airborne travel legit

Airborne Travel Associates

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5460 Merle Hay Rd

Johnston, IA 50131

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A complete and total scam. They are thieves, after taking your money and generating an itinerary that they send you, you will receive a notification that the flight has been canceled. Apparently they claim to use Travelocity but after calling Travelocity I come to find out that they never booked the flight in the fist place. Of course they refused to issue a refund because "all sales are final" This site is to be avoided 100%

This is a fraudulent company. They claim to book your reservation and then claim they've canceled the reservation and will refund your money. 60 days now and no refund. You call to talk to someone and they lie. I was told it would be processed today. And then the entire refund department was closed. Then that there was no supervisor was available or could help me

I had my flight cancelled and this was in august 2022 saying I would be getting a full Refund back to my credit card within 6-8 weeks. It is now August 1/2023 and after 40+ phone calls, talking to over 21+ different people and several promises of a refund; I still have not got my refund. This has been 11 months of trying to get my refun. I wo not recommend Airborne travel to anyone And I am not giving up on getting my refund.

If I could do -10 I would. Every time I send a correspondence I get the exact same email back with no tickets. Our account was charged over $600 over three weeks ago and we still have not received their tickets nor can I get a confirmation. I've spoke to somebody I get the same response. Give me 24 hours, 24 hours. Then I was told that the tickets were sent back and couldn't be processed. They said they expedited and we still have no tickets. My mom has not flown or seen her brother and over 20 years this was supposed to be a splendid trip and it's been bad down now by no tickets. The price of our tickets now are almost two times what they could have been 3 weeks ago!. I don't know how to tell my mom that we have no flights and now nobody's answering my email or phone messages. I've asked to speak with a supervisor and I get disconnected each time!. Do not use this site! Dis-hearted.

Flight booked, money taken, NO TICKETS issued!

its a scam dont do it they will not refund your money back they will lie to keep your money and keep you going in a loop. please do not buy from them

Deceptive company, never reserved my flight, charged my credit card. Would not refund as they claimed I received email with all information. Airline did not have a reservation for me ,never received conformation number. They than admitted that they were unable to secure my flight.

I wouldn't recommend using Airborne Travel, just A bad experience from the get go. Flight time details run in military time and listed at 06:50. Booked flight on a Friday received the confirmation booking on Sunday. while reviewing the confirmation I noticed my departure time is now listed as 18:50? Called to make the change on Sunday no answer to the provided number? Called on Monday and was told that I had 24 hours from the time of order placement and that I should contact the airlines. No support from Southwest since I used this travel agency. In the end I had to rebook a separate departure directly through the airlines. Buyer beware.

Scam. I booked a flight to my grandmother's funeral with this company. On the day of my flight, I received an email stating my flight was cancelled and I would be refunded my money in 6 to 8 weeks. When I went back and looked at my original confirmation email, it was an internal email with the company and not the 6 digit airline confirmation code. I don't think my ticket was ever purchased in the first place. At least they saved me the hassel of going to the airport to learn I was scammed. Still super frustrating to make last minute alternative plans for my Grandmother's funeral.

they are a scam. changed travel dates after booked and they keep saying a refund will be given at the end of the month. scam alert

They will book a flight, charge your debit/credit, then claim there was a glitch in the system, flights canceled and charge you more to rebook another flight. They will also use a threat of cancelation of a flight should a complaint be filed. I kept documentation, including original booking, cancelation letter (stated card never charged) then a new charge for new flight. I was able to dispute and get a refund. Hundreds of people lost their money.

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Airborne Travel & Tourism LLC   Reviews

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Reviews 1.2.

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I bought a ticket thru them back in…

I bought a ticket thru them back in March. Unfortunately I had to cancel and they promised a refund within 2 months. After 10 emails promising me that they are working on it I have given up. I will continue contacting them and maybe even posting all the correspondences on social platforms. Do not under any circumstances use them.

