. Which I did and found out that that staff member is no longer with them. I feel we should only be charged the $81 as that is what we agreed to on that day. There was no place online to state we were military. I called Priceline 2 times and they said they would check into it and call back, which I never got a preply.
Reviewed Aug. 18, 2008
I put in a bid for a hotel in Moline, IL and priceline booked me in Rock Island, IL. I did not give them authority to select a hotel in a surroudning city. So far they have refused to cancel my reservation saying that all bookings are non refundable and claiming that they can't cancel reservations based on contractual agreements. I have contacted the Holiday Inn Rock Island myself and they stated they do cancel reservations if they are contacted by priceline. This company should not be allowed to do this!
Monetary and loss of time dealing with this issue.
Reviewed Aug. 18, 2008
I went on priceline to rent a vehicle. Priceline found a vehicle through Alamo rent a car. I selected the vehicle and paid for it with my debit card and got my confirmation and a note saying that Alamo only accepts credit cards but I only had a debit card. I immediately called back for a refund because i would not be able to pick up the vehicle. Priceline said they would not refund my money because I didnt check the LITTLE BOX that said I only had a debit Card. And yes the box is little.
I only needed the vehicle for one day and priceline would only refund if you subtracted a days rental. So basically I lost my money. I going to go on every consumer web page and report this.
Reviewed Aug. 17, 2008
They locked me into a request I did not accept and when I called Jordan was apologetic and told me I was stuck with it.
Wheeling a crippled client I am traveling with to the airport for a 6:am flight when I need 3 hour to get her rdressed and ready
Reviewed Aug. 17, 2008
They locked me into a request I did not accept and when I called Jordan was apologetic and told me I was stuck with it.
Wheeling a crippled client I am traveling with to the airport for a 6:am flight when I need 3 hour to get her rdressed and ready
Reviewed Aug. 16, 2008
no refund from priceline insurance
i got different travel tickets the same day and they kept my insurance money i paid
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2008
I booked a hotel room though Priceline.com for 5/29 -5/31. I specifically requested a room in Scranton, PA. Instead they gave me a non-refundable room about 10 miles away from Scranton. Charing me for something other than what I requested is consumer fraud!
My credit card was charged $231 for a room I cannot use. I want that money refunded.
Reviewed Aug. 7, 2008
My mom and I had taken all of her grandkids to stay at a hotel for a mini-vacation. The pool was out of service due to it being shut down by the public health department. Priceline would not move us to another hotel within the area, they would not help us at all after getting our money. They stated that since we chose a 2.5 star hotel an amenity is not guaranteed. Now I first chose a 3 star hotel but was forced to change to a two.five star option because they would not meet the price. The customer service staff was unprofessional, and no one had a manager.
The response back from their executive offices never dealt with the problem of the hotel which was very damaging due to the fact that if the health department had to close down a section of the hotel, then proper cleaning was an issue at the place where we were supposed to stay. That is a health issue and not an amenity issue. The hotel did state that priceline constantly cancels for no reason and they did not understand why priceline couldn't accomodate us when their was another hotel of this brand right down the street.
I have a son with very severe medical problems, he has lost all of his hair, he has broken his foot, and a bacteria infection of any kind can cause him death. Being in an unclean environment is not good for him or the baby we had with asthma. Even though the other 5 kids were healthy, they were not very happy this was their vacation and all they wanted to do was swim.
Reviewed Aug. 5, 2008
My wife had to cancel a hotel booking in Louisville, KY when the workshop she had registered for was cancelled two weeks prior to the event. Priceline flat out refuses to refund ANY amount of money paid for their "Name Your Own Price" hotel booking, even with TWO WEEKS advance notification, and with obviously valid rationale. Our family is out over $120 through no fault of our own, save to trust the huge scam that is Priceline.com to engage in fair practices. NEVER AGAIN!
Reviewed Aug. 5, 2008
After checking out rates of hotels in Erie, PA with various travel websites (including Priceline standard booking site), I chose to use the "Name Your Own Price" option (which is prominently thrust in your face at every turn on Priceline.com). When prompted for the "# of Adults", I entered "2" since I have 2 adults and 2 children in our family. After submitting a bid for a hotel room for our vacation, I saw that my bid was accepted and a reservation was made at a hotel chain THAT ONLY HAS 1 BED PER ROOM.
I immediately verified this on the hotel website and called Priceline Customer DisService. They explained that the reservation could not be changed. I would have to check with the hotel to see if they could accommodate my reservation and if not, I was to call Priceline back for a change.
I called the hotel. They had just received the reservation electronically (took about 20 minutes). They confirmed that they did not have any rooms in the hotel that could accommodate my family. They told me they could not cancel the reservation. Priceline would have to do it. So I called Priceline back (as previously instructed). Imagine my surprise and disappointment to learn that I was now stuck with a 1 bed hotel room for my family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children). I asked, pleaded, etc. with both Customer DisService and a Customer Relations "Specialist" neither of who could assist me. I was given a case # and directed to file a complaint on their website. I filed a complaint with their VP of Customer DisService.
The next day, I received a cll back from "Ryan", an "executive officer" of Priceline. He proceeded to explain to me that they could not change their policy. It was a "contract" that could not be changed (even though the hotel room had not yet been occupied; my vacation was still 4 days away). After arguing my case (even offering to spend more money with them to take a reservation in another Priceline-serviced hotel)and explaining how dissatisfied I was with their "customer service", I told them that they had lost a customer for life. I also told them I would warn as many others as I can to NEVER USE PRICELINE.COM.
Be Forewarned - their practices border on deceitful and their "customer service" is NON-EXISTENT. RUN AWAY AS QUICK AS YOU CAN FROM THESE CROOKS. I am stuck with a 1 bed hotel room for 5 nights (my family vacation) in Erie, PA. I have no idea how we are going to sleep 2 adults and 2 children for 5 nights in this room.
Reviewed Aug. 4, 2008
On 7/3/08 I was price shopping on priceline.com. I put in 15 bids to see if I could get what I wanted. I was not paying attention I guess and I got confused and next thing I know, the tickets were purchased! I panicked and immediately called Priceline.com and informed them of my error. They told me it was my problem. I explained that I had just done it one minute ago and surely they could just stop it, again they told me no.
I cannot afford it and not only that, but there are government issues with my daughters passport and mine that need to be cleared up, so even if I could afford it, I could not fly anyway. I am up to my eyeballs in debt now.
Reviewed Aug. 4, 2008
In mid June I researched accommodations in Timonium MD for a family gathering to be held at one of the higher end hotels there. I discovered via Google maps, a lightrail system was within walking distance of all of the accommodations in Timonium. I responded to an email link from Priceline Dot Com and was taken to a website with boxes for inputing hotel destinations. I entered a seven day stay in Timonium MD and a price and the website said my bid was accepted for Cromwell Bridge Holiday Inn, Towson MD, 5-6 miles distant. I was not happy and went back and read the boilerplate Terms and Conditions which in essence stated when a bid is accepted I had NO recourse.
When I called the Priceling customer service people to protest, I was told read the terms I agreed to, sorry no changes! I was very upset but had utilized priceline successfully several times in years past, so I decide to attempt to salvage the deal by altering my plans and getting a rental car, as the lightrail didn't pass through Towson MD.
On the date of departure in mid July I verified our hotel reservation and requested a non-smoking room. Our flight from Ft Worth to Ronald Reagan was delayed and I notified the hotel and verified our non-smoking room. The flight was very late and we again notified the hotel when we landed. When we arrived at 3AM the night clerk informed us that the hotel was full and they had only a smoking room left. We were shown a very substandard room, less than a one hotel rating which we declined. The clerk told us to return at noon and she would expect to place us in a more suitable room should one became available.
