Warning - Australia : Creative Holidays and Best Flights

Just a word of warning for travellers from Australia going overseas.

Be wary and cautious before booking any pre-paid travel bookings through the
wholesaler "Creative Holidays" (http://www.creativeholidays.com.au) or the
discount online travel agent "Best Flights" (http://www.bestflights.com.au
Perth, WA).

After an issue with substandard service experienced overseas, neither of
these two organizations wanted to acknowledge a probelm or even acknowledge
correspondence until repeatedly prompted. The problem in these situations is
that everybody blames each other (the agent blames the wholesaler who blames
the service provider and backwards/forwards).

At the end of the day, the agent took my money, so they have a
responsibility to ensure that things get fixed. I didn't pay the end service
provider.

I don't have the time nor energy to pursue a claim through the Fair Trading
Tribunal; however just to save others having similar problems, may I warn
you that these businesses are extremely rude and arrogant.

A polite response and a "sorry" was all that was needed. However, that is
too much to ask from arrogant organizations such as CREATIVE HOLIDAYS
(http://www.creativeholidays.com.au) and BEST FLIGHTS
(http://www.bestflights.com.au).

Note: "Best Flights" appears to be a call centre only type of travel agent.
Most of the staff there appear to be poms (presumably on working holiday
visas) - obviously on a commission, as if they realise you are not going to
book and pay on the spot, they will hang up ASAP or feed you nonsensical
responses.

Regards,

thegoons
(Victoria, Australia)

Well I disagree with your synopsis on Best flights anyway!
I booked Aus to London in May 2004 through Best Flights
and they couldnt be price matched by anyone else and
the service I got was first rate.
I sent them daily emails pumping them for answers to my
questions and they came back same or next day with an answer.
They couldnt answer (at first ask) about a supplement on
Eurail pass but said that they didnt normally deal on Eurail pass
and said they would enquire with Eurail mob in Sydney and
get back , which they did and the answer was correct.

"After an issue with substandard service experienced overseas"

What does this mean?,
Perhaps you should be more specific as to what went wrong!.
Did you pick your accomodation or did they?
Did you get told it was a standard of which it wasnt or what?
Did a Hotel give you bad service and if so why didnt you take
it up with that management?
Most travel agent wont get involved with a dispute re beds or rooms size
etc.

Please do tell us the whole story so others on list can judge
if it was a one off or you got done due to either them or
yourself not understanding what was wanted and/or offered.
Or you were maybe just expecting too much!

Freda.

--
Please reply to the list as my email address is a fake
"thegoons" wrote in message
...
Just a word of warning for travellers from Australia going overseas.

Be wary and cautious before booking any pre-paid travel bookings through
the
wholesaler "Creative Holidays" (http://www.creativeholidays.com.au) or the
discount online travel agent "Best Flights" (http://www.bestflights.com.au
Perth, WA).

After an issue with substandard service experienced overseas, neither of
these two organizations wanted to acknowledge a probelm or even
acknowledge
correspondence until repeatedly prompted. The problem in these situations
is
that everybody blames each other (the agent blames the wholesaler who
blames
the service provider and backwards/forwards).

At the end of the day, the agent took my money, so they have a
responsibility to ensure that things get fixed. I didn't pay the end
service
provider.

I don't have the time nor energy to pursue a claim through the Fair
Trading
Tribunal; however just to save others having similar problems, may I warn
you that these businesses are extremely rude and arrogant.

A polite response and a "sorry" was all that was needed. However, that is
too much to ask from arrogant organizations such as CREATIVE HOLIDAYS
(http://www.creativeholidays.com.au) and BEST FLIGHTS
(http://www.bestflights.com.au).

Note: "Best Flights" appears to be a call centre only type of travel
agent.
Most of the staff there appear to be poms (presumably on working holiday
visas) - obviously on a commission, as if they realise you are not going
to
book and pay on the spot, they will hang up ASAP or feed you nonsensical
responses.