Date of experience : August 07, 2022

They cancelled my booking "by accident"!

Booked flight and never rec'd my e-ticket. When I called them to investigate, they explained that my booking had been cancelled by them "by mistake". When I enquired about rebooking they explained that the my desired flights were no longer available but If I was willing to pay more, they could get me on another flight. Thankfully I didn't re-book with them however I'm still waiting to be reimbursed for my original booking.

Date of experience : June 09, 2022

Charged twice for one ticket after flight was canceled and having to rebook

Re: Airborne Traveler My initial ticket was canceled four days before my trip by the company claimed they didn’t have a flight. Airborne Traveler reissued a ticket for another flight. I was charged twice, once for the cancelled flight and a second time for the flight I took. I contacted the company via phone calls, email and customer service page on their website and they have yet to reimburse me. This occurred April of 2022 and now it is April of 2023 and I’m still corresponding via email and phone calls trying to resolve this. Horrible experience of having being charged twice just before leaving on a flight and no one interested in resolving this.

Date of experience : April 17, 2022

This India guys are scam

This India guys are scam. They use Avianca logo and has a website that looks like Avianca flight from Colombia going Aruba they stole money from my credit card the flight never booked I been trying to call them but they answered once since then been avoiding my calls

Date of experience : May 12, 2022

Absolute scam !

Absolute scam !! They cancelled my flight right after booking it. I turned it over to the fraud department of my credit card company. They actually had the audacity to call and send an email to me that I wasn't being charged a cancellation fee for agreeing with them to cancel my flight !!! DO NOT PURCHASE ANYTHING WITH THIS COMPANY

Date of experience : September 06, 2022

Fraud This company booked my flight for 4 tickets on 7-11-2022, flight was canceled when I phoned Spirit, my card was charged $484 the airline had no knowledge of my flights, and this is 10-27-2022 and l’m still waiting for my $484.00 refund, I had to rebook and pay again, they send you all the info needed but when you call the Airline which was Spirit they can’t find you in there system, why isn’t Spirit aware of this fraud and warning there customers. Report them to your credit card company and the FBI Cyber Fraud.

Date of experience : October 26, 2022

I booked an air ticket in August 2022. Two days before my flight, I received an email stating that ticket had been cancelled. The email stated that the ticket price would be refunded on the same card, and would take 6 - 8 weeks. I have learned a big lesson. I will never book thru a third party again. Definitely, buyer beware!!

Date of experience : January 09, 2023

I contacted this company to make two seperate bookings. I ended up cancelling my bookings as this company added on charges not agreed upon on the intial purchase. I contacted them 9 days afterward to see how the refund process was proceeding.At that time the representative was rude unhelpful and hung up on me. I have already contacted my credit card company and filed a fraudulent charge against them as no tickets were ever actually received.I am now waiting for the outcome of this process.DONOT book anything with this company

Date of experience : April 02, 2022

Do not buy these guys they are scam

Do not buy these guys they are scam Purchased the ticket three weeks ago when my son went to airport they told him they don’t have any information about him. Eventually he couldn’t fly and had to buy ticket from airline for next day all our plans massed up Called the customer service they are telling me there was an error on their web side which is lye. Please please do not purchase through them

Date of experience : October 06, 2022

Fraudulent Company "Airborne Travel"

Today October 17, 2022, I made 2 calls to the number listed for customer service for Airborne only because the link in the email showed an error message that went nowhere. These calls were to cancel both flights! The agent on the first call hung up on me. The second agent took my booking number and put me on hold for almost 8 mins before they ended the call. I see they have used a West Jet Logo or one that looks similar so one would not think twice. I believe this company is fake and fraudulent, tricking people for the purpose of stealing money. I will call the authorities, the airlines, and BBB to report these incidents. I/ we know we have been duped and will not see a refund.

