DO NOT USE TRIPSTA.CO.ZA!

Item: Tripsta.co.za
Rating: 1

As one does, we searched the internet for cheap tickets to New Zealand, as we have done in the past. We came across tripsta.co.za (which we have subsequently found are actually based in Greece) who had great prices, so naturally booked with them. We booked about 8 months in advance. We had booked 3 tickets. One for my fiance flying to NZ on the 11th of march and returning on the 8th of June and two for myself, one departing Johannesburg on the 11th of March and returning around the 1st week of April, then the other ticket returning to NZ around the 8th of May and then returning to Johannesburg on the 8th of June. Our plans changed, so on the 24th of January we requested my 2nd ticket to be cancelled and a date change on the first, so that I would be travelling on the same dates as my fiance. We were due to fly out of Johannesburg on Saturday the 11th of March and on Thursday the 9th of March, we used my booking reference (fortunately) to check in to buy extra luggage for our trip. When I entered my booking reference, I was given an error message and told that there was a problem with my ticket, and I should contact Qantas or the Agent responsible for my booking. We called Tripsta (the 1st of many calls to come) and held for a consultant for at least 30 minutes. Eventually someone answered our call. We explained our situation and were told that Qants had cancelled both my tickets. We were told that Tripsta would resolve the issue and get back to us. On Friday morning at about 10am, we had still not heard anything from Tripsta. We called them back and after holding for another 30 minutes were told that they were still working on it, but we should contact Qantas directly as it would be quicker than waiting for Tripsta (???!!!) We called Qantas and were told that they had indeed received the correct booking information from Tripsta but because they had me traveling on the same dates twice - double booked - they needed confirmation from Tripsta as how to proceed. They had emailed Tripsta and had no response from them within the allocated time, so canclled both of my tickets. Now absolutely furious, we called Tripsta AGAIN. After holding for 40minutes, we were told that they see that there is a problem, but in order for us to travel on our original ticket we need to pay in an extra R9500! which included a ticket change fee!!! We refused to pay, as this was not our fault or problem. We insisted on a new ticket being issued at no extra cost. The consultant said he would call us back. We received a call on Friday afternoon but the news was not good. We were told that it was too short a time to resolve the issue and that if I wanted to travel on Saturday we would have to pay the extra charge. Under much duress we paid the fee and were issued a new ticket. We insisted on a refund and would take legal action should they not refund us. We have been waiting a week and have still not heard anything. We called today the 18th of March from New Zeland and were told that it was still under investigation... This was after multiple emails were sent from us, with no response from Tripsta We googled reviews on Tripsta and found nothing but negativity. Please do not use this company for your travel needs. We have realised and decided that even if it costs a little more we will never go through an agent again - it is far simpler to book directly with the airline.

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