• CheapOair

2022 SITEJABBER AWARD

CheapOair

Overview

CheapOair has a rating of 4.41 stars from 220,656 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally satisfied with their purchases. Reviewers satisfied with CheapOair most frequently mention great service, easy process, and seat selection. CheapOair ranks 1st among Tickets sites.

  • Service
    2019
  • Value
    3002
  • Shipping
    2784
  • Quality
    3082

Proactively asks for customer feedback

This company responds to reviews on average within 2 days

Positive reviews (last 12 months): 86.8%
Positive
39,341
Neutral
2,501
Negative
3,487
204
See all photos

What reviewers want you to know

Positive highlights

  • Customer service is very good, staff is very friendly and nice in talk.
  • CheapOair.com web site is very easy to use and has the lowest price for flights to choose.
  • 2022 Customer Choice Winner

Critical highlights

  • One leg disappeared when I changed tkt and was charged twice without approval on my credit card.
  • Have never paid for seat selection before; shocking to experience such incremental pricing practices
  • I had to explain to 3 different agents that my return flight made no sense given.
How would you rate CheapOair?
Top Positive Review

“Frontier is starting to look like Spirit where they...”

Paul M.
4/11/24

Frontier is starting to look like Spirit where they start out pricing the ticket at a low price and then charge for everything under the sun. Then you end up paying the same average amount as the other listed ticket prices. It is a dubious plot to obtain a passenger's capital, so I will observe their services and see if it measures up to the other airlines that charge the same amount out right. If not, I will give a just review and expose it all on my social media platforms. Thank you,

Top Critical Review

“The reservationist was awful and I ended up very unhappy”

Sean B.
2/26/24

The reservationist was awful and I ended up very unhappy. First being handicapped I told her I needed an aisle seat towards the front. Then I found out she gave me a seat totally in the back of the plane. I cannot walk that far and I paid extra for the seat, insurance and changing fees. I also requested a wheelchair when I arrive 3 times and didn't see it added to the itinerary. She was not easy to speak with. My trip is starting off on a bad foot.

Reviews (220,656)

Rating

Timeframe

Other

Reviews that mention popular keywords

customer service (5246) credit card (1006) seat selection (1101) return flight (519) web site (619) booking process (422) book flights (1013) booking experience (349) cheapo air (540) seat assignment (556)
Thumbnail of user colind85
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
February 25th, 2024
Verified purchase

Booking flight had wrong seats selected. Did not correct until 2 days. I declined insurance and other add on features. Five minutes after booking agent called and tried to upsell everything I already declined. Login to web site and seats are still in correct online and in app. I have confirmation from airlines with correct seats but does not match CheapOair. I now will need to call airline directly because I do not trust what the website says.

Thumbnail of user dejaht1
CustomerService C. – CheapOair Rep

The seats on the airline website will be valid we changed the seat assignments directly with the airline so it will not show up on the confirmation, go with what is confirmed with the airline directly

Thumbnail of user patricky183
1 review
0 helpful votes
May 19th, 2023
Verified purchase

My confirmation receipt says $2610.60, but I've been charged 2646.61, an extra $36.01 and with no explanation as to why. The total price is still cheaper than most others, but even when it's 1 penny, stealing is bad for business.

Reason I chose this business:

I was sent to your site by Kayak, which I trust very much. Cheapoair has been around awhile and I've seen and heard good things, but after being charged extra, I'm not so sure.

Thumbnail of user dejaht1
CustomerService C. – CheapOair Rep

We have reached out to the passenger to obtain additional information so we can assist with the concern.

Thumbnail of user jackb1246
1 review
0 helpful votes
September 9th, 2021
Verified purchase

I am trying to cancel a reservation that I booked separately from my family as it is a business expense. When booking for my family, the flight was full. Imam now trying to cancel my flight and it hasn't been 30 minutes and apparently I need to "chat" with someone to cancel. That "someone" is not available at the moment and now I have to find a totally different flight where my family can join me. What a waste of my time. You really need to inform customers how many seats are left or if the flight is almost sold out.

Thumbnail of user michaelb11290
1 review
0 helpful votes
November 9th, 2023
Verified purchase

My complaint is the way the system keeps trying to get more purchases by confusing issues; such as buying baggage by showing one personal bag free and then offering to buy a checked in bag as if no check in bags are allowed free when in fact one bag is. Honesty and ethics demand YOU show what is already included instead of making it look like a purchase is necessary.
Shame on you for your deception, which is nothing less than lying and fraud.

Thumbnail of user dejaht1
CustomerService C. – CheapOair Rep

We have reached out to this customer to address their concern.

