Menu
For Business Write a review File a complaint
CB Travel and Vacations CheapOair charge for seat assignment & lousy customer service
CheapOair

CheapOair review: charge for seat assignment & lousy customer service 6

M
Author of the review
2:07 pm EDT
Featured review
This review was chosen algorithmically as the most valued customer feedback.

I made reservations (first experience) on CheapOair for travel for two without making a seat assignment. I followed a link in the email confirmation the next day to request one, and was presented with the option of paying $11.95 for an "enhanced" service which included a small graphic of the aircraft outline with seats color coded as to availability (like I've seen for FREE on other websites), or continue with the "standard" selection. I chose the latter, and another pop-up asked if I was SURE I did not want the enhanced version. Again - no. I was then presented with the option of REQUESTING either an aisle or window seat and promised a response within 48hrs. I called their customer service number and after 33 minutes on hold was connected with a somewhat frazzled rep who took care of the assignments for me. I don't know if this is a new industry trend or unique to CheapOair, but I won't be back unless I can be assured I can make a seat assignment without paying extra for privilege.

6 comments
Add a comment
S
S
SFO to Charlotte
San Francisco, US
May 09, 2011 7:04 pm EDT

I just spent over an hour on the phone with CHEAPOAIR. First AND last time I will ever use them. Was told that I have to wait until the day of flight to be assigned seat and OR pay a $39 seat fee to have a seat assigned on United Airlines, as well as $6 for each flight on Air Tran... This is after being placed on hold for over 30 Minutes.. I sent in 2 seat requests too CHEAPOAIR and never received a response, placed a call (40 minutes on hold to be disconnected) and then today - finally spoke to a human being who could not assist me.

These are unacceptable business practices as CHEAPOAIR DOES not tell their customers this UP FRONT when purchasing their ticket. I will never use this company again - and will tell everyone I know abou this experience.
CHEAPOAIR advertises lower prices for tickets, BUT you will end up paying more than Expedia and other competitors...
Lesson Learned.

I
I
Insanely Cheap Flights
New York, US
May 10, 2011 2:48 pm EDT

Dear Customer, the airlines determine the cost for seat assignements and many have charged for over a year now. Sounds to me like you wanted a premium, seat with united, that is why the big cost. I know Airtran charges for their seats I fly them all the time for family vacations, unless you wait until the day of departure they will provide one for free. You mentioned Expedia, perhaps the airline you booked with them was not one of the carriers that charged for seats, some are still customer oriented. I've checked other websites and they all mention seats are on request. I will be glad to assist you with finding a seat on United, unless you want to pay for the airtran seating you will need to wait, and also, you go onto the airlines website in both cases and pre pay for the seat. This money doesn't go to CheapOair, but the airlines. I am very sorry for your inconvenience, and I have left my email address on the other websites for you to contact me directly.

M
M
Marie Poutine
US
Jul 12, 2017 9:28 pm EDT

Just had Cheapoair charge my credit card for seat assignments, not making it clear that I was being charged, and then I couldn't change it. I called customer service, I was put on hold for 5 minutes, and I have no idea what the guy put me on hold for because he still had no idea what I was talking about. This is really fraudulent, I would never buy from them again.

M
M
msolbelle
US
Mar 07, 2019 6:32 am EST

A similar thing just happened to me. I am flying from Jacksonville, Florida to Philadelphia, then from Philadelphia to Amsterdam, then back again. I was absolutely willing to pay more for the seat on my international flight, but I could care less about the two hour Philadelphia/Jacksonville flight. I clicked through the Philadelphia flight, thinking this is what I needed to do to get to the Amsterdam flight, but when I got to that one it said that I could not select my seat, but request a window seat. When I tried to go back and un-select my selection for the Philadelphia flight, it would not let me. Today, I get an email telling me that my request had not been accepted for the Amsterdam trip, but they were able to secure me a crappy, unnecessary seat on the Philadelphia flight and took my money without allowing me to formally authorize the charge. This is about as close to fraud as it gets.

L
L
lauraCosens
Pikeville, US
Nov 18, 2021 12:58 pm EST

I was charged twice for seat assignment 14.95 and 163.75 ! thats insane i called customer service and response for that hidden charge among others that it would be sent via email to show breakdown of severaln fees i asked tospeak to someone else but was put on hold THIS COMPANY IS A SCAM!

S
S
shadi01
toronto, US
Dec 27, 2021 7:46 pm EST

I just spent over one hour for three times with CheapOair.
The first and last time I will ever use them.
Please don't buy tickets from them . They fraud you.
They charge me and I told them refund my money but they didnt.

More CheapOair reviews & complaints

CheapOair - is there some sort of meltdown going on! 118
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Replied
The company left an official comment to this complaint.
CheapOair - bait and switch! 25
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Replied
The company left an official comment to this complaint.
CheapOair - fraud and poor customer service!
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Replied
The company left an official comment to this complaint.
CheapOair - overcharge and poor customer service! 34
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Replied
The company left an official comment to this complaint.
CheapOair - ticket non - change ruse
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
CheapOair - flight booking #72415095
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Replied
The company left an official comment to this complaint.
CheapOair - refund fee
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Replied
The company left an official comment to this complaint.
CheapOair - Baggage fee
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Replied
The company left an official comment to this complaint.
  1. CheapOair Contacts

