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I made reservations (first experience) on CheapOair for travel for two without making a seat assignment. I followed a link in the email confirmation the next day to request one, and was presented with the option of paying $11.95 for an "enhanced" service which included a small graphic of the aircraft outline with seats color coded as to availability (like I've seen for FREE on other websites), or continue with the "standard" selection. I chose the latter, and another pop-up asked if I was SURE I did not want the enhanced version. Again - no. I was then presented with the option of REQUESTING either an aisle or window seat and promised a response within 48hrs. I called their customer service number and after 33 minutes on hold was connected with a somewhat frazzled rep who took care of the assignments for me. I don't know if this is a new industry trend or unique to CheapOair, but I won't be back unless I can be assured I can make a seat assignment without paying extra for privilege.
![Kampgrounds Of America [KOA]](/images/business/48-48/121653/koa-kampgrounds-of-america.jpg){kind=small}
I just spent over an hour on the phone with CHEAPOAIR. First AND last time I will ever use them. Was told that I have to wait until the day of flight to be assigned seat and OR pay a $39 seat fee to have a seat assigned on United Airlines, as well as $6 for each flight on Air Tran... This is after being placed on hold for over 30 Minutes.. I sent in 2 seat requests too CHEAPOAIR and never received a response, placed a call (40 minutes on hold to be disconnected) and then today - finally spoke to a human being who could not assist me.
These are unacceptable business practices as CHEAPOAIR DOES not tell their customers this UP FRONT when purchasing their ticket. I will never use this company again - and will tell everyone I know abou this experience.
CHEAPOAIR advertises lower prices for tickets, BUT you will end up paying more than Expedia and other competitors...
Lesson Learned.
Dear Customer, the airlines determine the cost for seat assignements and many have charged for over a year now. Sounds to me like you wanted a premium, seat with united, that is why the big cost. I know Airtran charges for their seats I fly them all the time for family vacations, unless you wait until the day of departure they will provide one for free. You mentioned Expedia, perhaps the airline you booked with them was not one of the carriers that charged for seats, some are still customer oriented. I've checked other websites and they all mention seats are on request. I will be glad to assist you with finding a seat on United, unless you want to pay for the airtran seating you will need to wait, and also, you go onto the airlines website in both cases and pre pay for the seat. This money doesn't go to CheapOair, but the airlines. I am very sorry for your inconvenience, and I have left my email address on the other websites for you to contact me directly.
Just had Cheapoair charge my credit card for seat assignments, not making it clear that I was being charged, and then I couldn't change it. I called customer service, I was put on hold for 5 minutes, and I have no idea what the guy put me on hold for because he still had no idea what I was talking about. This is really fraudulent, I would never buy from them again.
A similar thing just happened to me. I am flying from Jacksonville, Florida to Philadelphia, then from Philadelphia to Amsterdam, then back again. I was absolutely willing to pay more for the seat on my international flight, but I could care less about the two hour Philadelphia/Jacksonville flight. I clicked through the Philadelphia flight, thinking this is what I needed to do to get to the Amsterdam flight, but when I got to that one it said that I could not select my seat, but request a window seat. When I tried to go back and un-select my selection for the Philadelphia flight, it would not let me. Today, I get an email telling me that my request had not been accepted for the Amsterdam trip, but they were able to secure me a crappy, unnecessary seat on the Philadelphia flight and took my money without allowing me to formally authorize the charge. This is about as close to fraud as it gets.
I was charged twice for seat assignment 14.95 and 163.75 ! thats insane i called customer service and response for that hidden charge among others that it would be sent via email to show breakdown of severaln fees i asked tospeak to someone else but was put on hold THIS COMPANY IS A SCAM!
I just spent over one hour for three times with CheapOair.
The first and last time I will ever use them.
Please don't buy tickets from them . They fraud you.
They charge me and I told them refund my money but they didnt.