Regards,

thegoons
(Victoria, Australia)

The issue was relating to a tour which was not "as described" by Best
Flights. It may not have been Best Flights fault, however they could have
had the decency to answer e-mails and return telephone calls, which they
never did, or at least make an attempt to have the issue addressed with the
wholesaler/service provider.

Furthermore, one other issue I had forgotten about. They booked the Eurostar
tickets on the wrong date. Requests to have the Eurostar tickets re-issued
by Best Flights were fobbed off - "change it yourself when you get there".
Hence, I lost out on the ability to use the "one free date change", because
I had used that up fixing Best Flights error.

I don't doubt that your experience with Best Flights was excellent. It only
takes one slack staff member to bugger things up. However, in this case the
issue was escalated to the manager and to the wholesaler, with the typical
Aussies "bugger off" attitude (and yes I am an Aussie).


"Freda" wrote in message
...
Well I disagree with your synopsis on Best flights anyway!
I booked Aus to London in May 2004 through Best Flights
and they couldnt be price matched by anyone else and
the service I got was first rate.
I sent them daily emails pumping them for answers to my
questions and they came back same or next day with an answer.
They couldnt answer (at first ask) about a supplement on
Eurail pass but said that they didnt normally deal on Eurail pass
and said they would enquire with Eurail mob in Sydney and
get back , which they did and the answer was correct.

"After an issue with substandard service experienced overseas"

What does this mean?,
Perhaps you should be more specific as to what went wrong!.
Did you pick your accomodation or did they?
Did you get told it was a standard of which it wasnt or what?
Did a Hotel give you bad service and if so why didnt you take
it up with that management?
Most travel agent wont get involved with a dispute re beds or rooms size
etc.

Please do tell us the whole story so others on list can judge
if it was a one off or you got done due to either them or
yourself not understanding what was wanted and/or offered.
Or you were maybe just expecting too much!

Freda.

--
Please reply to the list as my email address is a fake
"thegoons" wrote in message
...
Just a word of warning for travellers from Australia going overseas.

Be wary and cautious before booking any pre-paid travel bookings through
the
wholesaler "Creative Holidays" (http://www.creativeholidays.com.au) or
the
discount online travel agent "Best Flights"
(http://www.bestflights.com.au
Perth, WA).

After an issue with substandard service experienced overseas, neither of
these two organizations wanted to acknowledge a probelm or even
acknowledge
correspondence until repeatedly prompted. The problem in these
situations
is
that everybody blames each other (the agent blames the wholesaler who
blames
the service provider and backwards/forwards).

At the end of the day, the agent took my money, so they have a
responsibility to ensure that things get fixed. I didn't pay the end
service
provider.

I don't have the time nor energy to pursue a claim through the Fair
Trading
Tribunal; however just to save others having similar problems, may I
warn
you that these businesses are extremely rude and arrogant.

A polite response and a "sorry" was all that was needed. However, that
is
too much to ask from arrogant organizations such as CREATIVE HOLIDAYS
(http://www.creativeholidays.com.au) and BEST FLIGHTS
(http://www.bestflights.com.au).

Note: "Best Flights" appears to be a call centre only type of travel
agent.
Most of the staff there appear to be poms (presumably on working holiday
visas) - obviously on a commission, as if they realise you are not going
to
book and pay on the spot, they will hang up ASAP or feed you nonsensical
responses.

Regards,

thegoons
(Victoria, Australia)

"thegoons" wrote in message
...
Just a word of warning for travellers from Australia going overseas.


I don't have the time nor energy to pursue a claim through the Fair
Trading
Tribunal; however just to save others having similar problems, may I warn
you that these businesses are extremely rude and arrogant.

Given the lack of specificity in your post I suspect the
main reason is you know you'd lose.

