Jun 17 2008
Orbitz “Price Assurance.” Does It Really Help?
There’s a new Price Assurance policy at Orbitz. Here’s how it works. If the flight you book on Orbitz becomes available later at a lower price, they’ll refund the difference up to $250 per ticket.
While it sounds good, the fine print tells a different story.
“If…after you have booked…another Orbitz customer has booked the same flight(s), meaning the same dates/times of travel, on the same airline, with the same flight numbers, for the same passenger type, itinerary, cabin, and subject to the same fare refundability, or other restrictions, that is at least $5 lower than the airfare you booked on Orbitz.com, Orbitz will refund you the difference up to a maximum of $250.00 per ticket.” (Whew!)
The problem we see with the Orbitz offer is how airlines price tickets. For example, the huge fare sale we saw on Memorial Day was in a T fare code. Let’s say I had already purchased a more expensive ticket that was issued in an O fare code. Since the fare sale was in a different fare code, I would not be eligible for Price Assurance under the Orbitz policy.
Suggestion: If you can, try to wait, watch and buy immediately when deals appear. If you can’t wait and must buy at a high price, the Orbitz Price Assurance will help only if the specific requirements are met.
We’d like to hear if you get any refund using Orbitz new policy.
>Related Posts:
Seems like a bait and switch scam. Orbitz reputation is not much better than EXPEDIA or other online travel websites.
Orbitz Price Assurance is a play on consumer perception & trust. By keeping its customers veiled from their ticket price and refund eligibility status, Orbitz is giving the perception that they’re providing price-protection. In reality, the only thing Orbitz is “assuring” its customers is the “possibility” of a refund.