Travel Advisory [I]

In my December 19, 2009 post Planes, Trains and Automobiles, I mentioned that I have recently become intrigued by travel agencies such as Flight Centre, which offer discount flights. Their prices are low, and as a budget traveller, that appeals to me mightily.

Unfortunately, I recently heard a terrible story about a Flight Centre booking. A traveller booked three trips to Hawaii on a Westjet flight through an agent at Flight Centre. One of the travellers had several food allergies, therefore she requested three very specific in-flight meals, and paid for them up front. Upon arriving at the Westjet counter to check-in for the flight, the travellers were all informed by a surprised airline employee that Westjet doesn't offer any in-flight meals. When the travellers further investigated, they found that Flight Centre had not only charged them for non-existent meals, but added $1400 in hidden fees for undelivered services.

Westjet provided the travellers with a free trip to Hawaii as an apology for this grave error. To my knowledge, Flight Centre did absolutely nothing to remedy the situation. So, until further notice, I would recommend avoiding Flight Centre if it is at all possible.

If anyone has had a good experience with Flight Centre, please do let me know about it.