Serious problem with Expedia.com
Jun 20th, 2010, 06:28 AM
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Serious problem with Expedia.com
I've made a flight booking from Singapore to Calgary few days ago with Expedia.com, and received Confirmation immediately after everything. After a short while, my bank called me and said the transaction is not successful and being rejected. I've called the bank twice between day and night time and I received the same answer that was Failure Transaction, and I have to make a new booking as the 1st transaction is not valid.
Therefore, I created a 2nd booking, the transaction went through and I received another confirmation as well. I called and checked with the bank again and they said the transaction went through and it's Confirm. After that, I sent in email to double check with Expedia.com, they said they have limit service in dealing with email, they asked me to call the service center directly.
I called, and being talk and hold the conversation for almost an hour (well, 50mins perhaps), they said it's my fault in making duplicate booking as the 1st one is already confirmed. They said the transaction was being done and confirmed, the Delta airlines has already reserved the seat (for the first booking), they will refund me money for the first booking, and also CHARGE ME SGD250 for changes or whatever fees then~
I called Delta Airlines, they said they will cancel the flight without charge me anything, it's Expedia.com itself to CHARGE me as I booked with them instead of the airlines directly.
I am so pissed and is there anyone can tell me what's going? I wonder how the Expedia is going to charge me whereby the first transaction (with the first booking is not valid and not going through with valid payment)? and I wonder why they said Delta Airlines is going to charge me for flight cancellation? IT'S RIDICULOUS~!!!!
May I know what can I do?? Please, if this was solely my own fault, I am willing to pay for my mistake, but not with such RIDICULOUS REASON~!!! HELP~!!!
Therefore, I created a 2nd booking, the transaction went through and I received another confirmation as well. I called and checked with the bank again and they said the transaction went through and it's Confirm. After that, I sent in email to double check with Expedia.com, they said they have limit service in dealing with email, they asked me to call the service center directly.
I called, and being talk and hold the conversation for almost an hour (well, 50mins perhaps), they said it's my fault in making duplicate booking as the 1st one is already confirmed. They said the transaction was being done and confirmed, the Delta airlines has already reserved the seat (for the first booking), they will refund me money for the first booking, and also CHARGE ME SGD250 for changes or whatever fees then~
I called Delta Airlines, they said they will cancel the flight without charge me anything, it's Expedia.com itself to CHARGE me as I booked with them instead of the airlines directly.
I am so pissed and is there anyone can tell me what's going? I wonder how the Expedia is going to charge me whereby the first transaction (with the first booking is not valid and not going through with valid payment)? and I wonder why they said Delta Airlines is going to charge me for flight cancellation? IT'S RIDICULOUS~!!!!
May I know what can I do?? Please, if this was solely my own fault, I am willing to pay for my mistake, but not with such RIDICULOUS REASON~!!! HELP~!!!
Jun 20th, 2010, 06:40 AM
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couple of things
• here is the better Business Bureau listing for expedia which gives some direct phone numbers and additional names to talk to in customer service
http://www.bbb.org/western-washingto...802#management
• it sounds like you initially talked to your bank but not to expedia and in looking back, that was the mistake which started this chain of events. If I were you I would try to calm down, talk to someone higher up at expedia an explain what your bank told you. DO you have any emails from the bank proving your story or names of bank employees you talked to? That would also help.
It sounds like this was a bank transaction and not a credit card? If it was a credit card I would file a dispute with them ASAP. It may be that will take care of it.
• here is the better Business Bureau listing for expedia which gives some direct phone numbers and additional names to talk to in customer service
http://www.bbb.org/western-washingto...802#management
• it sounds like you initially talked to your bank but not to expedia and in looking back, that was the mistake which started this chain of events. If I were you I would try to calm down, talk to someone higher up at expedia an explain what your bank told you. DO you have any emails from the bank proving your story or names of bank employees you talked to? That would also help.
It sounds like this was a bank transaction and not a credit card? If it was a credit card I would file a dispute with them ASAP. It may be that will take care of it.
Jun 21st, 2010, 12:34 PM
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I don't see any problem you have with Expedia.com; they have complied with the terms of your purchases, assuming you are alert enough to cancel the ticket you don't need.
