New here, but a seasoned traveler seeking advice.
I’ve been looking for a reliable travel agent to handle my more complex travel plans, but I decided to test Cranky Concierge with a simpler task first to see how they performed. They seemed well-reviewed, so I purchased their $125 package (which feels pricey) and asked them to find a business-class ticket from ARN (Stockholm, Sweden) to London (any airport) with Star Alliance. This is a straightforward four-leg booking, and I specified an early arrival time for the return.
Here’s what happened:
- SAS-Only Flights: The first and only itinerary I received included flights solely with SAS, which, as many of you know, hasn’t been part of Star Alliance for quite some time. This was a major red flag for me and indicated a lack of attention to detail.
- Concerns About Staff Expertise: While researching Cranky Concierge further, I came across YouTube job ads offering $15/hour for their overnight emergency team. This pay is below California’s minimum wage for fast food workers. It left me questioning the qualifications of the staff who are handling potentially complex travel needs.
- Overpriced Fares: The fare they provided was $1,023, which higher than the $950 fare available directly from Lufthansa. When I requested them to get a non refundable / non rebookable fare they said that price would be the same. Strange since both Luftansa and OTAs has that for $750.
At this point, I feel disappointed for having spent $125 on a service that failed to understand my basic request and provided overpriced options.
My questions for the community:
- Do you think I have grounds to request a refund?
- Can you recommend any reputable travel agents who specialize in handling complex itineraries?
Thanks for any advice or suggestions!