Orbitz.com
Problematic Booking Services - United Airlines & Orbitz

On August 6, I booked a vacation package (flight, hotel and car) through Orbitz for my girlfriend and I. This is my anniversary gift to my girlfriend. The total amount of the booking was $1,603.30. I am a very careful individual that checks and rechecks everything I do. When booking the flight portion of our trip, I purposely selected two seats (34H and 34J) near the window of the aircraft. According to the aircraft diagram, these aisles of seats can only seat a maximum of two people. One month later, I decide to check on the status of my vacation package. To my disbelief, my girlfriend%u2019s seating arrangements (Seat 34H) were confirmed, but mine (supposedly Seat 34J) was not.in fact, according to Orbitz and United Airlines system, I never chose a seat. I immediately contacted Orbitz and was told that United Airlines did not approve my seat selection. At this point, I could not understand or see why United Airlines would even decline my seat selection. Upon my seat selection and seat availability, the aircraft was at 80% vacant. Frustrated, I requested for a conference call with United Airlines. To my disbelief again, United Airlines informed me that my request for a seat selection was never submitted or received and not what Orbitz stated of disapproval of my seat selection. Neither party declined to accept responsibility and failed to see the contradicting statements each agency made. I asked if I could have my seats arranged and was declined. One option was given (after speaking to both parties for 1 hour). We could upgrade our seats to Priority Seating, which would costs my girlfriend and I each $160 (A total of $320) to sit next together during our 5 hour flight. I find this ridiculous because I paid for my dues early and made my seat selection to sit together. Now, the two agencies are milking me of more money. I strongly believe I was a victim of discrimination because I booked through Orbitz and not United Airlines. United Airlines took me out of my seat and gave it to one of their direct United Airlines customers. Most travel agencies and merchants (hotel and airline) have secret agreements with each other where in situations like this, the merchants have the upper hand in say. I confirmed this, as one of my friend works for upper management for a large hotel chain. For this seat situation to happen to just me, I could understand, but the same situation happened to my friend. My friend is also traveling with us to Maui and we booked together at the same location. We strategically chose seats so that we could all be together. Once again, my friend also had the same problem as me. His seat was given up and has to sit somewhere else on the aircraft. Orbitz was unwilling to work with me in terms of compensation. All they did was read their scripts of %u201CI am sorry and we understand your frustration.%u201D They did offer me a $50 future travel voucher, but this is a scheme to make me hush my mouth. However, I expressed to them I would never book again with Orbitz and this travel voucher is not acceptable and not worth the value of my hardship. I believe, I should be compensated much more than just a $50 future travel voucher. Their business practices, ethics and ability to tell the truth to their customers is just out of line. When booking and speaking to their representatives, they use such good marketing tactics to get you to book and ensure you that everything will be fine. Once the transaction is done and the money is exchanged, Orbitz leaves you high and dry.

Company: Orbitz.com
Country: USA

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