Comments on: Orbitz Sales Tactics: “Convenient!” And Sleazy!

By: KC

KC — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 15:43:30 +0000

I like the option of being able to add attractions and things to my trip all in one spot. It may cost a little more, but hey, you always have to pay for convenience. Like your picture shows, the website shows everything being added to your trip as you add it. There’s nothing secretive or hidden. It also breaks down everything you’re paying for before you pay for it. That’s not very sneaky. It’s just a matter of the consumer paying attention. If you see something you don’t want, don’t book it. I’ve booked many vacations through Orbitz and have no complaints.

By: stephen

stephen — Tue, 18 May 2010 00:01:38 +0000

I had a very similar experience and was told that they do this on all “packages” since I normally only book flights or cars individually I didn’t have this happen to me before. As soon as I saw the charge I have been trying to cancel it – it is not over 30 minutes on hold first to Orbitz and now with the Insurance Company.

By: The Sordid World of Post-Purchase Marketing | Technologizer

The Sordid World of Post-Purchase Marketing | Technologizer — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:26:27 +0000

[...] that’s made millions off these shenanigans is Orbitz. Last March, I blogged about the related indignity that company puts its customers through: tacking travel insurance and limo rides onto their airfare purchases and forcing them to opt out [...]

By: LegalCat

LegalCat — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 01:52:20 +0000

I just had the same thing happen to me: a $37 flight insurance policy from Access America that I didn’t want. I called their customer support and got very pissed off at the operator, who initially told me that I’d have to call up Access America myself. I pissed and moaned some more, and she finally agreed to call them for me, which took about 5 minutes, and then I got a little automatically-generated email from them saying the policy was canceled and that they’d credit my $37. We’ll see if they actually do it; if they don’t, I’m filing a dispute with my CC company. But it’s just unconscionable that I should have been put to this much trouble over something I didn’t want and didn’t ask for. What’s next? Am I going to have to click on “no” to avoid having Orbitz pick out a rental car, hotel room, and romantic moonlight cruise for me?

Sheesh. I wonder if Priceline and Travelocity are this sleazy. They’re looking better all the time.

By: Orbitz and Buy.com’s Sales Tactics: Cluttered and Confusing | Technologizer

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 19:35:16 +0000

[...] wrote a few months ago about my own personal gripe with Orbitz, which kept tacking charges onto my ticket for things I hadn’t asked for–that I think should be illegal, period. Of course, both Orbitz and Buy.com say they provide [...]

By: celia c

celia c — Wed, 13 May 2009 19:16:26 +0000

They’re still at it. I booked an international flight the other day and the next day I received an email confirmation of travel insurance thru Access America costing over $90.00. I called Access and they canceled the insurance. But this is a total rip-off. Orbitz and Access should be ashamed of treating consumers this way.

By: Debbie

Debbie — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:36:45 +0000

I’ve just had the worst customer service experience of my life with Orbitz. I’m with the other guy – you have nothing to complain about…

They had 975.00 from my bank card and about 600.00 on my amex tied up and didn’t offer proper assistance to fix the problem.

They also bait and switch – the travel arrangements I wanted to make they could not perform the reservations.

I got off the phone/website and made the reservations myself. I’ll never, ever, ever use Orbitz again. All my fellow travelers – beware. I use kayak as well but i will avoid all orbitz recommendations. I might let them know they could remove that for all i care as well.

By: teresa

teresa — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 20:38:09 +0000

this is what they do to help with cost they are not just taking your money, even if you feel that way, they ARE giving you a service!! it is our responsibility to be informed and read the fine print… if you do what you should be doing you will never face the “extra” charges on you card! READ what you buy dont just click submit!!

By: jay athanatos

jay athanatos — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 05:08:35 +0000

I often use orbitz being that I frequently travel and after reading this I was pretty shocked but I do not doubt your concern. It is completely unacceptable!!

By: Randy207

Randy207 — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 17:33:44 +0000

I just booked two one-way plane tickets from Barcelona to Florence. I thought I was finished – until I rec’d my flight insurance pdf from Access America. I called Orbitz – and was told I needed to contact Access America. I told them I wasn’t wasting my time calling anyone else and that I’d contest 33.00 of the charge with Citibank if they didn’t reverse the charge. The ball is in their court.

And I WILL contact the FTC.