Date of experience : October 17, 2022

Tickets never arrived.…

Booked a flight and for days they gave me the run around about my tickets coming. After 5 days of being told a supervisor had fixed their error, they told me the last day my flight was canceled and tried to pressure me to get another flight for way more money. Now the supposed refund could take days. I had to cancel through my bank to even get a refund and then buy tickets at a higher rate due to booking later. This is definitely a scam!

Date of experience : April 13, 2022

Airborne Traveler.com: the epitome of rudeness

I called to book a flight on August 11, 2022 for myself and my wife. Since then I have needed to call regarding some questions about the flight on a few occasions. I was yelled at, hung up on, and told I would need to pay for additional services provided by Airborne Traveler.com. They have to be some of the rudest people I have dealt with. I finally decided to call Spirit Airlines with my questions. They were very polite and patient with me, and answered my questions. I am amazed that Spirit Airlines would allow Airborne Travel to represent them in any way, and I am surprised that Airborne Traveler.com can remain in business after treating customers as rude as they do.

Date of experience : October 08, 2022

I have been waiting 15 months for my…

I have been waiting 15 months for my refund. I have sent over 100 request. Keep saying they are processing my refund. Now they don’t and my e nail. Lousy service. Never again. I want my refund.

Date of experience : March 16, 2023

Hi brought three tickets from Airbon…

Hi brought three tickets from Airbon travel I purchased my tickets on 6/5/22 and on 6/6/22 they took the money out of my account and I got no tickets so I was told that I would get a 920.91 refund back in 21-28 days and I still haven’t received my refund yet so had to spend 1,900+ dollars for new tickets So I want to start a class action law suit against Airbon travel I have a address and phone number for this company if you’re interested please let know gena johnson my on Facebook I want to put them out of business

Date of experience : August 03, 2022

Buyer Beware!!!!

Similar to other reviews this was a painful lesson for me to learn in travel booking. You will NEVER get your money back. They are a scam 100 per cent. Please don't use them. At a time of recession and rising inflation very few can afford this type of loss. I can't stress enough - buyer beware.

Date of experience : November 01, 2022

Purchased tickets for west Jet June 1st…

Purchased tickets for west Jet June 1st They sent confirmation of the flight BUT they would not send tickets but would if I gave them more money . They tried to extort more money from me when I refused to give them more money They canceled and promised a full return . They Lied of course When I threatened to go to the government Someone named Andy Baker from LOS ANGELES (area code)(1 213 806-1141) called me So Sorry He would Expedite my refund (Another LIE) Now My Credit card company is involved This company is corrupt and should be dealt with by the Law for theft and extortion Do not book anything with them.

Date of experience : May 31, 2022

This company is a big Scam..I’m been…

This company is a big Scam..I have been trying for over a month to receive my refund., we couldn’t go anymore due to getting sick.. I keep receiving an email saying they escalated it but nothing happens and I received a phone call from a US number and the person left a voice message saying I will receive the refund but nothing and when I called back the number, it just keep ringing, no voice mail... I don’t think I will get my refund back.. I’m even threatening them with the police but nothing.. I leaned my lesson.. never book from an unknown company to save a little.. not worth it.

Date of experience : July 08, 2022

Refund on complete IGNORE

I had to put one star in order to write this review but in all honesty it is an absolute zero or even less. They are the biggest liars that exist within the travel industry. They promised me a refund on April 25th and said that it would take a minimum of 2-3 weeks . It is now going on 6 weeks and counting. I had to cancel my ticket due to an unexpected knee surgery and since then they have proceeded to tell me that the refund will be reimbursed within 5 days or they leave you waiting for an exorbitant amount of time or now they just hang up when I say the word refund. Scammers, liars, take your pick. There's a reason why their rates are the cheapest when you open an airlines' website...do not be fooled like so many of us have been....

Date of experience : June 07, 2022

DO NOT BOOK WITH AIRBORN

We booked our flights a month ago. Received E-Ticket day before the flight. I called the airline company because I was trying to check in and they notified me that the confirmation number I had DIDNT exist. This company is a scam and it was my fault not to read any reviews. Please do not use this service.