When we returned and identified ourselves a manager greeted us and said the only space available to internet customers was the room we declined earlier and that Priceline did not require them to to offer anything else. When we protested the other things wrong with the room the manager didn't respond. When I requested his business card he gave me one of a woman subordinate.
When I called I got no satisfaction with Priceline Dot Com Customer Service. When I cited the destination change at the time of selection she claimed I made a regional selection that was named Hunt valley, Timonium, Towson MD area and cited the website. I went to the website and found the current website has no resemblance to the site configuration when I utilized it in mid June. When I told her there was no regional description in June she said she didn't have access to any information about that and declined to offer any further recourse or assistance.
I am very upset over Priceline Dot Com's handling of the entire matter and I'm not about to let this matter slide. I have every intention to seek recourse through my credit card company and to warn others. They charge $570 for the unused hotel room, we had to spend $200 for a rental car we hadn't planned for and to top it off the accommodations at the Comfort Inn Towson and Redroof Inn Timonium were much better facilities and made up for much of the hard feelings we have about this trip to this part of Maryland. Beware of the terrible business practices and service at Priceline Dot Com and Cromwell Bridge Holiday Inn.
Reviewed Aug. 1, 2008
I purchased on-line Hotel and could not make the trip because of illness of my travel partner. I had purchased trip cancellation insurance. I was informed that I could not cancel and I needed a dr's note to illness. This was not addressed when I made reservations and I was mislead. Due to circumstances, I would never had made the reservations if I knew that they could not be cancelled.
I believe I was deceived by Priceline due to misleading information
Reviewed July 28, 2008
I searched for and found accomodations in Monterey, CA at the Quality Inn Monterey through www.priceline.com. Their so-called "lowest rate" was $159.99 per night which was acceptable, so I booked the reservation. Seeking additional information I called the Quality Inn a few minutes later (annonymously) and out of curiosity, asked what their nightly rate was. I was told, $159.99 per night, or EXACTLY THE SAME AS PRICELINE! I called Priceline and complained. "Jeremy" answered that the motel had "disclosed" a rate which was not for the general public to know. I reiterated that regardless of their "mistake" I felt annoyed at the situation and that Priceline should do something to make me a happy customer.
I was refused, flatly, with the excuse that Priceline's PROFIT schedule didn't allow for any further discounts. I asked to speak to a supervisor and had to be rather insistant before he finally switched me over to "Jennifer". Who gave me the same, exact excuses and was completely unyeilding and uncooperative. I then asked to speak to HER supervisor and was told that hers was the final level that I, as a customer, was allowed to reach with my complaint, unless I wanted to go online and TRY to contact someone in authority who could resolve the outright lies and deceptive advertising perpetrated by Priceline. I think she was trying to put me in touch with William Shattner, but I'm not sure.
In any case I hung up in frustration and called the motel again, and after verifying that the EVERYDAY price was indeed $159.99, rebooked directly with them. I then called Priceline again to cancel the first reservation but strangely enough, after inputing my reservation number and my phone number (for verification) the Priceline phone system developed a "problem" and would not let me through to an agent in order to cancel. I attempted three times, from different phone numbers and again, right after inputting my numbers, their phone system displayed the same problem. I finally was able to go back online and cancel from there. In summation, I believe that Priceline should be prosecuted and punished for false and misleading advertising. Should a class action suit be forthcoming, I will certainly, gladly, participate. The aggravation and frustration caused by these unyielding and uncooperative people is reprehensible and while it's not illegal, it should be.
Reviewed July 25, 2008
Scheduled a flight and rental car with Priceline.com; also selected $15 travel insurance. Due to change of court date (not my fault) had to call Priceline.com and reschedule flight (paid $150 + $30 additional to reschedule). Court date cancelled and new date unknown at time lawyer contacted me. Contacted Priceline.com to explain situation, cancel flight, and to request travel arrangements be placed on hold. Customer Service (that's what they call themselves) representative stated I would have $834.50 credit to be used within 1-year and to call back once I find the new court date out. Before hanging up, I ensured to ask her once again so I have a credit of 834.50 to use within 1-year....yes, that is right.
Well it's not and I am still attempting to resolve this problem with Priceline.com. I have emailed and called numerous times with nothing getting done. It has been 1-week since this all started (7-days too long) and I am still getting the run around. I filed a complaint with the BBB and will continue to pursue my problem with Priceline.com until I get a full refund or my credit.
Money doesn't grow on trees. I placed my original order for the flight to attend a divorce hearing. As if I don't have enough bills from the lawyer...now Priceline.com is trying to say I'm out of luck because one of their employees didn't do their job right.
Reviewed July 23, 2008
Requested change in scheduled flight dates booked through Priceline. No refunds or changes will be granted, according to Priceline Customer Service. American Airlines put the weight back on Priceline. I find it unbelievable that a company can sell a service with no provisions for emergencies or changes in itineraries. In today's uncertain world, that is totally unacceptable.
If I cannot change the dates on this trip, I will not have the money to fly back East where I am expected to be present for my daughter's wedding. That is the family emergency I need to accommodate. I am retired and living on a very fixed income. So I would be paying for a trip I cannot take to Cancun, paying for a trip to the East Coast for a wedding, and then paying for another flight to Cancun at another time. What if there were a death, instead of a wedding? You mean to tell me that Priceline would still take its share of the money for the trip and run with it? It is not like I am asking for a refund. I told them that I can go a week earlier than originally planned. I also told Priceline that I am willing to pay a penalty or higher fee for changing the dates. So it is not a matter of me, as the customer, not willing to live up to my obligations.
Reviewed July 18, 2008
I purchased a motel room to attend a business meeting and the next day the mmeting was moved to a different city. I contacted priceline to transfer the reservation to the same motel chain different city and it was not allowed. Not only was it not allowed they kept the entire amount I paid for the room as a penalty.
I was out the entire amount I paid for the room.
Reviewed July 11, 2008
My cousin, in attempt to book rooms for an upcoming family get together used priceline..and got a reasonable price for 4 rooms at the Hilton. I had a work emergency, and called and informed Priceline that I would need to cancel at least one of the nights of the two that we had booked, and asked that they consider both. They told me that I could not, under any circumstance.
O.K.. So I eat the first night. I drive then to San Diego, which is about 100 miles from my home, (with my five year old in tow), last night to my destination. When I get to the Hilton to book in, they tell me that Priceline had only booked the previous night, and not the night I was there, even though I had receipt of payment for two. As it was, there was one room left at the Hilton, at $250.00 per night. We called priceline, they told us, that according to their records, they had booked two, even though the Hilton desk only showed the one. Again, no dispensation. The Hilton desk talked to them and said that they could rebook the room for me through their service, and they continued to refuse, saying that they already had. The Hilton desk even offerred to fax them their records showing that their had only been one night of reservation, and with about 2 hours of calling, we eventually got hung up on twice.
So, essentially, Priceline had my money in their pocket, I followed their rules, and when I showed up to get my room, it was not there. Priceline up $250..me without a room. I was not about to pay the additional $250 for the room, so I turned around, with my five year old hysterical that he would not be able to see his cousins, or go to the zoo the following day, and drove the 100 miles back.
Consequences? Out $250.00 from priceline, of which $125.00 was for all intents and purposes was stolen, four hours of driving, $100.00 in gas.
Reviewed July 11, 2008
I booked hotel stay for two nights on priceline for 2 nights on Mac. Since name your price did not go through, I used their recommended price to book the reservations. When I got to the motel, they informed me I had two reservations. After a lot of figuring out, I realized that the name your price query did go through except the browser showed otherwise. Or maybe it went through at a later time. I am not sure.
So I called priceline to cancel the reservation. Well, they did cancel it but with NO refund. I would liken to point out that the motel had vacancies either ways. If it was booked out, I would agree they had an opportunity loss, but that was not the case. Also, the price they were offering at the motel was waaaayy cheaper. I have now disputed this charge with amex, and if AMEX does not resolve it, I will stop using AMEX. I don't care if priceline is refundable or not. If they double book me due to a possible error in their software, they need to give me my money back.
