Overcharging and non release of funds

I booked flights from JNB to GRJ last week Tuesday 20/11/18. I used my cheque card to process the payment, and the full amount quoted (R2777) was “reserved” for purchase or placed on authorization hold for the release of the ticket.

Last week Friday 23/11/18 my card was then billed separately for an amount of R2741,82. The authorization hold amount has still not been released back into my account.

The amount charged to my account was more than the amount quoted.

I have been trying to

a) Obtain an answer reference the authorization hold amount and when that money will be returned to my account, and b) Obtain an answer reference the reason of overcharged amount and possibility of a refund for that amount only.

I was never advised of any changes to the ticket price, nor was I advised about the possibility of being charged twice to satisfy card authorization. I regularly use my bank card for online purchases and I have never been subject to such an ineffective and inefficient system.

No one has been helpful thus far in resolving the matter. The call centre is sub standard and not well equipped for managing high call volumes. Staff are not helpful or attentive. I will never again in my life book any flight through Travelstart.

If this is not resolved timeously I will be left with no choice but to open a case of theft with SAPS.