Date of experience : July 22, 2022

This company is horrible

This company is horrible. I booked my flights 45 days an advance on their site. While at the airport my flight was changed from a 9:45 am to a 2:30 pm layover flight. The airline explained this company purchased my flight the night before and the am flight was booked. I called them and they were very nasty, rude and even hung up on me. After hours on the phone the airline issued me a credit. Since I couldn't use the credit at another airline I end up spending an unexpected 500.00 in order to get to my vacation destination. Save your safe the headache and don't use them.

Date of experience : June 02, 2022

Common Travel Scams and How to Avoid Them

A vacation can go downhill in a hurry when you find yourself the victim of fraud. Even if your trip goes smoothly, you may return rested and relaxed only to review your finances and realize you've been had. Today, I'll cover some of the most common scams and fraud attempts that specifically target travelers. I'll offer some tips to help you avoid becoming a victim in the first place, along with suggestions for what to do in the event that things do go wrong.

Common Scams

Some scams can make you feel dumb, but only cost you a few dollars. Others can be far more sinister. Let's start by looking at what I'll call the streetwalker scams; these are the ones you'll likely encounter when walking between popular sites in a busy city.

1. The found ring — I figured I'd take my lumps up front and admit to the scam I fell victim to, albeit only for a couple Euros. Scammers will pick up a ring (that they dropped) right in front of you, and ask if it's yours. They'll then attempt to prove that it's highly valuable and convince you to take it, asking for some money in exchange for the nice gift. They might also try and sell you the ring for a "good" price, though the ring is essentially worthless.

2. Finger trap — Popular below the Eiffel Tower, street entertainers will create an elaborate design with a string and offer to show you a trick if you put your finger in the middle. A quick release of the design has your finger stuck in the string and the artist asking for money before they let you go.

3. The helper — Whether you're trying to buy a subway or bus ticket, or find the entrance to an attraction, there usually seem to be a plethora of "helpers" in large cities. They may seem quite bombastic in their duties, and often try to appear like official workers. It's all well and good until your ticket is held hostage for a small ransom. A man lift our suitcases onto a train in Rome without permission and refused to let go until I paid him. The train was accelerating 5 miles per hour before he gave up and hopped off.

4. Street games — If someone offers for you to play a game or puzzle, just say no.

Next come the transportation scams. You can take every proper precaution, but still find yourself in a precarious position when it comes to taxis, trains or buses.

5. Taxi/tuk tuk scams — There are as many taxi scams now as there are flavors of Skittles. Meter rigging, price swapping, taking you far out and demanding money to return you, circuitous routes, unlicensed drivers posing as a taxi, drivers who get a cut when taking you to a particular non-requested shop or restaurant — the list goes on. If your "taxi" looks different from all the others, find another one.

6. Stolen luggage — It sure seems convenient to not have to hold your heavy suitcase or backpack for that long bus or train ride, but consider who might be rummaging through it in the baggage compartment while you nap. Keep your luggage in sight at all times.

7. Bag collectors — You're in a hurry to get to the airport for your flight and may not remember your laptop bag or small suitcase in the back of the taxi. They drive off quickly before you can get it or remember that it's even in the car.

8. Fake ticket — The line for a train ticket is quite long, but this gentleman is selling tickets at the back of the line. Unfortunately, you'll be denied boarding and be out some cash.

Lastly, there are shopping and credit card scams. Some good advice here is to not try and become an expert on Oriental rugs, precious stones or electronics on the spot. You'll most likely end up with cut-rate goods.

9. Keystroke recorder/skimmer — Extremely simple programs can be installed on public computers or magnetic devices on ATM machines that record the keys you press for passwords, or your personal PIN code and card information. Once the card number and PIN is in a scammer's possession, your cash is as good as gone. They can also log in to your banking accounts and wreak havoc.