I paid about 500$$ for a hotel stay that would have only cost me about 200$ The actual price for that place was probably 150$ So using priceline cost me about 200-300$ extra. WORST company I have ever used on the internet.
Reviewed July 10, 2008
Returning home from Orlando, I was in the security check point line. I became ill and immediately recieved medical attention from the EMT's and Orlando Fire Department. My boyfriend who had our boarding passes was approached by a supervisor for Delta Airlines. She took our boarding passes and wrote down the number to contact priceline.
I was taken to Orlando Regional Healthcare and admitted into the hospital. I recieved Nitroglycerine on the way to the hospital an later morphine while in the ER. After staying overnight and being treated and released, I was assured after at least five phone calls, that I would be put in stand by status. Upon arriving to the airport, I met with the supervisor from Delta. She said that according to Pricelines rules and regulations, they are suppose to accomidate someone due to a medical emergency. Priceline refused to honor that arrangement. I had a medical release to fly by the doctor and my discharge papers from the hospital.
Priceline refused to allow me on the flight unless I purchased another set of tickets. They could careless that I was just released from the hospital for heart related issues that I suffered, while standing in line at the Orlando airport. All I wanted Priceline to do is provide me with a way home. My boyfriend who is my current source of income, already had to call off of work inorder to stay with me. We had no money, no clothes, since our bags were on the origional flight. I requested to be released inorder to go home so that he might make it to work. The doctors also gave him a doctor's statement for his job.
Reviewed July 9, 2008
PRICELINE I have been billed $11.99 a month for a service thru Great Fun, that I was not aware that I had even signed up for. Below is the email/fax I sent to them and to PRICELINE:
I want a refund and a cancellation from this service that I dont know anything about, I feel I have been tricked into receiving & paying for this service, I dont know what it is for. I was told it was thru Priceline. After calling the 800 number below, she said she would cancel it, but transferred me too soon so I could get some kind of confirmation number or her name. I would never sign up for a discount service that I would never use. I am notifing Consumer Affairs and PriceLine concerning this I was told if I want a refund to fax in writing, which is what I am doing. And I want some kind of acknowledgement this has been received. So far I have not heard back from Great Fun.
Reviewed July 8, 2008
Priceline charged me $70 more than the hotel rate for my room (Holiday Inn Express). When I explained the problem to the HI, they refunded what they thought was my credit card, but it turns out was priceline. When I contacted priceline about the difference and the fact that they were refunded money that should have been refunded to me, they responded by saying the rate the hotel gace was not available to them, and they kept my $70!
I paid basically for an extra night using priceline than I would have just booking through the hotel itself!
Reviewed July 4, 2008
I booked a package to conclude some real estate business when I recieved my rental car it was listed as a non smoking vehicle, when I went to hotel, it was also a non smoking hotel when I contacted priceline they informed me I have to contact car company and hotels for special request? I paid priceline directly aren't they not responsible for fulfilling my needs, and desires and comforts:as a customer that is the accepted norm. But when I contacted them I was informed that they would rebook me in to a smoking room for an additional $200...at a different hotel.
Besides having to pay the additional $200 for the hotel I still had a non smoking car (it was in phoenix @ 120 degress getting out of the car was not an option.) I had to rearrange my itenarary to drive miles away to their choice of a hotel on my dime...causing me to have to delay me departure another day this was supposed to be a simple fly in sign papers, review property, fly out deal not a constant discomfort rearrage disaster scenario.
Reviewed July 3, 2008
I was a first time user on priceline.com. I put my information into the make your own bid part. I had no ideal that if the bid was accepted I didnt have a chance to accept or decline. So my bid was accepted and I was charged 598.00 for airline tickets. I called to cancel the tickets and on 3 seperate occasions i was told that the tickets were non refundable and non cancelable and that there was nothing that can be done.
We can't go on the trip and at the very least I thought i would just get and airline credit, but priceline refuses to do that as well. So I have lost 600 dollars and its just not fair.
Reviewed June 29, 2008
I selected a 3-star hotel through Priceline. I selected the city (Sault Ste. Marie, Canada) and the star-rating and then very carefully clicked on the date that I needed: one night - June 25-26th, 2008. The selection was done by clicking on those dates from their calendar that pops up and then you shade in the date of your arrival and departure. In my case, it was for one night only - June 25th to June 25th.
I carefully watched while the highlighted dates on their pictoral calendar were transferred (by Priceline) into numerical dates (25/06/08 and 26/06/08). I made very sure that all data was correct, then selected CONTINUE to a new screen (and the first screen disappears). Because you are absolutely certain that you have checked that all details are correct (and I am sure they are banking on this) you proceed to enter the next page of information about your name and address and method of payment etc. Then a new page flashes up and you are asked to initial at the end of a long paragraph that you agree to the terms and then click CONTINUE again.
Well, imagine my surprise when my price was accepted for an arrival of June 26th and a departure of June 29th. I KNOW without a doubt that those dates were NOT entered by me and had to have been manipulated by Priceline - either by an accidental computer error or, I suspect, by deliberate fraud. By initialling, you have no recourse but to pay up regardless of who made the error.
With much stress and much time lost, I did insist on speaking to customer service agent - Marco, who read from a prepared script that for this one and only time, they were willing to refund me for two of the three night's charges with the further night's charge to be refunded only if I re-booked with them for the correct date. I would, however, have to pay a penalty fee of $25. I did re-book with them for the correct night, but, this time, my bids were rejected until I had inputted a price for a one-star hotel at a rate of $20 higher than the bid for the original 3-star hotel.
The one-star hotel was old and the beds uncomfortable and not one I would have originally ever bid on. I feel I was scammed from the outset and their Helpline's staff reading from scripts intensified my convictions. This company needs to be taken to task for their poor customer service, but, most of all, investigated for computer scamming. Nothing seems legitimate with this company.
Economic damage: Overpayment for a one-star hotel by at least $30. Unsure if the refund of $72 for the third night of a 3-star hotel on dates I DID NOT select will ever materialize. Out a penalty fee of $25 for an error in dates that Priceline made, not me. I plan to cancel my credit cards and get a new security code based on this shoddy experience.
Reviewed June 29, 2008
First time user with Priceline, I enterered my specifics for 2 tickets from Richmond, VA June 30 anytime after noon to Nashville, TN Iand the return trip on July 5th anytime after noon. The serach came up with several choices with same price and all I had to do was pick the return flight. I found no boxes to check. After taking note of the flight numbers and times of each. I then noticed the Pricline was offering an upgrade for a rental car which I chose. I never selected the chose your own price areas since I was aware that we would have to input a bid for the tickets and that it amy not be accepted.
I was surprised and dismayed when Priceline.com found a carrier but the return flight was earlier than my specification. I immediately called the Customer Help line and was advised that I had selected the chose your own price and that there were not refunds or changes allowed. When I explaned that I had not selected that the Customer Help representative just kept reading from the same prepared script. I then advised her the the carrier would give me a later flight if I have purchased the tickets from them for a charge of $100 why would the not provide the same service. No help. I asked for a superviosr and got the same script response. Even though there website does not fully explain these minor details to the consumer they stand behind it like a wall of legal verbage which allows them ripe customers off.
Due to their refusal to change our flight to a later time cost us the cost of the flights 694.85. And the cost of a Nuerological Doctor's missed appointment fee $250.
Reviewed June 28, 2008
By the 23rd of June, we had a family emergency and we were not sure if we could go or not, but needed to wait to see what transpired. On June 27, 2008 we knew we couldn't go and my husband had been able to change his vacation, so I started calling to change our reservations. We were to check in at the hotel on June 29, but I was still more than 48 hrs in advance.
