Expedia Problems - Anyone else?

[plutospup]

Recently called Expedia. Was told if I book now, and a lower fare on the exact flight comes out later they would send me a voucher for the difference. Booked flight, sure enough lower fare on exact flights the next day.
Called Expedia. Idiot #1: Uh...computers are down, call back in 3 hrs. Idiot #2: Uh,...Uh...call United directly. They'll send you a voucher. (Called United. Apologized for the mix up but said I had to deal with Expedia) Idiot # 3: After teaching her how to pull up flights on her system, found same flights with lower fare. After talking to supervisor she said I could rebook the flights, but had to pay $100 charge to rebook each ticket (3). Option 2 cancel flights, but Expedia retained $15 booking fare.
After heated discussion, and demanding to speak to her supervisor, she refunded $15 booking fee as well.
Sorry this is so long, but has anyone else had this problem?

 

[CarolA]

Yes, Actually I think your problem is that the FIRST rep told you incorrectly. As a general rule, Expedia does NOT give vouchers for fare reductions. (I think that is on their website someplace, but I don't remember where!)

 

[plutospup]

Carol, thanx for the info. Some reps will say anything to make a sale.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

And your problems with this are exactly WHY I only book with the airlines, not a service. They are great to look at all the fares the airlines are offering, but, you can then book directly online with the airline.

 

[SamSam]

Gail, Do you find airline's willing to match a price someone like Expedia may have?.
I usually book through American, but this week I found fare's to be almost $100 cheaper from Expedia & Orbitz. They were American flights, but the American website did not have as good of fares.
I would have preferred booking directly with American,but couldn't resist that big of savings.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Sam, I really cannot answer that, the only time I tried for a low fare, it came up unavailable/sold out, but, found the same fare on the web site of the airline. Then, in reading the fine print, I decided to go with the airline's website because if the fare goes down, you are out of luck for a voucher,. As of late, I only fly SWA and they are so easy with their rules and changes and they don't do Expedia, so, it is their website I go to .

 

[SamSam]

Gail, Thanks for the info, I think I may try calling the airline direct next time I can't find a comparable rate on the airline's website.
Flying out of the middle of Kansas, I try to jump on good rates as quickly as possible.

 

[plutospup]

When I saw a decent airfare on Expedia I went to United's website. Unfortunately, the fare on the same flight was much higher. I then called United. They said Expedia's fare was an internet only fare, and would not match it.

 

[SamSam]

plutospup, Thanks, I was hoping airlines might honor internet specials but was afraid they might not. I find that finding the best deals can be very time consuming, but usually worth it.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by plutospup
When I saw a decent airfare on Expedia I went to United's website. Unfortunately, the fare on the same flight was much higher. I then called United. They said Expedia's fare was an internet only fare, and would not match it.

While that is true, you can, often, get the same fare on the internet on the airline's web site. I cannot tell you how many people try to book these "fantastic" fares and when they hit enter, the fare is either sold out or more expensive because of a hike. I am beginning to believe it is a bait and switch tactic by these folks or they only have 3 seats at that price. I will stick with the airlines directly, that way if the fare goes down I have a shot at a voucher for the difference, which you don't have via Travelocity or Expedia or the rest.