Apple Vacations is a ripoff. Non-existant Web Specials. Philadelphia, PA

I need to let you know that if you haven't been able to actually get a vacation package with the deals offered by Apple, it may be because the hotel or resort where you are trying to stay is no longer offering that promotion. I have worked in several hotels and we used to receive over 500 room nights booked through Apple per month (over 10 rooms per night) with several promotions that we used to offer them, one of them was kids eat and stay free when dining with parents (this was 100% free).

Apple Vacations has been one of the leaders in the travel agent/wholesale industry and if you have a complaint you should call them directly. Their personnel will be able to explain you better the restrictions. otherwise, ask your travel agent to give you a brochure that explains when the promotions expire.

If this doesn't work, try booking your packages with Alaska vacations, Funjet, Certified Vacations or North American Leisure, they are very similar to Apple, even Pleasant Holidays!

I have worked with Apple since they opened, both online, and on the phone. At Applevacations.com they announce specials every so often. These are usually outstanding prices and sell out within minutes of opening, or in my case, as soon as a I contact my clients and block the space. These are 90% of the time last minute late booking opportunities. There is very limited space and the client has to move fast.

I have booked many different specials involving children free. Some had free food, others had free air, and one wide open special offered both.

I do not feel that direct computer booking or the telephone works any better, just being ready to commit quickly.

Apple may be the one great charter company left in the East that gives you great dollar value.

I own a travel agency in Cincinnati, Ohio and are just about always able to book the specials listed on Apple's website. The total price of the specials is higher than listed on the site since the prices do not include fuel surcharges and taxes as stated in the disclaimer at the bottom of the webpage:

Prices are per person, dbl occupancy (unless noted) & include roundtrip airfare, hotel transfers, hotel taxes, baggage handling & the services of an Apple Rep. Bookings within 14 days of departure add $10 per person (except Super Airfares & Square Deals). Fuel surcharges included in the advertised price where applicable. * $41.50 - $121 per person U.S, taxes/fees, foreign arrival/departure taxes, September 11th Security Fee & airport user fees not included. Hotel imposed energy surcharges/ resort levies, holiday surcharges, weekend add-ons & black out dates may apply. All packages are capacity controlled & subject to availability and verification at the time of reservation. Scheduled air prices are based on the lowest airfares at the time of publication. Fares are for general information only and not a reflection of current seat availability. See the Fair Trade Contract policy See the Fair Trade Contract policy for details.

Also, there are hotels at which kids stay and eat free which are bookable through Apple. Note, that kids stay and eat free, but they do not fly free. They must still pay for airfare and taxes.

As a travel agent authorized to sell Apple Vacations I can offer you a bit of advice as to why you may not be getting the "internet deals." I persoanlly have not had a problem dealing with Apple Vacations. It may be that the other agents you dealt with are due to the fact that they are not linked to Apple's online booking system. When I joined Apple Vacations, I was informed that certain specials will show up on ONLY on this system. So, if I were to call for a special I would not receive it for my client. The only way to get that special would be to go on their online booking system and book it.

As a Travel agent with Apple vacations, you are not automatically authorized to use this system. You have to be approved by Apple Vacations and given password access from them to get into it. So maybe those travel agents did not have this access and therefore, could not get the special rates for you.

Just a thought! Hope that this helped you!