The Ctrip/Trip.com GBU thread
May 5, 2026 | 9:47 pm
#181
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Location: Shanghai
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May 6, 2026 | 3:52 am
#182
Join Date: Dec 2023
Location: NZ
Programs: NZ Koru Black
Posts: 797
I was only looking previously at direct flights. Adding transits complicates matters. When things go wrong what is Trip.com like or do I just utilise travel insurance and make a claim for it?
May 6, 2026 | 4:04 am
#183
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: LON
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 5,136
I personally wouldn't be using trip.com for any low cost carrier bookings, like AirAsia and others. But for legacy carriers it's different.
I don't think trip.com adds any value for LCCs, there is little or no customer service via either route other than online, and you run the risk of some of the unbundled add-ons not being offered during the booking process. And you then might not native have access to booking direct with the airline to adjust the booking before you depart.
As for self-transfers you seem to be aware of the risks, so doing your own insurance so you fully understand if those risks are covered is probably the sensible way to go.
I don't think trip.com adds any value for LCCs, there is little or no customer service via either route other than online, and you run the risk of some of the unbundled add-ons not being offered during the booking process. And you then might not native have access to booking direct with the airline to adjust the booking before you depart.
As for self-transfers you seem to be aware of the risks, so doing your own insurance so you fully understand if those risks are covered is probably the sensible way to go.
May 6, 2026 | 4:18 am
#184
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: LCA/SZX/RGN/TFU
Programs: RJ Plat/MU Gold/ 3U Plat/HU Plat/Melia Plat
Posts: 2,475
Regarding the few posts above:
1) Sometimes trip.com does not list parther FFP in the drop-down list, in which case its possible to ask them to do input it manually.
2) Its very important to set the region correctly in trip.com, the fares can differ significantly depending on the region and there may be some local offers.
3) Never had a problem with their English, although on my last enquiry, it was answered by a Korean agent with auto translate. Was not a problem
4) Generally agree regarding the LCC, in my case I often book very last minute and certain that there will be no changes/extra purchases to be made and trip.com lets you pay with local currencies without any markups, which is convenient.
1) Sometimes trip.com does not list parther FFP in the drop-down list, in which case its possible to ask them to do input it manually.
2) Its very important to set the region correctly in trip.com, the fares can differ significantly depending on the region and there may be some local offers.
3) Never had a problem with their English, although on my last enquiry, it was answered by a Korean agent with auto translate. Was not a problem
4) Generally agree regarding the LCC, in my case I often book very last minute and certain that there will be no changes/extra purchases to be made and trip.com lets you pay with local currencies without any markups, which is convenient.
May 6, 2026 | 10:38 am
#185
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Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 46,317
This is not the case with legacy Asian airlines. Agent commissions are simply a cost of doing business. And, there's no point investing big resources in websites that nobody uses.