I called the hotel direct and they were the ones who told me since I had booked through Priceline.com they would not be able to change our reservations or honor the amt. we were getting the hotel for and that we'd have to go back to Priceline. Early Friday morning I started contacting them through their many, many 800 #'s.
The first man I spoke with I could barely hear or understand. I kept asking him to speak up, but it never worked. I was able to ask him if they had 4 nights open starting July 13 which he said they did, so I booked those 4 nights, got my confirmation and itinerary #. He then said he could not cancel my other reservations, but he would transfer me to the person who could. Well, I could not hear that person either, so I asked for a number to call him back. I called the number he gave me and could not get through to a real "person."
I then called another number I found on the web and spoke with Natalie. I told her we had a family emergency and needed to change our reservations. I let her know that I had already rebooked for thr 13th of July so would she please cancel my reservations for starting June 29. Before she could do that, so needed a doctors name and telephone number so she could verify. I almost fell off my chair. I had never heard of such a thing in my life. There was no way I was giving her out any information, plus I knew they wouldn't accept anything because the medical emergency was because of our dog. He was seriously ill and needed surgery the night of the 25th of June and we still do not know whether he is going to make it or not.
She kept talking about a $25 cancellation fee or I would have to give the medical information. I kept telling her I wasn't CANCELLING I was only CHANGING my dates, but that made no difference to them. I also told her there should be no cancellation fee because I was cancelling WITH MORE THAN 48 hrs. to spare.
After arguing back and forth for a long time, I finally gave in and told her to go ahead and charge me the $25 and cancel my June reservations. SHE SAID SHE COULD NOT DO THAT!!! I hung up.
Around 2pm I called another 800# and asked to speak to a manager. I was told the person I was speaking with was Jituan and she was a supervisor and they could not transfer to anyone else. She was located in Tennessee. I went over and over it again with her with the same answers. She finally said she would pull my phone records, they would review and she would call me back. She said if she didn't call by 3:30 should would call the next day. I specifically asked her if she worked on Saturday and she said that she did. We ended our conversation around 2:45pm.
The time in Wisconsin right now (Saturday, June 28) is 3:15 pm and I have NOT gotten any kind of call back from this 'SUPERVISOR."
I suspected I would not hear from anyone, so at 11:45am I called the EconoLodge DIRECT and spoke with Jen. She told me I needed to speak with Celina, the front desk manager, which I did. I explained it all to her, but the hotel's hands are tied and there is nothing she could do. She gave me another number that she uses to call Priceline.com.
I called that number and the agent I got was Vince and he was located in Ohio. I decided not to say a word to him about the problems I'd been having but to just ask him to cancel my reservations for the 4 nights starting June 29. He told me there would be a $25 fee and that he was in the process of cancelling. He gave me a cancellation confirmation number and said he would email me a copy of the cancellation. I NEVER received that either.
Then I asked Vince where it showed what their cancellation policy was and he said I should have gotten it on my email that I got confirming my reservations. I had that email sitting in front of me and I told him they said nothing. He said he would send me a copy of the one he was reading from that would have their cancellation policy listed. I got that email, but it was the exact same email I had gotten for a confirmation and there was NOTHING about cancellation on it. He told me he had to hang up, as there was nothing more he could do for me and he had 11 other lines waiting.
I called the same number again and this time got a Leslie in Pennsylvania who was in the Customer Relations Dept. I went through my story AGAIN and then she wanted to transfer me. This time I was given to KIM. Kim was trying to tell me that the agent I spoke to named VINCE was actually wrong and I should have been charged $97.00 because I WAS NOT CANCELLING WITHIN THE 48HR!! I tried to explain to her that when I made my FIRST phone call on Friday morning I was more than 48 hrs. before my arrival time. She would not even listen to me and said the first phone call I had made that they have a record of was when I spoke with Jituan around 3pm on the 27th. Kim also told me that she knew Jituan and SHE was a HE and NOT a supervisor, so she was accusing me of lying. NOTHING in the notes said that Jituan would be calling me back but that she asked to have my phone records pulled for them to review.
I knew I would not win the battle, so I hung up. I probably will try and dispute the $25 through my CC company, but my hands are tied at this point.
I think this company needs to be looked at very closely. Their people all tell you different stories, they lie and they have NO compassion at all. They must have papers in front of them for what they can and can't say and that is it.
All I know is that I DID try to cancel with more than 48 hrs notice and I really only CHANGED my dates, but it is now costing me $25 and hours and hours of telephone frustration.
I sure hope something can be done about this company.
Reviewed June 28, 2008
I inadvertently booked a $4300. flight with the wrong dates for a vacation. Upon discovering the mistake, I contacted the airline with quick responsive customer service. They did advise me that this would have to be resolved with Priceline but it would not be a major issue on their end considering it was 5 hours from the time I made the purchase. Now dealing with one of the most unprofessional companys I've encountered begins. After going thru their maze of prompts, I was able to get a live person to speak with. He advised me to cancel the flight and rebook it.
Sounds easy- Wrong. They hold on to my $4300. charge me 600 in penalties unless I rebook. I cant rebook without funds. Simple, its done allday long. Credit my account back and I'll rebook and try to recoop my loss, but instead they take 7-14 days to refund while fairs go and they don't loose. When I get refunded if fairs drop it's no benefit for me cause I must match my previous offer or lose 600.
Why can funds be removed from my account in seconds yet they take 7-14 days to put it back when I've been issued a cancellation #. My money should be returned to me in an expedient manner. They're practices do not parallel with consumer protection laws. In my opinion, a company that puts a number up for customer service then make it impossible to talk with anyone is hiding something and are not proud of the service they are providing.
Financial loss. Fair increase on a daily basis and I can only watch as they drag they're feet to reimburse me. They claim it's standard practice in the industry, but when I talk to Wells Fargo they told me a call to Merchant Services could resolve this problem Quickly.They refuse to make it that easy.
Reviewed June 26, 2008
This is a small complaint but a complaint.Today I went on line at priceline to find a hotel in So. Lake Tahoe. I asked for a three star hotel and the only one listed was Embassy Suites. I did my research and found out the price at the Embassy Suites for the nights I needed. Over 200. I went back to priceline and again found no other hotels listed as partners. I put in my bid. It was turned down. I put in another bid. It was turned down. I put in a third for 105 and it was accepted. But NOT AT The Embassy Suites. It was for the Montbleu Hotel. I again decided to research. This time wondering what priceline had saved me. To my surprise, I found out that I paid five dollars more per night going through priceline than I would have had I gone to the hotel site myself. I am angry that Montbleu was not listed as a partner on priceline's site so that I could have researched this myself as I did with the Embassy Suites and before I committed myself. Be careful.
I spoke with priceline and spoke with someone who could do nothing. She read the company policies to me from a script. I will not use priceline again. I just want someone to know.
Reviewed June 20, 2008
I recently made a reservation through priceline for a rental car. When going through the process of reserving your car, it asks you to check a specific box to indicate you will be using a debit card, since some rental companies (Like Alamo) do not accept debit cards unless you have an incoming flight. Well I checked the box, and Alamo was still able to accept my bid. Even more surprising is that this very same thing has happened to me twice in less than 3 months. I thought it to be a glitch the first time it happened, but after having it happen a second time, I'm not so convinced.
To make matters worse, their customer service reps. have no authroization to refund any funds, and everything had to be sent to the "executive offices". They have no other contact information (I even called 411) but an email. My reservation was made, and my money taken on 6/15. Today is 6/20, and even though the "glitch" is priceline's fault, all I've rec'd is an automated email stating my email was rec'd. I have no idea what the status on my reservation is, and have rec'd nothing back. Needless to say, I am livid.