Thumbnail of user sandrag2225
1 review
0 helpful votes
August 23rd, 2022
Verified purchase

You do not respond to tickets submitted at all.
Also, I had a flight bought in December to fly in June when I got to the airport they did no find my itinerary so we could not fly and had to by a new flights at a higher price and when I contacted you for hours on the phone you were not able to do anything. I did not get a refund for the first tickets I purchased in December. I am ver disappointed.

Reason I chose this business:

I have been with CheapOair for few years now and used you guys a lot

Thumbnail of user carolb3238
1 review
0 helpful votes
February 16th, 2023
Verified purchase

I made my plans yesterday and as of today I still can't get a copy of my final invoice. I waited 30 minutes on the phone to speak to someone about it but couldn't wait any longer. My bank account has been charged but not the amounts it should be. I also updated my baggage information last time with someone in customer service and it hasn't been changed on this site even though I see it changed on Spirit's website.

* CheapOair attempted to help this customer through the Sitejabber Resolution Center, but the customer did not respond

Thumbnail of user gregoryg838
1 review
0 helpful votes
November 29th, 2023
Verified purchase

Too many tricks to force one to purchase with a particular airline. Like defaulting to another date where the change is inconspicuously hidden from the unsuspecting traveler. If not detected this causes undue stress, additional charges and time wastage to realign to suit the traveler's initial request. A LOW BLOW AND DIRTY TRICK. All for money!

* CheapOair attempted to help this customer through the Sitejabber Resolution Center, but the customer did not respond

Thumbnail of user dejaht1
CustomerService C. – CheapOair Rep

Thank you for your feedback. This sounds as though you may be referrring to an "alternate date" option that is offered within 1-2 days from requested date and is highlighted in GREEN in order to offer the lowest possible fare available in that market.

Thumbnail of user kevinh2226
1 review
0 helpful votes
November 13th, 2022
Verified purchase

Very difficult to get the needed help. People from reservation are not picking up the phone. I was on hold for over 1.5 hr. Hard to understand the people on the phone & e-mails are sent without a button to accept change. The process through e-mail is very confusing. It tells you not to answer to the e-mail, but you have to click on the reply button to get to the "accept" button which did not work anyways.

Reason I chose this business:

Price was good

Thumbnail of user ryans2217
1 review
0 helpful votes
February 19th, 2024
Verified purchase

This website/email chain has given me the runaround for about an hour now. How can i pre-check-in when your system is telling me i don't exist? I've used the 6 letter confirmation code and the 16 digit code, both malfunctioned. These automated services do nothing but loop me around the same options as if they're going to net different results by saying the same thing over and over. If I miss my flight for any reason, i expect full recompensation. I don't have time to play ring around the rosie on the internet.

Reason I chose this business:

I thought it was cheap and simple. It's quickly turning into an expensive hassle.

Thumbnail of user dejaht1
CustomerService C. – CheapOair Rep

Hello make sure you are on the airline website using the airline confirmation code. Do not check in on Cheapoair website!

Thumbnail of user justino355
1 review
0 helpful votes
January 19th, 2024
Verified purchase

Spent over an hr trying to pay with my CC, checking and savings account through my PayPal account. And in the end, spen to much time,prices went up and had to use my unsecured card informing anyways. PayPal should and is the easiest way for transactions from 5$-75K! Why couldn't it work makes me think scam. But it's a government card so $#*! it.

Reason I chose this business:

Cheaper then any other options

Thumbnail of user dejaht1
CustomerService C. – CheapOair Rep

Thank you for your feedback. Our apologies for the inconvenience.

Thumbnail of user sylviap365
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
June 9th, 2022
Verified purchase

My request for wheel chair assistance for my husband has not been met. I have talked about this on Chat. Now waiting for information on seating and wheelchair service. I was told I would hear from someone in 24 hours after my chat with your representative. At the moment I will not be using your services again. Not pleased at all. My flight is tomorrow and I am not clear on seating and wheelchair service for my total trip.
I have been waiting on customer service representative now for over 20 plus minutes.

Thumbnail of user melissaw1632
1 review
1 helpful vote
September 8th, 2022
Verified purchase

Tried to book tickets for 1057. 00 called to make payment. Needed to put it on 2 cards, then they kept us on hold for 59 min when they came back they told me that the price went up by 200. Couldn't take my payment then so called back the next day and they upped the price again by almost another 100. Even thought email says that booking was good for 24 hours.

Tip for consumers:
Don't use cheapoair if you don't have to

Products used:
Flight

Service
Value
Thumbnail of user sarahf1783
1 review
0 helpful votes
November 11th, 2023
Verified purchase

Hi, I like Cheapoair, I recommend purchasing tickets from it for more than 10 years, but this ticket I face many difficulties, we had war in Jerusalem where I stayed when i left US, i described to your agent that me and my handicapped spn missed the flight, young men attached the police office and killed 2 of them. The army blocked the area that day and did not allow us to leave to Amman. I ended up purchasing to tickets and paid 1260 $, I kindly hope to recieve some refund from you. Contact me at my Phone # *******734,
I will be in US oct 20.