10. Shocking bar tab — Gentlemen, the girl is just not that into you. She gets paid a commission on your drink sales, or is being forced to coerce drinks out of you. They will be $20 each, and you will have to pay. Girl or not, check the drink prices before you order, and don't drink to the point where you won't remember what receipt you sign.

11. Wrong change — You may get metal slugs back mixed in with real coins, or the cashier will count the correct amount out loud while handing you the wrong amount.

12. Aggressive touts — Other cultures are aware of many people's discomfort with and aversion to confrontation. Aggressive sales people may stay on your hip for multiple blocks and pester you until you're more than happy to part with a few dollars rather than deal with the person for another block.

Avoid Becoming a Victim

Here are some tips to help you minimize your chances of being swindled. Rather than instruct you on how to avoid each scam individually, I think the most important thing to learn is the proper attitude.

Situational awareness — Of all the skills I picked up in basic training when I went through Officer Candidate School for the Navy, this is the one I prize most. For 13 weeks, I was taught to recognize who is around me, what they're doing, anything that looks out of place and how to take action to rectify the situation. Nothing can go further in protecting you and your companions than to develop what my wife now calls my own spider sense.

You don't have to be motivated like I was by the most terrifying individuals that exist, Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant drill instructors. Practice before traveling by noticing who walks in the door at a restaurant, start taking notice of your fellow commuters and see if you can recognize when someone is walking behind you down the sidewalk. When traveling, heighten this sense and always be aware of your surroundings.

There's no such thing as a free lunch — Apply this commonsense economic principle to your travel and recognize that if something is too good to be true, then it's probably false. If the price is too low, then the thing you're buying (or hopefully not buying) is a fake. If an offer has too many perks for the price, it's a scam.

Save credit card receipts — TPG reader Rahul wrote in with the following problem:

"I was at a bar in Roppongi (Tokyo), and used my Chase Sapphire to pay for a tab of around $40. I later realized that I had been charged $3,800! I raised a dispute, and when Chase asked the merchant for proof, the bar somehow produced a transaction receipt and even an invoice for that amount. Chase denied this as a fraud, since the card was swiped in person. I assume the merchant must have presented me with a bill showing a different amount than what it was swiped for. I wish I had kept the receipt with me; I'm not sure what case I have to dispute it now."

Rahul also pointed out a notice from the US Embassy in Tokyo in regards to this scam and other problems in the Roppongi area. Without the receipt, I'm not sure what recourse Rahul has with Chase, and I hope other readers can point him in the right direction in the comments. As a former resident of Tokyo, I'm sorry and deeply disappointed that this happened, and I hope this particular case doesn't reflect poorly on Japan overall.

The lesson for all of us to learn from Rahul's situation is to watch the merchant swipe your card for the amount charged, save your credit card receipts, and if anything seems out of place with the merchant's credit card operations, pay with cash.

Do your research — In the age of technology, there's really no excuse to not have a basic understanding of the environment you're entering. Check US State Department travel advisories, read destination message boards to learn from the misfortune of others and gain insight into common scams and bring along contact information to have readily accessible in case something goes awry. I also highly recommend filling out the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) so our government can keep tabs on you in case disaster strikes.

When Things Go Wrong

If you do find yourself the victim of a scam, don't panic. Taking the right steps may help you remedy the situation, or at least prevent you from making things worse.

Remove yourself from the situation — Your safety and well-being are more important than money and electronics. If you realize your situation has taken a bad turn, look for the quickest exit point. Don't argue, don't be confrontational, just leave. Record as many mental details as possible, and write them down as soon as you're safe (e.g., the location, description of people around you, exact order of events, etc.). Adrenaline can have funny effects on your mind. A short pencil is better than a long memory.

Have a backup — This pertains more to preparation before the fact. When you leave home, have an ID and money stored in two separate locations. That way if your bag, purse or wallet is lost or stolen, you won't be stuck in quicksand without a rope. I tend to keep my driver's license, cash and a credit card with me, and my passport and more cash in the hotel room safe.

