Travelstart: Going nowhere slowly

<p>I booked two airline tickets for my sons to join my husband and I in Durban for our Christmas Holidays. I used their online SID system to pay for the tickets. The following day I was told that my booking was cancelled due to non-payment. I informed them that I had paid using the SID system. They responded by saying that they couldn't find the payment in their FNB account. I sent them proof of payment, but my booking was still cancelled. I contacted FNB, who informed me that Travelstart did not have an FNB account, but banked with Nedbank. Shouldn't your booking staff know this? When I insisted on a refund, they informed me that it will take seven days or more for the money to be paid bank into my account, which leaves my kids high and dry. They were kind enough to suggest that I buy two more tickets, but unfortunately it will be at a higher rate, because the special rate only app**** if you booked on Saturday! I do not have additional funds to pay for more tickets, not knowing whether or not I will in fact be reinbursed. I contacted Travelstart to explain my predicament. I eventually spoke to one of their supervisors called Dale, who assured me that the money will be paid into my account my 12h00 today (30 November). As you might expect, nothing happened. Dale had the decency to at least call me to ask if the money was reinbursed. When I said no, he asked me to give it time until 17h00 because the finance department assured him that the transaction was approved. It is now 21h30 and nothing has happened. Thank you Travelstart for spoiling my family's Christmas holiday. I would advice strongly against using their service, because they don't seem to know what they are doing...</p>