Reason I chose this business:

I have to, due to itenerary changes.

* CheapOair attempted to help this customer through the Sitejabber Resolution Center, but the customer did not respond

Service
Thumbnail of user dejaht1
CustomerService C. – CheapOair Rep

Thank you for your feedback. We have reached out to this customer regarding this concern.

Thumbnail of user primah2
1 review
0 helpful votes
February 13th, 2024
Verified purchase

Spending my life savings trying to book a flight right after I book a flight, you call and try up sale me. I don't fall for it So magically the seats we picked are no longer available. We booked almost 4 months in advance. Now me my daughter and my granddaughter have to sit apart or I have to pay another $140. Yeah, I called bull$#*!.

Reason I chose this business:

I thought you were reputable

Thumbnail of user dejaht1
CustomerService C. – CheapOair Rep

We have reviewed the reservation and you are the only one booked in this reservation and you chose Preferred seating on UA which that seat was an upgrade to $129.00! Along with just a regular coach seat so that is why you paid so much. It is not mandatory that you pick such an expensive seat.

Thumbnail of user michaeld3870
1 review
0 helpful votes
July 23rd, 2021
Verified purchase

I don't want to select a seat BUT If I don't select a seat, I presume that the company will provide me one. I select one (out of 3) but don't feel satisfied to pay extras... to get a seat. This flight is not a long carrier flight so, it's not that important for me to select my seat. I was uncomfortable with the process, it's not easy to understand what we can do if we don't want to pay more for the trip.

Thumbnail of user dianey723
1 review
0 helpful votes
November 10th, 2023
Verified purchase

There was an additional charge of 411 dollars on my credit card. I called twice and nobody could tell me what that charge was for. Still unresolved, very frustrating.

Thumbnail of user dejaht1
CustomerService C. – CheapOair Rep

This is being reviewed.

Thumbnail of user roxannes283
1 review
0 helpful votes
March 15th, 2024
Verified purchase

I've tried numerous times to get the same rate and flight with my family and I spoke with 3 different representatives who all said there was nothing they can do. There is no more offer and there is no one else I can talk too.
I was sad and disappointed but need to go on this trip. This is my first time booking through this website and strongly believe it will be my last.

Reason I chose this business:

My sister got my ticket for me. She recommended this website she has used before. But I am not happy with the outcome and my sister is also disappointed.

Thumbnail of user dejaht1
CustomerService C. – CheapOair Rep

Flights are based on availability and the airlines control the inventory so if the seats sold out at the cheaper fare, they go up in cost. Has nothing to do with Cheapoair the booking engine. Our apologies for the inconvenience, and sorry to hear you won't be back.

Thumbnail of user stephaniec1742
1 review
0 helpful votes
December 3rd, 2021
Verified purchase
• Updated review

Very difficult to check things about my reservation! I was hung upon twice on the phone. I was very respectful and when I asked something that was obviously something they didn't know, they just hung up! Also i have had to wait SO long each time I called and very frustrated to be hung up on. Very difficult to hear and understand most of your cust. Service people.

When I called to find out about my seats and ask for...
December 3rd, 2021
Verified purchase
• Previous review

When I called to find out about my seats and ask for a seat for my disabled daughter, I received NO help today! Both times that I called, the cust. Service person hung up on me! Once when I asked why I was charged and the second time when I asked for an e-mail confirmation of the seats!

Thumbnail of user daveu209
1 review
0 helpful votes
August 8th, 2021
Verified purchase

Getting connected in chat was a terrible experience. Several times when I reached my turn in the queue (after one or two hours waiting) I was unable to type or to press the 'send' button. On one occasion I was able to reply and got a "please wait a moment"... for two hours. I terminated that one after your 12AM ET closing time. Very frustrating. I finally (5th time) was able to connect though.

Thumbnail of user mikeh378
3 reviews
5 helpful votes
November 5th, 2021
Verified purchase

The hotel did not show up on screen so we booked it again... guess what - now I'm double booked! :(

Thumbnail of user cynthias2802
1 review
0 helpful votes
February 13th, 2024
Verified purchase

I tried to use my promo code several times, and it would not take it. I was very disappointed! I also cashed in some of my points to use on a card to receive money off of my ticket, but it never showed in my history on my receipt where that money was taken off. It showed no credit at all. It showed that I paid full price and that was very disappointing to me also! What's wrong with your system?

Reason I chose this business:

I am trusting you to give me the best rate for a rental car.

Thumbnail of user dejaht1
CustomerService C. – CheapOair Rep

We do show that you got a discount of over $50.00 please review your receipt again, and also someone from the billing team will reach out as we don't see you ever called us to discuss prior to posting here.