File a police report — Having official documentation can go a long way in helping resolve your case down the line. While the local police probably won't put much effort into solving petty crime, documentation can be a golden asset for insurance or credit card filings. Many credit cards offer protection for certain losses and damages that occur while you travel, but you'll need a police report to grease the skids.

Contact the embassy — In my experience, all US Embassies post a 24-hour duty phone or emergency line on their webpage for Americans to utilize when things go wrong. Don't hesitate to make use of their expertise in local law and their relationships to help your situation.

Cancel your credit card — I take inventory of my wallet and try to check my online credit card statement before heading to bed each night. If anything is missing or something abnormal is on my statement, I call and cancel the card immediately.

Use hotel security — A hotel's security manager should have the insight and connections to help you out if you're victimized. They can contact local police and help guide you in the first hours after an incident. If nothing else, they can be a listening ear and help you calm down. Just know that not all hotel security managers are created equally. Some are much more helpful than others.

Bottom Line

Unfortunately, scammers are out there, but don't let that discourage you from exploring the world. Sometimes it's difficult to find a balance between excessive paranoia and the carefree travel mindset that allows you to simply enjoy your travels. You can't foresee every circumstance, but I've found that being prepared and having a plan (in case things go wrong) help me strike the required balance. Being prepared becomes habit just like the ability to notice something that looks out of place.

Feature photo by TommL / Getty Images

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Airborne Travel & Tourism LLC   Reviews

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Reviews 1.2.

Most relevant

They sold me tickets

They sold me tickets, sent confirmation, wait for four months and there were no tickets. When I called them they told me that tickets were “not assigned”. I asked them why they kept my money they told me they were holding it for me. I lost over $2000 because of this unbelievable scam. I was taking my 11 and 13 years old to Peru - they broke my children’s hearts. Fak you airborne travel!!!

Date of experience : 21 September 2022

Someone brought two tickets under my…

Someone brought two tickets under my name and a resort up grade emails go un answered their phone is disconnected Do not use these people they are scam artist working with others like Jacqueline Campbell

Date of experience : 11 August 2022

Bo refund for canceled flight

Booked my flight and never received e ticket. Price went up 100.00. Fine, get to airport and my flight was canceled. American airlines tried to get me on a flight 4 hours later. Couldn't get on the flight. Called airborn because if your flight is canceled its federal law they have to refund. They hung up on me twice and were laughing.

Date of experience : 25 June 2022

This company is a scam

This company is a scam. They say you can cancel your flight within 24 hours and when I called to cancel they refused unless I buy another ticket. I purchased another ticket and they did not refund me of the cancelled ticket.

Date of experience : 31 May 2022

I can not believe this company still…

I can not believe this company still has a website that allows people to book flights. Same as everyone else’s complaint my flight was cancelled and they kept my money. They send generic emails saying I will get my refund and when you call once you say your looking for a refund d you get hung up on. I reported the company to the BBB. They sent them a letter stating I would get a refund. This all began in May of 2022. I still call them once a week.

Date of experience : 01 June 2022

I booked a flight for march 31st 2022…

I booked a flight for march 31st 2022 when I got to the airport they said it was not confirmed my money was already taken from my credit card I had to buy another ticket I have emailed airborne traveller they promised to refund my card and have not . I have contacted them continuously with no resolution

Date of experience : 31 March 2022

Airborntraveler is FRAUD

Airborntraveler is FRAUD , I am out $1540 after receiving an email that my flight was cancelled 5 days before my flight. When I called their response was that the flight cost went up so they cancelled. Incredible. I filed a claim with my Visa CARD, all of you should do the same, do not let people like this, get away with fraud and scam, we all need to make sure they paid for their crimes that they committed. This was my hard earned money people.

Date of experience : 26 December 2022

This is a scam operation!

