Did this travel agent rip me off? (V.K. Travels, Fremont, CA)?

Question

1. They said the ticket would be $160 and took my credit card info.

2. Two days later, they called and said airline had charged me twice, for $109.50 and $160, asked for copy of charge from credit card statement, and said they would send me a check for $109.50.

3. The $109.50 charge was by United Airlines, the $160 was by VK Travels.

4. I got an airline ticket-paper receipt that said the total was $109.50.

5. United confirmed the total fare was $109.50. I demanded they refund me $160.

6. Heena at VK yelled at me and threatened to cancel the ticket without my consent.

7. I had the airline leave a note on my reservation that said do not cancel.

8. I disputed the $160 charge with chase.

The website : www.vktravels.us

Feel free to leave them a piece of your mind :)

Answer 1

That is why I book my own trips....internet-point-click.

Answer 2

I've worked in a travel agency and how we made our money is by adding commission to the airline fares. But in this case they are charging $50.50 commission for a $109.50 ticket. Waaaay too much!!!

They would not make any money if they charged you the same price as the airline but $50.50??? No way....

No, I completely agree with you. It is a complete rip-off... My travel agency usually added 10% commission for a cheaper ticket and 20% for, let's say, a multi-stop longhaul flight. On our receipts you can also see what is ticket price, commission and taxes. Should have been made clear...

Answer 3

I have heard that regular travel agencies (not the ones on the web like expedia) tack on a booking fee.  United does charge a booking fee if you book directly through reservations, but no fee if you book on United.com.  If you would like to email me with your Record locator or ticket number (starts with 016) I will check it out when I get to work tonight.  I leave for work around 10pm(central time),