Reviewed June 13, 2008
I was a first time user of priceline and I tell you that their sales practices are totally apart from consumer protection laws of this country. Their contract is brief but vague. I attempted to bid for a hotel and one hotel accepted my offer. Priceline booked the hotel before I can view which hotel accepted the offer.
Totally a disappointing experience for a first time customer. What's even more frustrating is that there was no service in customer service. I felt that the customer care rep was just reading the disclaimer and apology letter to me. No effort was made because of a descriminatory policy meant to protect priceline only. I've bid online before and never faced this kind of stonewalling before. It seems like a legitimate con operation. Law-makers should look into priceline practices.
I have to accept losing $260+ because I was totally disappointed of not being able to make a final deceision on the bid process.
Reviewed June 12, 2008
I purchased travel insurance thru Priceline and was unable to travel due to a medical emergency. The problems began immediately. Priceline/AIG does not provide a policy number so a lot of tims is wasted tryng to confirm coverage. I submitted everything they asked for early Jan 2008.
When I called for the status of my claim in Feb I was sent a letter asking for a 3 month history or letter from my doctor stating this was not a preexisting condition. If they had read the first information they requested they would know this was not a preexiting condition. The doctor provided the information. I called on Apr 2 and confirmed it was received by AIG on Mar 25 and would be processed in approx 30 days.
I called today June 12 and was told it just went to Medical review on Monday and should have the status by 5pm Friday and I can call again on Monday. Its funny that part of every conversation with AIG someone says it was just went somewhere on Monday and call back next Monday.
No solution to date.
Reviewed June 12, 2008
On May 15, I went over to pick up a van that I had rented through Priceline.Com I thought I could use a debit card but found out they only accepted major credit cards - so I had to cancel the reservation and locate a rental company that accept debit card. At the time I rented through priceline, I did not know that they took out of my account $240 - I was under the impression they were holding the card until I came to pick up the van. Well, when I received my bank statement it showed that they were still holding by debit card in the amount of $240.
I contacted the rental agency three weeks ago and they said that Priceline takes about 4-5 days to release the card - I checked my account on yesterday, which is almost a month and the amount is still outstanding on my account. I would appreciate it very much if Priceline would release the amount and return it back to my bank account.
Reviewed June 12, 2008
I made reservations for a rental car. My plans changed and I wanted to cancel the reservation. Ron with Alamo told me that I could cancel because it was not to late and I still had a little time but that I would have to contact Priceline due to software differances. Priceline told me that they could not cancel because its the policy of their contractural partner. Their partner is the ones who told me I could cancel. I was then told by Alamo that Pricelines policy had NOTHING to do with thier policy.
My credit card company says they delideratly string out the communication past the 3 day cancellation grace period for cancelling reservations and contracts so that you are stuck. They also told me that they are required to respond to disputed charges and most of the time they are favorable to the buyer not to priceline. They said that I can continue to Appeal the charges and Priceline will NEVER get any money from you as long as you keep the dispute open and they will finaly give up. She said she sees this all the time. Priceline ends up spending more time and money fighting you than its worth so to get rid of you they give in.
None because they WONT win this one. But in the mean time, $150.00 for a rental car.
Reviewed June 11, 2008
I ordered a ticket to go to Arizona to be with my fist born grandson and once i purchased the ticket on priceline a couple of weeks later my son told me that because him and his family was going to Germany in Sept tha tthey would have 30 days to come home prior to depart for another country for 4 years they will be gone. So with the new luggage chages and gas charges I decided that it would not benifit me nor them If i came up there since he was coming down anyway.
Well as everyone stated priceline policy. But it really hurt me to know that they actually tell people that they are sorry when clearly they are not. I am recently out of a 24 year marriage and I am trying to manage on one income and it just hurt me to know that they would actually keep people money. I called twice prior to the flight date and they still said no. But i received a leter on the day of departure saying my flight was canceled by AA but legelly I had canceled due to my finances. So on record it looks like I just did not show up! So if this is legal and it is there policy why don't they just say it was cancelled by the purchaser and they foreit there moneys.
It would be much better for them to refund our money less fees. But like other say this was a hard lesson to learn and I am glad that I am not sucideal. But I really could have used my own money. So i will not be deally with Priceline for my future travel needs. I was out of a much needed $205. With the ecom=nomy as it is today they should rearrage there policy to accoumodate they client.
Reviewed June 11, 2008
PRICELINE.COM gave out my credit card information without my permission!!!
OVER $1000.00 IN CHARGES ON MY CREDIT CARD!!!!
Reviewed June 10, 2008
this service again.
Reviewed June 5, 2008
We confirmed by credit card our priceline purchase in January of 08 for our stay all the way on May 31, 2008. We called and reconfirmed our reservation the morning of May 31 and were told it was confirmed FOR LATE ARRIVAL and were told no problem.
My 16 year-old daughter and I arrived at 12:30 a.m. only to be told the HOTEL HAD OVERBOOKED BY 5 ROOMS and that we would have to drive 15 miles AWAY from the a/p to get another room. We've never been to Baltimore, had to get up super early for an a.m. flight and return a rental car, and were given a sheet of paper indicating the new hotel address. We said this wasn't acceptable and after reading the sign on their wall in LARGE ALL CAPS that said, MANAGER ON DUTY, we asked to speak to him or her. We were told there wasn't a manager on duty but that we could call back the next day.
We had no choice but to leave and find another hotel in the middle of the night in a town we didn't know. We called Priceline on the spot at the Microtel, typed in the confirmation code, FINALLY reached a human customer service rep, and as we finally got going in our car, she asked me AGAIN for the confirmation #, listened to our story (but then asked if I saw the hotel employee's name badge when I CALLED to reconfirm the reservation that afternoon!?), and then the Priceline rep ACTUALLY TOLD ME SHE WAS GOING TO HAVE TO TRANSFER ME TO SOMEONE ELSE!!!!
THAT SECOND HUMAN TRANSFER was unacceptable. Priceline and Microtel should be ashamed - if no recourse is advised then we will be forced to tell anyone and everyone who will listen this true documented story of a single woman and her 16 year-old daughter being booted out of their hotel room late at night by Priceline and Microtel with no recourse.
We arrived at the new hotel further away from the BWI airport at the Ramada Inn Laurel and went to check in after 1:00 a.m. prior to the 7:00 a.m. flight departure. The staff were standing at the counter talking about having to do some sort of an intervention in a room and being lucky to get out of there alive due to the poor condition of the guests. Then they put us on the top floor in a one bed room with no elevator. Of course we were packed for the flight and had to drag all baggage up the flights of stairs due to the poor quality of the neighborhood and fear of vehicle safety. This could have ended much worse but we can tell Priceline and Microtel have no remourse.
Reviewed June 5, 2008
Ibooket an airline ticket through Priceline.com and was charged twice for it. When I called customer service/relations, they said there was nothing they could do and I'd have to call the airline directly. Not suprisingly, the airline was unable to help me because they were not the ones who had processed the charges.
In addition to the extra charge on my credit card... This maxed out my credit card and I was unable to do anything about it (i.e. pay a balance down) because all the charges were listed as 'pending'. I was unable to buy a train ticket to get to work in a timely manner and have to borrow money from coworkers because my ATM card was recently damaged and is currently being replaced.
Reviewed June 5, 2008
I am a new priceline customer and I am very dissatisfied with the results. i was purchasing a ticket for my mother to fly from Killeen, tx to Detroit, Mi in June for our daughters Baptism. I purchased the ticket through priceline and it gave me a return date but not a time. after purchasing the ticket,they gave me a return time of 645am on Sunday, waaay before church even began. i called customer service and the young lady assured me that the money would be refunded to my account within 10 business days minus the fees. The next afternoon my brother died and we had to change all plans. Priceline would not allow me to refund the money back o my account and i would NEVER NEVER recommend this website to them!
i had to repurchase a ticket and now Im out of like $700.00.