I would question the competency of your bank. Apparently they had a transaction failure, and instead of contacting the other party (Expedia.com) to resolve the failure, they called you and gave you some bad advice, which you followed. If they had contacted Expedia.com, no doubt the problem would have been solved and you would never have heard about it. If they had contacted Expedia.com and were unable to resolve the problem, Expedia.com would have contacted you and the problem could have been resolved. At most, your bank could have contacted you and told you to contact Expedia.com to have them resolve the problem; frankly, I suspect that is what the bank told you, but you bought a second ticket instead of giving Expedia.com a chance to resolve the original error. Consider yourself lucky that they are offering a refund (less the contractual change fee you read about be for buying) instead of a voucher. After all, they do call them nonrefundable tickets.
I would question the competency of your bank. Apparently they had a transaction failure, and instead of contacting the other party (Expedia.com) to resolve the failure, they called you and gave you some bad advice, which you followed. If they had contacted Expedia.com, no doubt the problem would have been solved and you would never have heard about it. If they had contacted Expedia.com and were unable to resolve the problem, Expedia.com would have contacted you and the problem could have been resolved. At most, your bank could have contacted you and told you to contact Expedia.com to have them resolve the problem; frankly, I suspect that is what the bank told you, but you bought a second ticket instead of giving Expedia.com a chance to resolve the original error. Consider yourself lucky that they are offering a refund (less the contractual change fee you read about be for buying) instead of a voucher. After all, they do call them nonrefundable tickets.
Jun 22nd, 2010, 06:39 AM
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I would say, stay away from Expedia. I have had nothing but problems with them. Most of these third party transactions simply complicate the travel industry.
Much money is made on cancellations by third party companies and I do include the float time of holding your money for a long time, even when you do get a refund.
Expedia, Tripadvisor, Hotelscom and Hotwire are all owened by the same guy...Barry Diller.
They have interests in hotels, airlines, etc. Certainly a conflict of interest in my book.
Expedia is now being sued for not paying "sales and hotel tax" in many states and other countries like France and the U.K.. When you pay $100.00 + tax and the hotel gets 70.00 + tax. where did the tax go on the $30.00. Expedia keeps it. If they will do that to all gov't around the world. What chance do you think you have of getting your money back. Barry Diller did not get to be that rich for no reason.
What we have forgotten is that these third party providers have been around so long that the travel and hospitality industry has adjusted for them. Meaning the prices have been adjusted to cover their commissions. So they are driving prices up not down.
Always call the airlines and hotels first and state the price you have seen online. Chances are they will meet those prices and in some cases beat them.
Everything has its moment, i.e. Blockbuster, so it should be as well with these guys. Pick up the phone and speak to the source of your flight or hotel room ( That would be the airlines or the hotel). It is just that simple.
So when you do have a problem it can be handled fast and not by some geek sitting in another country reading from a script. We have all been very stupid in this regard. Lets all wake up!
They basically have you running around and around like it is your fault. If it is so what! You should be treated with respect and consideration not made to feel stupid. The blame game is what it is.
Keep it simple so you can get your real work done or enjoying your vacation. Isn't that the point of all this anyway?
Much money is made on cancellations by third party companies and I do include the float time of holding your money for a long time, even when you do get a refund.
Expedia, Tripadvisor, Hotelscom and Hotwire are all owened by the same guy...Barry Diller.
They have interests in hotels, airlines, etc. Certainly a conflict of interest in my book.
Expedia is now being sued for not paying "sales and hotel tax" in many states and other countries like France and the U.K.. When you pay $100.00 + tax and the hotel gets 70.00 + tax. where did the tax go on the $30.00. Expedia keeps it. If they will do that to all gov't around the world. What chance do you think you have of getting your money back. Barry Diller did not get to be that rich for no reason.
What we have forgotten is that these third party providers have been around so long that the travel and hospitality industry has adjusted for them. Meaning the prices have been adjusted to cover their commissions. So they are driving prices up not down.
Always call the airlines and hotels first and state the price you have seen online. Chances are they will meet those prices and in some cases beat them.
Everything has its moment, i.e. Blockbuster, so it should be as well with these guys. Pick up the phone and speak to the source of your flight or hotel room ( That would be the airlines or the hotel). It is just that simple.
So when you do have a problem it can be handled fast and not by some geek sitting in another country reading from a script. We have all been very stupid in this regard. Lets all wake up!
They basically have you running around and around like it is your fault. If it is so what! You should be treated with respect and consideration not made to feel stupid. The blame game is what it is.
