Fraudulant company
Complaint
James Doherty
Country: United States
I spent 200 dollars for flights that I can't get scheduled. I want my money back from these scammers. I also want to press charges against them for fraud. I want them in jail where they belong.
Comments
Since 12 months had passed from date of purchase, we had to pay an additional $129.60 to redeem our certificate. We were told that "after 12 months from date of purchase, the certificate becomes a monetary gift equal to original purchase amount", but the cost of the flight was increased "at that location". We also clarified that the company, 800Skyrides did not incur an increased cost. The representative told us the "UPCHARGE" was a "Processing fee". UNBELIEVABLY UNETHICAL!!!
When we voiced the inappropriateness we were told we could redeem the certificate for hotel, skydiving or other adventure trips, at a value almost $100 less than the cost off the certificate!
PLEEAASSE! DEAL DIRECTLY WITH THE COMPANIES PROVIDING THE SERVICE. I also found out the list of locations on 800SKYRIDE's web site is not "UP TO DATE". IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE INTENTION IS TO MISLEAD THE CONSUMER! I spoke with hot air balloon vendors listed on the web site and they said "most companies do not deal with 800Skyride, because they were not getting paid for services provided. BE CAREFUL!!!! T.P.
My credit card was charged, as agreed, on May 2nd, 2012.
I received a telephone call from SkyRide the following week giving me the telephone number of the balloonist asking that I call him and give him my email address for the confirmation, information, etc.
At the time I thought this was strange as I had already given them my email address.
Since my trip was still fluid, I called a few days later to inquire the process for changing dates if needed. I did not change any dates or anything about my reservation.
On June 2nd, 2012, I received an email from the balloonist stating that SkyRide was not paying their contract balloonist and as a result no reservations from SkyRide would be honored and that we (he mass emailed) should contact SkyRide for a refund.
Immediately, I called SkyRide and transferred to customer service and then placed on hold for 10 minutes. I called back and waited another few minutes before "0" for their operator who then told me they had left for the day. I explained what happened and that I would be disputing the charge with my credit card company.
I disputed the charge and sent an email to SkyRide. The following week I got voice message /telephone call asking me if I planned to change the dates. I did not return the call.
I've gotten no response from SkyRide or the Balloonist.
Unfortunately, SkyRide has until after my trip to answer my credit card dispute. I am not comfortable rescheduling with another company until this matter is resolved. So it appears I will have to miss out on an event I was really looking forward to.
My lesson? Find out if the company actually owns its equipment or is a booking agent. Don't get caught up in the moment and check them out via the BBB and the internet.