Reviewed June 5, 2008
I purchased travel insurance for $15 per ticket from Priceline, in the event my itenerary would change. In fact something came up that absolutley made it impossible to leave as originally planned. I needed to change the flight, 6 weeks in advance, called Priceline and basically they said $100+ penalty from the airline, AND ANOTHER $30 per ticket charge from Priceline. I asked what the purpose of their travel insurance was and they said: we don't handle that, call AIG.
Reviewed June 3, 2008
I bid on my price for a hotel. I then called the hotel directly like Priceline's website says to do when making special requests. The hotel refused to accomodate us with a non-smoking room that had 2 beds even though they had plenty of them available!!! I called Priceline and they told me that the hotels can do whatever they want to do and that is what I agreed to.
It is disappointing that Priceliine would even negotiate business with this hotel that would exercise this type of customer service. Also, Priceline's website does not explain that even if a hotel did accept your special request- your price you negotiated and thought you were getting would be increased!! Priceline is very misleading and I will never be doing business with them ever again and will be warning everyone I know that they are false advertising.
Reviewed May 30, 2008
I paid for a vacation package for my wife and I on priceline. I also paid for insurance for the both of us $150.00 also and ground transportation to the resort and back to the airport for the both of us. Now to the problem. The evening before the flight we receive a call from the airlines that our flight was canceled which was to depart from ord. the airlines message was a recording, I tried to get in touch with priceline customer service. no luck on talking to anyone after 3 hrs. So my wife and i figured out then that we paid $150.00 for an insurance that did not exists. we called the airlines # for thirty Min. with no answer, then I decided to call the make a new reservation # and go a hold of a real person.
for 15 to 20 min. we went back and forth and finally they were able to book me on another flight. But it doesn't stop there arrived in Cancun thinking the trouble was behind us to find out that there was no ground transportation for us. now mind you my wife and I had never been to Cancun before and could not speak Spanish. we were S.O.L. there goes the $40.00 that i paid for ground transportation to and from the resort. i had to pay a stranger 53.00 to take us to the resort and a cab from the resort. We couldn't enjoy ourselves because we were worried about how we were going to get home and if our connecting flight in Mexico city was going to be there or were we going to be stranded in Mexico. if so for how long we could get in touch with priceline.
Luckily we made it home. PRICELINE NEEDS TO BE SUED FOR ROBING PEOPLE THE WAY THEY DO. And yes have a lawyer to contact because i dont want any other couple or person to have to go through what my wife and I went throuh with them. they are a ripoff company. so much for a romantic getaway for us for our anniversary.
Reviewed May 26, 2008
I bid on a 3 star hotel near the Mall of America. We are senior citizens taking our 3 granddaughters out for Memorial Day. I got a room at The Crown Plaza, I called the hotel to request 2 beds plus a rollaway. I was told thru Priceline I was getting a king size bed, and to get a 2 bdrm, I would have to pay $30.00 plus tax, and that fire code would not allow a rollaway in a 2 bdrm unit, and it would cost $100.00 to upgrade to a suite.We paid the $34.04 extra and one of the girls slept on the floor.
Even if we had gotten 2 rooms if wouldn't have worked out for us. For the price I ended up paying I could have gotten a suite at Embassy Suites, actually closer to the Mall and a nice free hot breakfast. I think Priceline should warn customers that some hotels might charge additional fees to get a two bdrm.
Reviewed May 26, 2008
I made an offer on a 4-star hotel in Paris for 9 nights. The going rates were around $400 and I bid $200. I clearly selected 4-star and the contract screen said 4 star. The bid came back accepted but it was for a terrible 3 star hotel at a rate of $40 higher than what I could directly book for the hotel.
I immediately contacted priceline through phone and email. They would do nothing. I immediately disputed the charges with the credit card and the credit card company reversed the authorization. I contacted priceline to inform them they are not authorized to charge my card for any reason. The next day they charged my card for $2000. I am now disputing with credit card company and I have filed a complaint with the Minnesota Attorney General's Office.
Reviewed May 13, 2008
I used priceline.com to purchase a hotel stay in Atlantic City, New Jersey for the dates May 30th to the 31st. They have a service referred to as Name your own price, where you make an offer and they choose a hotel for you. I was unaware of this and made an error in judgement when I chose that option. Now they are telling me that I cannot get a refund, cancel reservation or change the dates. I find that extremely unfair.
I didn't incur any damages except for mental anguish for the fact that I have a reservation for $590 that I'm not going to use.
Reviewed May 11, 2008
I tried to book a 4 Star hotel in Quebec City and was put into a 3 Star. I called Priceline and they would not upgrade or change my reservation. I feel I was ripped off but will get my revenge by telling everyone I know that travels to avoid them.
Reviewed May 9, 2008
To Someone in Authority at Priceline: This correspondent is intended to outline a number of unresolved issues with Priceline regarding my reservation for 05/10/08 and your subsequent failure to adequately answer my requests and concerns. 1. I purchased a ticket for $355.65 which my email from Priceline titled "Confirm Itinerary Details and Charges" identifies charges to card #1234. I noted to numerous Priceline personnel that no charges were noted on my account.
2. In that we have been having problems after having moved to Delaware, I requested a number of times for Priceline to run that account in order to see if charges were being processed. 3. After a number of calls, lengthily waits on hold, and three disconnects in alledginly switching to a supervisor, I spoke with a supervisor who informed me that my card #5678 had (also) been billed. This card had initially been denied as your records will indicate. She emailed a document entitled "Your Trip Summary" that notes card #5678 was used to "verify your identity," which she claimed was documentation that card #5678 had been approved and (also) billed.
4. In addition to the appearance of double billing, unauthorized use of card #5678 (after it's denial) which raises the question of malfeasance, breach of contract and fraudulent business practices; my written request for information and procedural guidelines for my purchased "Airline Ticket Travel Insurance", has simply been ignored, which makes any possible remedy moot.
Dealing with Priceline personnel has been frustrating, stressful and, to date, a waste of a good deal of my time. Your company has demonstrated extraordinarily poor customer relations in what appears to be "canned", rote responses which answered nothing for me. I expect Priceline to address these issues promptly, which means well prior to my scheduled flight of 5/10/08 at 4:43 PM.
Reviewed May 9, 2008
I submitted an offer for a room rate and all of the responses came back with No the bid was not accepted. I then logged off of the computer. Several hours later, when I went back on line, I received a notice that my bid had now been accepted. When I tried to get the room cancelled, as I had found another room, I was told that I could not cancell and that my card would be charged for the room.
I was later told by Price Line that the hotel may be able to cancel or change the reservations. When the hotel was contacted they advised that they were unable to do anything as Price Line was the company I had to deal with. I believe that Price Line is a dishonest company and has absolutly NO customer service and consideration for their customers.
I will never deal with Price Line again and will distribute this information to as many individuals and organizations as I can. They should be ashamed of their operations.
They have billed my credit card for over $300. I have disputed the charges, but it will be weeks before I find out the results.
Reviewed April 30, 2008
I was checking priceline.com for days trying to get the best deal on a flight to Kauai. Finally Priceline accepted my offer and when I received my flight information I noticed that they had booked me to the wrong island in Hawaii. I figured it was just a mistake so I called with my reservation number and was able to speak with someone and they refunded my ticket price minus the $230 cancellation fee. Even though they had made the mistake I was being charged a fee but the lady explained to me that she would send me an email on how to rebook my flight and get the cancellation fee reversed.
So when I received the email telling me how to rebook my flight I noticed that the terms for rebooking and getting back your cancellation fee where I had to rebook to the same island. So at this point I'm getting a bit annoyed because that was the whole problem to begin with and when I tried to call back and explain this, my original reservation number had been cancelled so there was no possible way to get to a live person. See you need an actual reservation number to speak with someone so without you are dead and forced to move to an email contact. Within 24 hours someone had contacted me by email and gave me a new reservation number to call in and speak with someone.