Keep it simple so you can get your real work done or enjoying your vacation. Isn't that the point of all this anyway?
Jun 30th, 2010, 03:18 PM
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"Pick up the phone and speak to the source of your flight or hotel room"
LOL
Tried that. The airline voice replied, we don't sell flights from your city, you must go to Chicago to get on a flight to Europe (WHAT????)
Same with hotels "we don't have here our Internet rates"
LOL
Tried that. The airline voice replied, we don't sell flights from your city, you must go to Chicago to get on a flight to Europe (WHAT????)
Same with hotels "we don't have here our Internet rates"
Aug 2nd, 2010, 02:05 PM
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I´m a little worried about Expedia as well. Two hours after I arrived in Mexico, Expedia sent out an email that said my return flight plan had changed and I needed to call ASAP. I called and was told that the only option I had was an itinerary that was significantly more dangerous, going through Mexico City Airport, at night. I got an email response to my request for information saying that they can´t email the information. I gave then the fax to The Spanish Institute of Puebla, where I am studying. The thing that has me worried is that there are many accounts of similar, bait and switch, type behavior by expedia. I´ve used them successfully before, but like your car´s airbag, one failure which results in serious danger to the passenger, is one to many.
Good Luck,
Laura Young
Good Luck,
Laura Young
Aug 2nd, 2010, 02:12 PM
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laura - what makes you think connecting trough the Mexico City airport is dangerous? We fly in and out of here at all hours and never a problem. In fact, the recent remodel has made it rather pleasant.
Aug 2nd, 2010, 02:16 PM
#9
laurayoung: Are you speaking of a current problem? Are you on Mexicana? If so, it isn't anything to do w/ Expedia. Last night, Mexicana suspended most flights for the whole month of August. Apparently they are having financial/labor problems.
If that is what you are talking about - it definitely isn't bait & switch. In fact, you are very lucky if they found you a flight home.
If that is what you are talking about - it definitely isn't bait & switch. In fact, you are very lucky if they found you a flight home.
Aug 2nd, 2010, 02:42 PM
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If indeed it is the Mexicana problem, then perhaps you could repost a new message called "kudos to Expedia for getting a hold of me so I won't be stuck in Mexico"
I wonder how many people booked directly through Mexicana and aren't getting the help you are from Expedia.
I wonder how many people booked directly through Mexicana and aren't getting the help you are from Expedia.
Aug 3rd, 2010, 08:27 AM
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Expedia was well aware of the problem when I booked the flight and only informed of the problem 2 hours after I arrived in Mexico. That is the bait and switch, not the problem with Mexicana. When I tried to call they hung up twice. I have tried to get them to email me my options so that I can make a rational choice. To the person who said D.F. airport is safe. I don´t think a woman should do it alone at night. My opinion. Mexico is safe in most places, but problems exist.
Aug 3rd, 2010, 03:43 PM
#14
"<i>Expedia was well aware of the problem when I booked the flight and only informed of the problem 2 hours after I arrived in Mexico. That is the bait and switch, not the problem with Mexicana.</i>"
And just HOW did Expedia know about the problem ahead of time? The local airport here had no advance warning <u>at all</u> -- lots and LOTS of people were stranded here in northern California enroute to Mexico and lost of folks were at the airport waiting for folks (not) flying in from Mexico.
Airport officials and Mexicana staff knew nothing - so how would Expedia?
And just HOW did Expedia know about the problem ahead of time? The local airport here had no advance warning <u>at all</u> -- lots and LOTS of people were stranded here in northern California enroute to Mexico and lost of folks were at the airport waiting for folks (not) flying in from Mexico.
Airport officials and Mexicana staff knew nothing - so how would Expedia?
Aug 4th, 2010, 08:28 AM
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THE problem here is EXPEDIA´S BAD service. Yesterday afternoon I spoke with a representive on the phone. I called from the Institute of Puebla. I was told that a representative would call me back within 30 minutes or if not I would recieve an email. No call. No email. This is the status quo so far with Expedia. They say on the phone that they will return the unused portion of my flight, but won´t put it in writing. I have received many emails in response to my posting on YELP from people who were promised refunds, but instead were charged hithero undisclosed fees. The people who wrote gave me their full name and address. Check out the reviews of Expedia on YELP.
