- Report: #1039635
Complaint Review: Hotwire.com - Internet
-
Author Not Confirmed
Why?
Hotwire.com
Internet, United States of America
Phone:
1-855-847-0042
Web:
http://www.hotwire.com/air/index.jsp
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Business Rating:
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Hotwire.com Terrible Service!! NO REFUNDS No matter what!! IF YOU VALUE YOUR $, DON'T USE HOTWIRE!! Internet
I just got off of the phone with a representative from Hotwire. I called to inform them that the wedding we were going to attend in Las Vegas had been postponed and I needed to cancel my and my husband flights. She let me know that "there is no way for us to be refunded". The only option we have is to allow Hotwire to credit our flights and re-book at a later date. Also, we only have one year from the date I originally booked the flights to use them (which is February).
It completely slipped my mind that I used Hotwire 2 years ago to book hotel rooms. I got the "insurance" they offered as I was unsure if our guest would make it in town the day they were supposed to. When our houseguest informed us that he would be flying in a day after what we originally thought, I contacted Hotwire to try to change the days. They gave me the run around, by telling me to contact the "insurance company" listed on the policy and/or contact the hotel. I did both, and was told that Hotwire would need to provide a refund, or change the days for us.
Hotwire then told us that we would need to request a refund from the hotel, and even then, it would not be a guarantee that Hotwire would give us the money that the hotel refunded. I was completely dumbfounded!! I had no idea that this was even legal to do. At that moment, I decided never to use Hotwire again. I can't believe I fell into the same trap. I don't understand how a company can legally keep your hard earned money when you give them sufficient notice that you need to make a change and/or request a refund. This seems unethical, but it is happening everyday. I would like to caution everyone to please steer clear of Hotwire unless you can see the future and know for a fact that your plans won't change!!
It completely slipped my mind that I used Hotwire 2 years ago to book hotel rooms. I got the "insurance" they offered as I was unsure if our guest would make it in town the day they were supposed to. When our houseguest informed us that he would be flying in a day after what we originally thought, I contacted Hotwire to try to change the days. They gave me the run around, by telling me to contact the "insurance company" listed on the policy and/or contact the hotel. I did both, and was told that Hotwire would need to provide a refund, or change the days for us.
Hotwire then told us that we would need to request a refund from the hotel, and even then, it would not be a guarantee that Hotwire would give us the money that the hotel refunded. I was completely dumbfounded!! I had no idea that this was even legal to do. At that moment, I decided never to use Hotwire again. I can't believe I fell into the same trap. I don't understand how a company can legally keep your hard earned money when you give them sufficient notice that you need to make a change and/or request a refund. This seems unethical, but it is happening everyday. I would like to caution everyone to please steer clear of Hotwire unless you can see the future and know for a fact that your plans won't change!!
3 Updates & Rebuttals
FreelanceFilmTravel
Asheville,North Carolina,
Well that couldn't be any more condescending.
#2General Comment
Wed, November 13, 2013
"Travel much?" Most people who get ripped off by these things, in fact, don't travel much, and don't know the ins and outs of the industry. That's not their fault.
It is not ethical to deny refunds on products and services which cannot be used, period. Just because other companies uphold this practice does not make it a fair or ethical practice.
This sort of snarky attitude directed at someone who, by all rights, was ripped off, just adds to the problem. Customers refusing to accept mistreatment are what bring about change, people going around looking for someone to rag on, like you, just reinforce the poor standards which these companies use to make bank off customers who have unexpected life circumstances and have to change or cancel plans.
Inspector
Tobyhanna,Pennsylvania,
Travel much?
#3Consumer Comment
Tue, April 02, 2013
Most people that travel know this. Discount fares are not refundable. Try the other on line travel networks and you will find the same. By the way, Hotwire does not have your money.
Robert
Irvine,California,
How?
#4Consumer Comment
Mon, April 01, 2013
I don't understand how a company can legally keep your hard earned money when you give them sufficient notice that you need to make a change and/or request a refund.
- How? Because those are the terms YOU agreed to when you bought the ticket. Oh and yes, the terms were there for you to read.
By the way when ever you buy a DISCOUNTED fare ticket, you will have rules such as no refunds, and change fees. If you want full flexibility in case you need to change your flight, then you need to buy a FULL fare ticket. But of course the full fare ticket will run you about 2-3 times the cost of the discounted fare ticket.
Oh and before you say that no one else does this. Sorry...every airline does non-refundable tickets. And with the exception of one that I am aware of(Southwest) they will all have fees for changing/cancelling your flight.