Keith

Tour, What kind of tour?
All tours I know are explained by the tour operatos on their site or in
their brochures, and
most use a language that says one thing and often means another.
When thinking of taking tours, one needs to ring up the tour operator and
get clarification re any unclear matters, for example, If a tour says we are
going to the Vatican, it doesnt necesarrily mean we are going inside for a
few hours.
Some actually show in bold print what places mentioned are going to be
"inspected" as against driving past the front door scenario.
Have a look at tours by Globus at www.globus.com.au for examples.
All tour operators are different and I wouldnt expect or even rely on an
answer from an agent unless the agent was sitting in front of me whilst
ringing the operator and asking my specific question on my query.
I queried many things with Best Flights and got answers, Did you go in with
all guns blazing etc or in a decent civil manner?
One of the things was not correct when the documentation arrived and they
sent amended doccos by overnight courier as time was getting short before
departure.
Also if you book tours through any agent, Most tour operators seem to leave
sending documentation fairly late in the time before departure and then the
agent has to despatch afte that and things can get dicey timewise to rectiy
anything not correct. This is the tour operators methodf of operastion and
the agent have to wear it.
A friend in the business says it drive agents crazy but tour operators wont
change things.
Freda
--
Please reply to the list as my email address is a fake
"thegoons" wrote in message
...
The issue was relating to a tour which was not "as described" by Best
Flights. It may not have been Best Flights fault, however they could have
had the decency to answer e-mails and return telephone calls, which they
never did, or at least make an attempt to have the issue addressed with
the
wholesaler/service provider.

Furthermore, one other issue I had forgotten about. They booked the
Eurostar
tickets on the wrong date. Requests to have the Eurostar tickets re-issued
by Best Flights were fobbed off - "change it yourself when you get there".
Hence, I lost out on the ability to use the "one free date change",
because
I had used that up fixing Best Flights error.

I don't doubt that your experience with Best Flights was excellent. It
only
takes one slack staff member to bugger things up. However, in this case
the
issue was escalated to the manager and to the wholesaler, with the typical
Aussies "bugger off" attitude (and yes I am an Aussie).


"Freda" wrote in message
...
Well I disagree with your synopsis on Best flights anyway!
I booked Aus to London in May 2004 through Best Flights
and they couldnt be price matched by anyone else and
the service I got was first rate.
I sent them daily emails pumping them for answers to my
questions and they came back same or next day with an answer.
They couldnt answer (at first ask) about a supplement on
Eurail pass but said that they didnt normally deal on Eurail pass
and said they would enquire with Eurail mob in Sydney and
get back , which they did and the answer was correct.

"After an issue with substandard service experienced overseas"

What does this mean?,
Perhaps you should be more specific as to what went wrong!.
Did you pick your accomodation or did they?
Did you get told it was a standard of which it wasnt or what?
Did a Hotel give you bad service and if so why didnt you take
it up with that management?
Most travel agent wont get involved with a dispute re beds or rooms size
etc.

Please do tell us the whole story so others on list can judge
if it was a one off or you got done due to either them or
yourself not understanding what was wanted and/or offered.
Or you were maybe just expecting too much!

Freda.

--
Please reply to the list as my email address is a fake
"thegoons" wrote in message
...
Just a word of warning for travellers from Australia going overseas.

Be wary and cautious before booking any pre-paid travel bookings
through
the
wholesaler "Creative Holidays" (http://www.creativeholidays.com.au) or
the
discount online travel agent "Best Flights"
(http://www.bestflights.com.au
Perth, WA).

After an issue with substandard service experienced overseas, neither
of
these two organizations wanted to acknowledge a probelm or even
acknowledge
correspondence until repeatedly prompted. The problem in these
situations
is
that everybody blames each other (the agent blames the wholesaler who
blames
the service provider and backwards/forwards).

At the end of the day, the agent took my money, so they have a
responsibility to ensure that things get fixed. I didn't pay the end
service
provider.

I don't have the time nor energy to pursue a claim through the Fair
Trading
Tribunal; however just to save others having similar problems, may I
warn
you that these businesses are extremely rude and arrogant.

