Submitted:
Thursday, July 29, 2004
Last posting: Tuesday, August 17, 2004
Florence,
Oregon
On July 27, 2004 I attempted to book a flight on vipfares.com. I looked at other sites (priceline, orbitz, etc.) but vipfares had the lowest price. I entered all of my information, as requested, including my credit card and billing address information. When I clicked on the button to pay for my flight a screen came up with a comfirmation number and all of my reservation information with my itinerary. Unfortunately the price that was being charged to my card was $60.21 more than the quoted price for taxes. Upon reviewing the website I realized that they do disclose the taxes, but they do it on a separate screen. My mistake, I suppose. I should have looked closer, but I have used other similar sites and they have been much more forthcoming with their prices.
On July 29 I received a telephone call at 7pm informing me that my credit card was declined because my billing address didn't match. I was also informed that my flight had been cancelled and I would be charged a $28.36 service fee. SERVICE FEE?? What service? They didn't make an attempt to clarify any errors and book my flight. They just cancelled my flight, charged me the service fee and dismissed me. I reviewed my confirmation email that they had sent me on July 27, and my billing information was correct. There was no reason for my card to have been declined. I work for the bank that issued my Visa, so I will probably get my money back, but beware of this website!
Laryn
Florence, Oregon
U.S.A.