I called and spoke with someone and they explained that there is nothing they can do so I would have to speak with another person in customer relations, well after waiting on hold for over an hour the line goes dead. At this point I'm really mad and starting to think that this is a scam. I mean hear I am trying to fix a mistake that they made and now Priceline is stealing money from me and refusing to deal with it. I call back and they transfer me to customer relations and after holding on the phone again I get disconnected. I call back in and Im ready to go absolutely crazy on the first person that answers the phone but I start off by explaining that I know its not your fault but Im ****** off big time. He tells me that he can't do anything and will have to transfer me but I refuse to let him saying that there is no customer relations and that Priceline is scamming money from me.
After at least 20 minutes of yelling back and forth I make him hold on the line until he connects me personally with customer relations. Now I'm talking to a person who could care even less about me then the first guy and says there is nothing he can do and hangs up on me! Priceline had worn me down - after the yelling and waiting and becoming a person I hate I gave up and let them have the money. This is a lot of money to me but the effort was making me sick. Just so everyone knows how much of a scam this was, the island that Priceline booked me to - I don't even know how to spell.
Priceline made $230 from me for their mistake.
Reviewed April 30, 2008
On 04-15-08 after I cancelled a reservation through Priceline.com, I received an e-mail confirmation on the cancellation and notice that I would receive my refund less a $25.00 cancellation fee withing 5-10 days. On 04-29-08 I call to inquire about the staus of my refund. I was assured that I would receive my refund by noon that day, and was advised that if this did not happen, that I was to call back later.
I waited until 04-30-08 and checked account and found that no refund had been received. So I called and was told that whomever gave me information about the refund being made at noon the previous day was incorrect and that it takes one or two billing cycles to receive refunds, contrary altogether to the e-mail of 04-015-08.
I feel cheated and my money is being held up for some interest bearing account.
Reviewed April 30, 2008
On 04-15-08 after I cancelled a reservation through Priceline.com, I received an e-mail confirmation on the cancellation and notice that I would receive my refund less a $25.00 cancellation fee withing 5-10 days. On 04-29-08 I call to inquire about the staus of my refund. I was assured that I would receive my refund by noon that day, and was advised that if this did not happen, that I was to call back later.
I waited until 04-30-08 and checked account and found that no refund had been received. So I called and was told that whomever gave me information about the refund being made at noon the previous day was incorrect and that it takes one or two billing cycles to receive refunds, contrary altogether to the e-mail of 04-015-08.
I feel cheated and my money is being held up for some interest bearing account.
Reviewed April 30, 2008
This was my first and last experience with Priceline. I booked a one night hotel stay through them for the Holdiay Inn Express in Milford Ohio. I did not bid on the room but accepted that the rate Priceline was offering was the best rate (They have a Best Price Guarantee). After making my reservation my plans changed and I needed an additional night.
I called the hotel directly and was gived a price that was $35 less per night than what I paid Priceline. The lower rate did not include any other forms of discounts such as AAA. The employee I spoke with (Eric) at the Holiday Inn informed me that the price he offered was their standard rate. I contacted Priceline under their Best Price Guarantee and they refused to refund the difference.
I paid 54% MORE for my room through Priceline than I would have paid by calling the hotel directly
Reviewed April 27, 2008
I named my own price after reviewing the choices in my desired area and star category. My offer was accepted for a hotel that was a full $50+ less per night than what the site showed as examples of where I would be placed, ALL of which I might add were entirely acceptable to me. This amount was also more than the hotel actually charged per night directly. In multiple emails and calls to customer service they finally agreed to refund the excess with their Best Price Guarantee. BIG DEAL.
I complained that the hotel in question was not even shown anywhere on their website and I felt like I had been the victim of a Bait and Switch since I had no way of knowing that there was even a possibility I would get put there (my bid would have been MUCH lower had I known) Magically this afternoon the hotel in question is on the site. Just proof they knew I had a valid complaint and are now trying to cover their you know what.
This hotel was not what I ordered or was led to believe I would get for the price. I ended up paying more for this hotel than I would have agreed to, had I known it was possible I would be placed THERE. I asked for a refund and cancellation as I felt they had not dealt with me honestly or ethically. They refused.
Reviewed April 25, 2008
I had previously booked a car rental on priceline.com. A friend referred them to me and got quite the deal. So I signed up and got a car for a deal too. So I figured since I got such a great deal with a car rental I may as well try a hotel room. Please note that this is all on the same island.So I enter all the information and what not, than it says to select areas with a button that named 4 different cities on the island. Not once stating what exact property it was booking. So i click next and it books my hotel room automatically. In the same city that I live in. 10 minutes away to be exact. Now tell me why would I want a hotel room 10 minutes away from my house?
So I called and wrote several emails and they basically told me sorry too bad. Pay more attention next time and even forwarded my a copy of my contract that I initialled that stated the other 3 cities that they were searching for rooms in. None the less I am now stuck paying $130 for a hotel room 10 minutes away from .me.
Reviewed April 22, 2008
This is a follow-on to my previous posting and corroborates the account of Michael of Orlando FL - 04/09/08. It seems that we have had the exact same experience. I was also using the Safari browser on a Mac, and had the Priceline web site apparently read my 4-star request as a 2-star request. This was in fact what I had suggested to the Priceline customer service center as being the likely issue. (I have seen enough browser incompatibilities over the years to recognize this as a very plausible culprit.) Unfortunately, their response, quite literally, was we never have technical issues. Several more phone calls and e-mails to corporate services resulted in their continued response being that they never have technical issues, but they would let me retry to book a 4-star hotel, for a $25 processing fee, with no guarantee that my bid would be accepted.
At 8 PM on the night of my reservation, as I was walking to the hotel (which I really did need for that night), I got a phone call from Priceline saying that they had investigated the matter, and surprise!, there was a technical issue on their end, and my story was indeed correct. They would graciously cancel my hotel reservation and give me a refund, for no fee. Unfortunately, that was a little late for me to rebook anything, so I declined, and continued to the hotel. I wrote again to corporate services, and suggested that a $30 refund would be in order (to bring my paid price down to 50% of a typical 3-star hotel in the area), especially given the very late notice they gave me about canceling my reservation. Corporate services wrote back saying that they considered the matter to be settled. I then wrote the MA Attorney Generals office, who (very quickly, thank you) sent a complaint letter on my behalf. I now have been given a 100% refund by Priceline. So, the moral seems to be, keep complaining up the chain, and contact your state's AG office. And if some enterprising lawyers out their want to investigate this further, I think their is a class action lawsuit just waiting to happen here.
Reviewed April 9, 2008
I placed a name your own price bid on a 4 star hotel in Naples, FL and the Priceline web site changed my choice to a 2 star without telling me. When I was notified I had received the price I bid ($115 for the 4 star) but was assigned a 2 star hotel (which was $68 on Priceline) I called to cancel. I was told there was nothing they could do since the system showed I asked for a 2 star.
I wrote to the Executive Offices and was contacted and told that since I used Safari on a Mac computer there system automatically changes the request to a 2 star. They gave me a full refund but only after I threatened to file complaints with FTC and dispute the charge with AMEX. They know there is a problem in their system yet they don't mention it on their web site. BAD BUSINESS. I won't ever so business with them again!
I received a full credit back on my AMEX (hasn't been processed yet by AMEX) so we'll see.
Reviewed April 6, 2008
I went online late on March 13 to try to find 2 economy airline tickets. After several rounds of me naming my own price, Priceline named the price for me. After all this and initialing the box I realized I had entered in the wrong date to travel. I Immediately e-mailed and called them to tell them of the mistake. I didn't want to cancel, only change the date so I could travel on the date I needed to. They said tough luck, that I should have been more careful. I even quoted from the web page in the contract that they were non-refundable, but it also said that some airlines will allow you to change your tickets prior to actual travel date.