A polite response and a "sorry" was all that was needed. However, that
is
too much to ask from arrogant organizations such as CREATIVE HOLIDAYS
(http://www.creativeholidays.com.au) and BEST FLIGHTS
(http://www.bestflights.com.au).

Note: "Best Flights" appears to be a call centre only type of travel
agent.
Most of the staff there appear to be poms (presumably on working
holiday
visas) - obviously on a commission, as if they realise you are not
going
to
book and pay on the spot, they will hang up ASAP or feed you
nonsensical
responses.

Regards,

thegoons
(Victoria, Australia)

Oh well, you are happy with Best Flights so good on you. I was just having
my two cents worth.

"Freda" wrote in message
...
Tour, What kind of tour?
All tours I know are explained by the tour operatos on their site or in
their brochures, and
most use a language that says one thing and often means another.
When thinking of taking tours, one needs to ring up the tour operator and
get clarification re any unclear matters, for example, If a tour says we
are
going to the Vatican, it doesnt necesarrily mean we are going inside for a
few hours.
Some actually show in bold print what places mentioned are going to be
"inspected" as against driving past the front door scenario.
Have a look at tours by Globus at www.globus.com.au for examples.
All tour operators are different and I wouldnt expect or even rely on an
answer from an agent unless the agent was sitting in front of me whilst
ringing the operator and asking my specific question on my query.
I queried many things with Best Flights and got answers, Did you go in
with
all guns blazing etc or in a decent civil manner?
One of the things was not correct when the documentation arrived and they
sent amended doccos by overnight courier as time was getting short before
departure.
Also if you book tours through any agent, Most tour operators seem to
leave
sending documentation fairly late in the time before departure and then
the
agent has to despatch afte that and things can get dicey timewise to
rectiy
anything not correct. This is the tour operators methodf of operastion and
the agent have to wear it.
A friend in the business says it drive agents crazy but tour operators
wont
change things.
Freda
--
Please reply to the list as my email address is a fake
"thegoons" wrote in message
...
The issue was relating to a tour which was not "as described" by Best
Flights. It may not have been Best Flights fault, however they could
have
had the decency to answer e-mails and return telephone calls, which they
never did, or at least make an attempt to have the issue addressed with
the
wholesaler/service provider.

Furthermore, one other issue I had forgotten about. They booked the
Eurostar
tickets on the wrong date. Requests to have the Eurostar tickets
re-issued
by Best Flights were fobbed off - "change it yourself when you get
there".
Hence, I lost out on the ability to use the "one free date change",
because
I had used that up fixing Best Flights error.

I don't doubt that your experience with Best Flights was excellent. It
only
takes one slack staff member to bugger things up. However, in this case
the
issue was escalated to the manager and to the wholesaler, with the
typical
Aussies "bugger off" attitude (and yes I am an Aussie).


"Freda" wrote in message
...
Well I disagree with your synopsis on Best flights anyway!
I booked Aus to London in May 2004 through Best Flights
and they couldnt be price matched by anyone else and
the service I got was first rate.
I sent them daily emails pumping them for answers to my
questions and they came back same or next day with an answer.
They couldnt answer (at first ask) about a supplement on
Eurail pass but said that they didnt normally deal on Eurail pass
and said they would enquire with Eurail mob in Sydney and
get back , which they did and the answer was correct.

"After an issue with substandard service experienced overseas"

What does this mean?,
Perhaps you should be more specific as to what went wrong!.
Did you pick your accomodation or did they?
Did you get told it was a standard of which it wasnt or what?
Did a Hotel give you bad service and if so why didnt you take
it up with that management?
Most travel agent wont get involved with a dispute re beds or rooms
size
etc.

Please do tell us the whole story so others on list can judge
if it was a one off or you got done due to either them or
yourself not understanding what was wanted and/or offered.
Or you were maybe just expecting too much!

Freda.

--
Please reply to the list as my email address is a fake
"thegoons" wrote in message
...
Just a word of warning for travellers from Australia going overseas.