Mar 3rd, 2016, 07:36 AM
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I am having the same problem as the writer above. I tried to book a flight for my husband from Seattle to Dublin on expedia. First I used one card and then another and both were declined. I had this happen before and had to call expedia's phone number to get through and actually book the flight. This time I just went to Air Canada and booked the flight. Expedia sent me an email that the flight was not confirmed. Later I found that the flight was charged to my credit card and a confirmation email was sent which I missed. Only one of my cards was charged. I tried to call to get the charges reversed and talked for over an hour with expedia and a supervisor who all said I had to pay $300 to cancel and only get a credit for the cost in my husband's name only. I spoke directly with the airline and they said the same thing. I am now disputing through my VISA!
Melanie Brace
Melanie Brace
Mar 3rd, 2016, 08:09 AM
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<and a confirmation email was sent which I missed>
And there's the reason this is your fault. I love how you slide it in almost parenthetically!
You booked, you paid, you got a confirmation, and then you booked again.
Never mind that this is an ancient thread, when you make a mistake, you pay for it. End of story.
And there's the reason this is your fault. I love how you slide it in almost parenthetically!
You booked, you paid, you got a confirmation, and then you booked again.
Never mind that this is an ancient thread, when you make a mistake, you pay for it. End of story.
Jul 6th, 2016, 10:53 AM
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I have two words for Expedia.ca/.com and they are not Merry Christmas or Happy Travels
Hi Expedia.ca/.com,
Expedia.ca/.com has a great shell game going that would make the likes of Al Capone, Paul Castellano, Vito Genovese and Lucky Luciano proud. Expedia.ca/.com uses the old bait and switch method on customers offering tickets that are an apparent bargain but add extra fees and raise ticket prices at their whim especially when they know you’re stuck. It happened to me. The dishonest employees and heartless bastards of Expedia.ca in Quebec inflated prices on me after I was forced to cancel a ticket priced at $ 1163.32. They later wanted over $ 4000 for a new ticket because there were no more tickets at the lower price, so they say. Not to mention, they kept me on the phone for two hours on one day and then told me to phone back because their offices were closing; then had me on hold for over an hour the next day. I refused to pay the higher ticket price. What a bunch of horse s##t. An hour later prices were in the $ 1400 dollar range. It makes you wonder if the upper echelon of Expedia.ca/.com, who live in their opulent homes (some money earned and more stolen from the Middle Class customers), give kick-backs to their employees when they rip off a customer. There must be an incentive for the employees to raise ticket prices by 4 times the original price. Expedia.ca/.com preys and bleeds the Middle Class of their money because the Middle Class is 99% of their customers and they have a near monopoly in the travel business. It’s time the Middle Class stands up and say no it is not alright to rip us off. Again, Expedia.ca/.com has a near monopoly in the travel industry in North America and the money bleeding of the Middle Class will only get worse. Now, do you still want to do business with Expedia.ca/.com? Do not do business with the bastards. You’ve been warned and yes I am one pissed Middle Class consumer. I guess Expedia.ca/.com is smarter than me because I’m the one out $ 1163.32 dollars but I’m not out of words.
The companies owned by Expedia.ca/.com include: Hotels.ca/com, Hotwire.ca/com, Trivago.ca/.com, Egencia.ca/.com, Venere.ca/.com, Classic Vacations.com (surprisingly good customer service), Expedia CruiseShip Centers (Good customer service), Travelocity.ca/.com, Orbitz.ca/.com, Homeaway.ca/.com and Expedia Local.
Hi Expedia.ca/.com,
Expedia.ca/.com has a great shell game going that would make the likes of Al Capone, Paul Castellano, Vito Genovese and Lucky Luciano proud. Expedia.ca/.com uses the old bait and switch method on customers offering tickets that are an apparent bargain but add extra fees and raise ticket prices at their whim especially when they know you’re stuck. It happened to me. The dishonest employees and heartless bastards of Expedia.ca in Quebec inflated prices on me after I was forced to cancel a ticket priced at $ 1163.32. They later wanted over $ 4000 for a new ticket because there were no more tickets at the lower price, so they say. Not to mention, they kept me on the phone for two hours on one day and then told me to phone back because their offices were closing; then had me on hold for over an hour the next day. I refused to pay the higher ticket price. What a bunch of horse s##t. An hour later prices were in the $ 1400 dollar range. It makes you wonder if the upper echelon of Expedia.ca/.com, who live in their opulent homes (some money earned and more stolen from the Middle Class customers), give kick-backs to their employees when they rip off a customer. There must be an incentive for the employees to raise ticket prices by 4 times the original price. Expedia.ca/.com preys and bleeds the Middle Class of their money because the Middle Class is 99% of their customers and they have a near monopoly in the travel business. It’s time the Middle Class stands up and say no it is not alright to rip us off. Again, Expedia.ca/.com has a near monopoly in the travel industry in North America and the money bleeding of the Middle Class will only get worse. Now, do you still want to do business with Expedia.ca/.com? Do not do business with the bastards. You’ve been warned and yes I am one pissed Middle Class consumer. I guess Expedia.ca/.com is smarter than me because I’m the one out $ 1163.32 dollars but I’m not out of words.