One CS rep suggested that I put them on e-bay, which I immediately caught, and told her that she had just told me they were non-refundable, non-transferrable, and non-changable how could I put them on e-bay. All of the Priceline reps were very uncaring and inconsiderate and unhelpful to me. I lost $500.00 on those tickets, not getting any help from them. Good grief, you can pay a million for a new home, and they give you 3 days to change the contract or cancel, what's with priceline? I found tickets directly from AA cheaper, should have gone with them first. I won't use Priceline ever again, and will tell everyone else about my experience so they won't use them either.
My credit card was charged with $484.23 for 2 airline tickets that I cannot use. Priceline would not help in any way to allow me to use them, so I lost my money. $484 is a lot of money if you don't have any.
Reviewed April 5, 2008
We thought we had bought air tickets from Priceline.com but when the airline (Aloha and ATA) went bankrupt, our whole vacation was ruined, Priceline conveniently denied any responsibility and said they were blameless. Therefore, who are you buying tickets from on these online traders? I for one will never use Priceline again.
Loss of $1800 let alone the loss of a vacation and stress in dealing with airlines, VISA and Priceline.
Reviewed March 30, 2008
On Tuesday, March 18, I put in a bid for two airline tickets from Columbus, Ohio to San Diego, California at $200.00 a ticket. Priceline came back saying they could not find tickets for that price but if I could increase it to $266.15 per ticket ($532.30 total) they could get them. I immediately clicked on 'Buy My Tickets' now and they immediately came back asking if I could increase it to $274.15 per ticket ($548.30 total). However I could not get the tickets because Priceline had already put a hold on my bank account for the $532.30. Priceline did not authorize the release of this hold until March 22.
I made numerous calls and got NO help. I talked to Leticia and Lakisha (CUSTOMER CARE SPECIALIST) and they passed me off to Alexandria (very rude I might add) and Ashley, who was like talking to a robot. No one could help and Alexandria informed me that her supervisor does not talk to customers. I bought tickets the other day through NWA for $309 a piece. Quite a bit higher than Priceline's price but I was afraid to try Priceline again for fear my money would be held up. How can I have my money held up for four days when I do not have a ticket? It took several phone calls, on my part, for Priceline to send the release number to the bank.
Also, in January, my friend's daughter got tickets to San Diego and on March 11 Priceline charged her bank account $11.99 for some promotion she qualified for. This was without permission. Needless to say, I will never use Priceline again and will urge others not to. I would like a response concerning what a SPECIALIST Can Do, and why Priceline can hold up people's money when no purchase has been made. We are not wealthy people and this incident almost made us miss our trip. I have been searching for Priceline's address so I can send them my complaint but so far have had no luck. Priceline.com will not take my complaint.
Because of the rapid increase in airline prices we were almost unable to get ticket because of the hold on our money.
Reviewed March 30, 2008
Deceptive advertising of hotels as 4 star although they are really 2.5 to 3 star according to numerous customers over a long period of time.
Reviewed March 26, 2008
I bid for a $99.00 hotel room on Priceline.com for a hotel. I figured that they would live up to their claims of 40% off regular prices and sure enough they got me a room and charged me $99.00. When I went to the office the next morning to get my receipt for the broadband service, I asked the front desk staff what the price of the room was normally (not a good hotel for $99.00) and they told me $59.99. I called Priceline to see if they would refund me the balance, as I did not think I was given a $99.00 room, let alone one worth 140% of that price. They said NO WAY. This is deceptive advertising. They should simply say, give us your money and we will give you a room, it may be at a savings and we may charge you a premium. That would be more honest.
I stayed in a horrible hotel and paid almost double the normal rate. From $59.99 to $99.99 and I am supposed to be pleased with the advertised 40% discount that they offer.
Reviewed March 23, 2008
I used priceline.com to purchase an airline ticket for my son. Their website is very confusing and I tried multiple times to contact customer service but it was impossible to speak with someone. I used the 'name your own price' and they asked me to raise my offer more! Was quite concerned at this point. But thought it was still a decent price about $30-40 cheaper then our usual (Southwest Airlines). We should have used them. Just thought this was new and it might work well for us.
Anyway, they found a flight and said I would have to accept it with a credit card and then I would get my itinerary. Oh My Gosh! This is the worst flight we could get! I I e-mailed and got a response to call another customer service number where they have people to talk to. And was told basically, too Bad! We are now trying to figure how my son it going to get to the airport at 4:30 am for a 6:00 am departure, and then on his return flight at 5:30am for a 7:00am departure when we live 1 and a half hours away from the airport! This also is taking a day away from us in seeing our son. This is just bad business and very misleading to people on a very personal level. I wish I would've checked out on complaints before I used them. I have learned my lesson, I will not use them again!
Stress, stress, stress, If he can't find a ride to airport, We may have to purchase another flight. With a reputable company!
Reviewed March 23, 2008
We bought a package deal on Priceline, we had trouble with our luggage not coming with us. We have spent the whole day of one of our vacation days in the motel because we had no clothes. It stopped us from going to the beach, and doing all the stuff that we would like to do. So we called the airline and still no luggage. This has been 24hrs now (United Airlines). Every time you call Priceline customer service you get someone from the Philippines or some other country. No one understands what you would like and they put you on hold for several minutes at a time. Then they come back on the phone and say they are going to put you on hold to find options, they come back and say they have no options. When you ask for a supervisor or mgr, they get one and then the supervisor hangs up on you. I will never use Priceline again, for anything. Please go to Expedia if you are looking for a cheap flight.
Reviewed March 20, 2008
Where in the contract that I initialed does it say the Hotel requires $10.00 for parking my car? They assured me you had told me that...
Couldn't have an ocean view room unless I paid $20.00 more and I had to pay $10.00 to park my car.
Reviewed March 18, 2008
Do you people actually understand what Priceline is? In exchange for the no refunds, no changes, no choice you can get good prices. If you want that, then buy direct. I use them all the time for car rentals in DC, and they are always lower than going direct---Yeah, the fees are high, but they tell you before you commit (at least on the car rentals). It's not their fault you lost your job or got sick or changed your mind.
Reviewed March 18, 2008
On 3/17/08 I purchased a flight through Priceline's Name-your-own-price from Richmond, VA, to Myrtle Beach, SC. I selected RICHMOND, VA, as my departure city and MYRTLE BEACH,SC, as my destination city; but what I got was a departure from Washington, DC, and a destination of Raleigh Durham, NC--which is THREE HOURS aways from my destination. Neither city (DC nor Raleigh Durham) were chosen as an alternate city of departure or destination. I called the customer service line and was told that there was nothing that I could do or that they could do for me because if I chose any alternates, that they automatically search all airports in or around the surrounding areas and go with the one that accepts the price regardless if you chose that airport or not. I tried explaining to the representative that I DID NOT CHOSE AN ALTERNATE CITY to begin with and wanted to have my itinerary changed to what I selected; but what I was told was that if I wanted to get to Myrtle Beach, I would have to purchase A SECOND TICKET to that destination regardless of the fact that I DID NOT chose the departure/arrival cities given in the first place.
I sent an email to the customer support and was told that I was not dissatisfied with their service when in fact I was VERY DISSATISFIED with their service. They claim that the customer is their number one priority, but in reality, sticking the customer with a travel itinerary that they did not request is their number one priority. I feel victimized because now I have to come out of pocket A SECOND TIME to purchase a ticket that I didn't request in the first place.
Priceline Company Information
- Company Name:
- Priceline
- Year Founded:
- 1998
- Address:
- 800 Connecticut Ave.
- City:
- Norwalk
- State/Province:
- CT
- Postal Code:
- 06854
- Country:
- United States
- Website:
- www.priceline.com