Be wary and cautious before booking any pre-paid travel bookings
through
the
wholesaler "Creative Holidays" (http://www.creativeholidays.com.au)
or
the
discount online travel agent "Best Flights"
(http://www.bestflights.com.au
Perth, WA).

After an issue with substandard service experienced overseas,
neither
of
these two organizations wanted to acknowledge a probelm or even
acknowledge
correspondence until repeatedly prompted. The problem in these
situations
is
that everybody blames each other (the agent blames the wholesaler
who
blames
the service provider and backwards/forwards).

At the end of the day, the agent took my money, so they have a
responsibility to ensure that things get fixed. I didn't pay the end
service
provider.

I don't have the time nor energy to pursue a claim through the Fair
Trading
Tribunal; however just to save others having similar problems, may I
warn
you that these businesses are extremely rude and arrogant.

A polite response and a "sorry" was all that was needed. However,
that
is
too much to ask from arrogant organizations such as CREATIVE
HOLIDAYS
(http://www.creativeholidays.com.au) and BEST FLIGHTS
(http://www.bestflights.com.au).

Note: "Best Flights" appears to be a call centre only type of travel
agent.
Most of the staff there appear to be poms (presumably on working
holiday
visas) - obviously on a commission, as if they realise you are not
going
to
book and pay on the spot, they will hang up ASAP or feed you
nonsensical
responses.

Regards,

thegoons
(Victoria, Australia)

"thegoons" wrote in message
...


You don't get to "suspect" anything. The tribunal member has the say on
that.



I get to suspect anything I chose, I dont believe
any tribunal has the power to stop me.

Keith

"thegoons" wrote in message
...


You don't get to "suspect" anything. The tribunal member has the say on
that.



I get to suspect anything I chose, I dont believe
any tribunal has the power to stop me.

Keith

In article , says...
Just a word of warning for travellers from Australia going overseas.

Be wary and cautious before booking any pre-paid travel bookings through the
wholesaler "Creative Holidays" (http://www.creativeholidays.com.au) or the
discount online travel agent "Best Flights" (http://www.bestflights.com.au
Perth, WA).

After an issue with substandard service experienced overseas, neither of
these two organizations wanted to acknowledge a probelm or even acknowledge
correspondence until repeatedly prompted. The problem in these situations is
that everybody blames each other (the agent blames the wholesaler who blames
the service provider and backwards/forwards).


Well, I for one am very happy with the service received from BestFlights.
I cannot speak about Creative Holidays as I have never been involved with
them.
I have used BestFlights on more than one occasion and have found their
service to be excellent. Hya Harry, Andrew and others.

Interested to note that you had an issue overseas??????????? Be keen to know
what it was, and how it related directly to Creative or BestFlights.
Once again without further information from you I personally condider it rude
if not immoral to issue a warning against a business without the full facts
beingmade available to your intended audience. Wonder if BestFlights and
creative would have a legal claim?

SoMeOne

In article , says...
Just a word of warning for travellers from Australia going overseas.

Be wary and cautious before booking any pre-paid travel bookings through the
wholesaler "Creative Holidays" (http://www.creativeholidays.com.au) or the
discount online travel agent "Best Flights" (http://www.bestflights.com.au
Perth, WA).

After an issue with substandard service experienced overseas, neither of
these two organizations wanted to acknowledge a probelm or even acknowledge
correspondence until repeatedly prompted. The problem in these situations is
that everybody blames each other (the agent blames the wholesaler who blames
the service provider and backwards/forwards).


Well, I for one am very happy with the service received from BestFlights.
I cannot speak about Creative Holidays as I have never been involved with
them.
I have used BestFlights on more than one occasion and have found their
service to be excellent. Hya Harry, Andrew and others.

Interested to note that you had an issue overseas??????????? Be keen to know
what it was, and how it related directly to Creative or BestFlights.
Once again without further information from you I personally condider it rude
if not immoral to issue a warning against a business without the full facts
beingmade available to your intended audience. Wonder if BestFlights and
creative would have a legal claim?

SoMeOne