  2. CheapOair phone numbers
    +1 (800) 566-2345
    +1 (800) 566-2345
    Click up if you have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +1 (800) 566-2345 phone number 3 3 users reported that they have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +1 (800) 566-2345 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +1 (800) 566-2345 phone number 1 1 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +1 (800) 566-2345 phone number
    50%
    Confidence score
    USA - English
    +1 (888) 525-7569
    +1 (888) 525-7569
    Click up if you have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +1 (888) 525-7569 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +1 (888) 525-7569 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +1 (888) 525-7569 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +1 (888) 525-7569 phone number
    USA - Spanish
    +1 (888) 766-3163
    +1 (888) 766-3163
    Click up if you have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +1 (888) 766-3163 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +1 (888) 766-3163 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +1 (888) 766-3163 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +1 (888) 766-3163 phone number
    Canada - English
    +1 (888) 525-7573
    +1 (888) 525-7573
    Click up if you have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +1 (888) 525-7573 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +1 (888) 525-7573 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +1 (888) 525-7573 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +1 (888) 525-7573 phone number
    Canada - French
    +44 20 3514 8100
    +44 20 3514 8100
    Click up if you have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +44 20 3514 8100 phone number 1 1 users reported that they have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +44 20 3514 8100 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +44 20 3514 8100 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +44 20 3514 8100 phone number
    100%
    Confidence score
    United Kingdom
    +61 2 8074 9565
    +61 2 8074 9565
    Click up if you have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +61 2 8074 9565 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +61 2 8074 9565 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +61 2 8074 9565 phone number 1 1 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +61 2 8074 9565 phone number
    Australia
    +852 6963 0549
    +852 6963 0549
    Click up if you have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +852 6963 0549 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +852 6963 0549 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +852 6963 0549 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +852 6963 0549 phone number
    Hong Kong
    +852 6963 0550
    +852 6963 0550
    Click up if you have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +852 6963 0550 phone number 1 1 users reported that they have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +852 6963 0550 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +852 6963 0550 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +852 6963 0550 phone number
    100%
    Confidence score
    Hong Kong
    +91 21 2478 0335
    +91 21 2478 0335
    Click up if you have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +91 21 2478 0335 phone number 4 4 users reported that they have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +91 21 2478 0335 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +91 21 2478 0335 phone number 3 3 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +91 21 2478 0335 phone number
    14%
    Confidence score
    India
    +353 1526 9772
    +353 1526 9772
    Click up if you have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +353 1526 9772 phone number 1 1 users reported that they have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +353 1526 9772 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +353 1526 9772 phone number 2 2 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +353 1526 9772 phone number
    Ireland
    +353 1526 9773
    +353 1526 9773
    Click up if you have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +353 1526 9773 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +353 1526 9773 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +353 1526 9773 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +353 1526 9773 phone number
    Ireland
    +64 9280 5224
    +64 9280 5224
    Click up if you have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +64 9280 5224 phone number 3 3 users reported that they have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +64 9280 5224 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +64 9280 5224 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +64 9280 5224 phone number
    100%
    Confidence score
    New Zealand
    +64 9280 5225
    +64 9280 5225
    Click up if you have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +64 9280 5225 phone number 1 1 users reported that they have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +64 9280 5225 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +64 9280 5225 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +64 9280 5225 phone number
    100%
    Confidence score
    New Zealand
    +65 80 0101 3119
    +65 80 0101 3119
    Click up if you have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +65 80 0101 3119 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +65 80 0101 3119 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +65 80 0101 3119 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +65 80 0101 3119 phone number
    Singapore
    +65 80 0101 3120
    +65 80 0101 3120
    Click up if you have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +65 80 0101 3120 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +65 80 0101 3120 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +65 80 0101 3120 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +65 80 0101 3120 phone number
    Singapore
    +27 110 623 034
    +27 110 623 034
    Click up if you have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +27 110 623 034 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +27 110 623 034 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +27 110 623 034 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +27 110 623 034 phone number
    South Africa
    +27 110 623 035
    +27 110 623 035
    Click up if you have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +27 110 623 035 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +27 110 623 035 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +27 110 623 035 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +27 110 623 035 phone number
    South Africa
    +971 8000 3570 3491
    +971 8000 3570 3491
    Click up if you have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +971 8000 3570 3491 phone number 3 3 users reported that they have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +971 8000 3570 3491 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +971 8000 3570 3491 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +971 8000 3570 3491 phone number
    100%
    Confidence score
    United Arab Emirates
    +971 8000 3570 3492
    +971 8000 3570 3492
    Click up if you have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +971 8000 3570 3492 phone number 1 1 users reported that they have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +971 8000 3570 3492 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +971 8000 3570 3492 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +971 8000 3570 3492 phone number
    100%
    Confidence score
    United Arab Emirates
    +1 212 478 0335 ext:9093
    +1 212 478 0335 ext:9093
    Click up if you have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +1 212 478 0335 ext:9093 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +1 212 478 0335 ext:9093 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +1 212 478 0335 ext:9093 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +1 212 478 0335 ext:9093 phone number
    Vice President Of Marketing
    +1 (866) 636-9088
    +1 (866) 636-9088
    Click up if you have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +1 (866) 636-9088 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached CheapOair by calling +1 (866) 636-9088 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +1 (866) 636-9088 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached CheapOair by calling +1 (866) 636-9088 phone number
    Customer Service Manager
    More phone numbers
  3. CheapOair emails
  4. CheapOair address
    c/o Fareportal Inc., 135 West 50th Street, Suite 500, New York, New York, 10020, United States
  5. CheapOair social media
  6. Janet
    Checked and verified by Janet This contact information is personally checked and verified by the ComplaintsBoard representative. Learn more
    Oct 28, 2024