The companies owned by Expedia.ca/.com include: Hotels.ca/com, Hotwire.ca/com, Trivago.ca/.com, Egencia.ca/.com, Venere.ca/.com, Classic Vacations.com (surprisingly good customer service), Expedia CruiseShip Centers (Good customer service), Travelocity.ca/.com, Orbitz.ca/.com, Homeaway.ca/.com and Expedia Local.
Jul 6th, 2016, 09:10 PM
#19
"Expedia.ca/.com has a near monopoly in the travel industry in North America"
What utter rubbish. I have traveled extensively over the last fifteen years, and have booked through Expedia (and the other companies you list) only a handful of times. Plenty of other alternatives, including booking directly with the airlines.
And if you bought a non-refundable ticket, obviously there is no refund if you cancel.
What utter rubbish. I have traveled extensively over the last fifteen years, and have booked through Expedia (and the other companies you list) only a handful of times. Plenty of other alternatives, including booking directly with the airlines.
And if you bought a non-refundable ticket, obviously there is no refund if you cancel.
Jul 7th, 2016, 04:42 AM
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You almost had me feel sorry for Expedia NewBe. You’re the idiot if you believe my complaint with Expedia is baseless. It’s not Expedias fault it is someone else. You sound like the CEO of Expedia trying to justify your company. I don’t believe your crap for a minute. I lost my original ticket due to a mixed up of surnames from North America to travellers leaving South America. If I had bought the ticket directly with the airline they could have made the ticket change or turn the names around for a fee of $ 25 dollars but not at Expedia; you lose the ticket. Now that’s priceless for starters. In addition, I checked ticket prices before and after talking with Expedia and there were plenty of tickets for around $ 1400 dollars on a number of other travel sites including travel sites owned by Expedia. Expedia then kept me on the phone for over two hours and told me I couldn’t change the old ticket and a new ticket costs over $ 4000. I could not believe it. It was a fricken miracle. Prices magically climbed from around $ 1400 dollars to $ 4000 in the 2 hours they had me on the phone. I must be the most unlucky bastard in the world if this is all a coincidence. I’ve booked tickets for many years and I have never come across an over $ 4000 increase in such a short time and you call this normal business practices. You’re fricken crazy. This is a classic example of up-selling the customer with more expensive tickets when the customer is in a bind. Expedia is in business to provide a reasonable service to the client for a reasonable price. I don’t see anything reasonable and normal about Expedias business practices.
Expedia is the company that put the chip on my shoulder when they took $ 1163.32 from me originally and did not provide a service. I am an idiot for dealing with Expedia and I would be a bigger idiot, like you, if after losing an $ 1163.32 ticket and then buying another ticket from your friends at Expedia for $ 4000 dollars more. I knew when I was waiting on the phone that they were not going to come back and say it’s your lucky day the ticket prices have come down $ 500 dollars or lucky you, you are the millionth customer there is no charge. I knew they had me and they took full advantage of up-selling me by 4 times. If you believe they are good old boys then go ahead and suck wind with your buddies down at Expedia.
Expedia is the company that put the chip on my shoulder when they took $ 1163.32 from me originally and did not provide a service. I am an idiot for dealing with Expedia and I would be a bigger idiot, like you, if after losing an $ 1163.32 ticket and then buying another ticket from your friends at Expedia for $ 4000 dollars more. I knew when I was waiting on the phone that they were not going to come back and say it’s your lucky day the ticket prices have come down $ 500 dollars or lucky you, you are the millionth customer there is no charge. I knew they had me and they took full advantage of up-selling me by 4 times. If you believe they are good old boys then go ahead and suck wind with your buddies down at Expedia.