Thumbnail of user jasonq449
1 review
0 helpful votes
December 21st, 2023
Verified purchase

It does not make any sense to over charge a credit card as a soft hold for tickets. If the price is $229 then charge that instead of $447. I spoke to a rep and he explained that the funds will be released back to the card. This is crazy. I will definitely tell my friends, family and YELP! To not use Cheap O tickets. Please change your policy if you want continued service. Thank you

Reason I chose this business:

Because I needed a quick last min ticket

Thumbnail of user dejaht1
CustomerService C. – CheapOair Rep

Thank you for your feedback. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Thumbnail of user williamb4865
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
December 1st, 2023
Verified purchase
• Updated review

I noticed when re-searching other flight dates, when i came back to the date i liked, the cost had gone up from $93 to $104 (within 10 minutes) but when i looked closer it was not the flight cost but the agency fee that had gone up. So, because i have seen this trick before, I got on different computer and did the same search and got the original price i had seen. So clearly this is an agency trick that ups the service fee. This is tricky and deceitful!

Reason I chose this business:

Always get the best price; even though there are lots of price gouging tricks to avoid.

Got a good deal but various glitches made me have to...
December 1st, 2023
Verified purchase
• Previous review

Got a good deal but various glitches made me have to start over, re-entering my info literally 4 times before!

Thumbnail of user georged820
1 review
0 helpful votes
October 6th, 2021
Verified purchase

I keep getting notification that something about my booking has been changed but when I click on the link to accept the changes it says there's an error. I've gotten three emails and haven't been able to get a hold of customer service to verify what the issue is because my booking page looks normal. It's stressing me out because I don't want the day to come and it's a drastic change.

Thumbnail of user seann292
1 review
0 helpful votes
November 11th, 2023
Verified purchase

Horrible my plane time changed had to spend $ 200 to stay in the hotel. I will never use this booking and tha batik airway. It's terrible.

Reason I chose this business:

Because I wanted to fly with short lay over with reasonable price but it was not worth.

Thumbnail of user dejaht1
CustomerService C. – CheapOair Rep

Our apologies for the inconvenience, even if you booked through a competitor on the same airline, you would have had the same outcome. Airlines often go through schedule changes to accommodate schedules for new routes, gate space etc. If the change did not meet your acceptance most rules allow you to cancel it for a refund and book with another airline.

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From the business

Customer Reviews: http://www.cheapoair.com/travel/travel_resources/clienttestimonials.asp Sign up for the latest deals: http://newsletter.cheapoair.com/ FAQS: http://faq.cheapoair.com/ LIVE CHAT: http://faq.cheapoair.com/

Business History

History of Fareportal

Sam S. Jain, Founder and Executive Chairman of Fareportal, arrived in New York City in the early 1990’s and began working at a friend’s small wholesale travel agency. Jain quickly noticed the archaic practices of the business as they sifted through reams of paper to locate air fares or flight schedules. He set out to create a more efficient system that could aggregate the information digitally and in 1994 he launched his own B2B wholesale agency, FareBuzz.

Werner Kunz-Cho is the Chief Executive Officer of Fareportal Inc. the company owner of Online Travel Agencies CheapOair.com and One Travel. Glenn Cusano is the Co-CEO and Chief Financial Officer of Fareportal.

In the early 2000’s, Jain expanded the business capabilities into the B2C space with the launch of Fareportal in 2002. Soon after, he noticed a shift towards ecommerce across all industries. In order to remain on the cutting edge, he started channeling profits from Fareportal into the development of a proprietary ecommerce platform.

By November 2005, CheapOair was launched as the company’s first consumer online portal. Staying close to its traditional travel agency model, the concept of having customer care agents available 24/7 carried over to CheapOair. Jain insisted on having a telephone number prominently displayed on every webpage which was unheard of amongst competitors. Today, Fareportal’s worldwide team of customer care agents receive nearly 30,000 calls per day in support of the company’s CheapOair and One Travel brands.

Fareportal Highlights:

Fareportal is one of the top 5 consumer-focused online travel companies in the United States

Fareportal is the number 2 online travel company in flight volume

Fareportal partners with over 600 airlines, 1 million hotels, and hundreds of car rental companies worldwide

As of 2019, Fareportal is generating over $4 billion in sales annually

Fareportal makes it easy for customers to book on the go with our award-winning Apple and Android mobile apps for CheapOair and OneTravel. The CheapOair app now supports Apple Pay and Android Pay for a safe, seamless and convenient purchase process

Fareportal sees over 150 million unique visitors annually to our desktop and mobile sites

Company Representative

Thumbnail of user kathim140
K M.
Typically responds within 2 days

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