I tried to book a return flight through Travelocity, things went reasonably smoothly as far as paying for the flight through the website and so on. Later I got a phone message and several emails asking me to contact them regarding the flight. I called them and, after being kept on hold for nearly an hour, was then told to call another number. I spoke to some guy who told me that the flight couldn't be confirmed because the airline in question only issued paper tickets and Travelocity can't handle that. It turns out that both of these statements are untrue but more about that later.
So, I was basically told that Travelocity couldn't confirm my flight, I was not given any options or alternatives for my situation. I asked the person on the 'phone if that meant that I needed to completely rebook my flight with the airline and was vaguely told yes.
After this, I looked at my bank account and realised that Travelocity had in fact taken payment for these flights, meaning that I couldn't even book with anyone else because I didn't have the funds. I wrote Travelocity a strongly worded email complaining about this, the response to which was to ask me to call again.
I called again and spoke to someone else being given the same run-around regarding paper tickets and not being able to confirm the flight. This time I asked very pointedly and repeatedly if I needed to completely rebook my flight with the airline and was told yes.
At this point, I emailed Travelocity again and told them, that if they couldn't book the flight, then why on Earth did they still have my money? Could they either confirm the flight or return my money immediately.
I then called the airline in question (Air Canada) and was told by them that I was in fact booked on the flight and they could confirm that. However, they said that they *never* issue paper tickets and so Travelocity were making a completely bogus claim. In addition, their records show that I hadn't yet paid for the flight. So, somewhat happier in that it at least looked like I would get my flight for the price I paid, even if it took some time for Travelocity to get their act together, I checked my email. Another mail from Travelocity informing me that 'they were sorry that I had received an unfavorable impression of them in this instance' (note the distinct lack of an actual apology) and that they had cancelled my itinerary and refunded my money. I was so close!
I booked the flight on Sunday, went through most of this rigamarole over Monday and Tuesday. It is now Thursday and I still have not received my money back.
I note that the flight I tried to book myself on is still available through the Travelocity site. I would have thought that an agency that makes the guarantee ' We guarantee your booking will be right, or we'll work with our partners to make it right, right away! ' would have at least tried to have modified my flight.
As it stands, Travelocity have taken my money, wasted my time, and then given me the finger. I would at least take my business elsewhere if they would only give me money back!
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