This is a scam operation!! Received email approximately 6-8 hours previous to flight time informing me that flight is cancelled due to the fact I had not responded to their communication. I never received any communication from them!! After assuring me that my refund is in process I have not received my refund after nine days from flight date.

Date of experience : 21 May 2022

Scammed by Airborne travelers.com

Who has ever heard of having to be at check in at airport 4 hours before your domestic flight? (We were never told on ticket or by anyone). We were supposed to read their minds I guess. They said We were categorized as 'missed our flight' even though we were there an hour before, AND no refund on tickets! Next flight middle of night tonight with high extra charge. We have flown so many times with no rules like this one. Oh my god we are livid! Drove to Oakland airport at 2 am, been awake for the past 24 hours! Only to hear we were late for check in! Lost our hotel reservation, rental car all because we weren t at airport 4 hours before check in! Been on phone with everyone and their grandmother complaing with no resolution. What else can I do? What a SCAM! Never use Spirit Airlines or Airborne travelers.com they're horrible!! So back home - all packed but going no where. What a nightmare! 😱

Date of experience : 12 August 2022

Complete and total fraud do not go…

Complete and total fraud do not go through this company my daughter went through this company and in July and and when it came time for her flight they canceled her flight and said that that airline which was United was not flying that day.. They said that they will offer a refund Which would take 45 days every time we call them it's somebody that does not speak English they hang up on you They tell you that your claim has been processed and and it will be delivered in your bank account 7 to 10 business days.. I had to turn around and buy my daughter and my granddaughter and her and her daddy a plane ticket back to California or no which cost you'd mean additional $1000 So this company has cost me $1700 this is not OK. These online companies are a joke it seems that airborne travel and trip front trip front travel are two of the same company. They have the same phone number . You just never know who you're gonna talk to but it's the same age agents over and over.

Date of experience : 13 July 2022

Do not do business with this company. Scam. Take your money and no refund. Actually want more money to rebook. I had no other choice to walk away from a $250 dollar travel voucher to avoid any more money going in their pocket.

Date of experience : 01 December 2022

Airborn travel is a fraud.they will scam you

Airborn travel is a fraud.they will scam you. Do not use them you have been warned.I made reservation for two on April 12, 2022 paid $203.52 on my visa credit card.I received email confirmation from airborne travel the same day with passengers name flight time the whole itinerary. Today May 24, 2022 I called frontier airline to confirm My seat since I did not receive e-ticket confirmation from airborn travel. Frontier Airlines told me we have no reservation for you. I called airport travel explained that they charged my credit card but seat reservation wasn’t made with the airline what the hell is going on I asked their agent? I gave him the reference number after 30 minutes on hold, he came back and told me yes we don’t have a seat confirmation for you. I said you guys already charge my credit card,agent said-I’m sorry we can’t honor your reservation the airfare went up since April 12 and we have to charge you higher fee. In the meantime I took days off From work & planed my trip & can’t fly & they charged my credit card. I opened a dispute with My credit card bank today. ED May 24, 2022

Date of experience : 25 May 2022

Do not book with this company!!!!

Do not book with this company!!!!! I booked flight for tomorrow. Called them and got hang up 3 times. Called again and woman told me that my tickets were never booked and ll see eticket in2-3 hours. I said “are u scamming me?” she said no I should hear back in2-3 hours. I called my credit card company and put a dispute. I received this email which looks fake because they’re trying to stall the time: -- Dear Customer We regret to inform you that your booking has been cancelled and amount had been refunded. The amount is already refunded in the original form of payment and you should have the funds in a maximum of 21 to 28 business days from now. We request you to kindly make an alternate travel arrangement. Thanks and regards Customer Service DO NOT USE THEM!!!! Scam!!!!

Date of experience : 09 July 2022

BAD SERVICES STILL WAITING FOR REFUND…

BAD SERVICES STILL WAITING FOR REFUND THEY KEEP TELLING ME ITS ON ITS WAY NOT IMPRESSED WITH THIS CALLING MY CREDIT COMPANY THEY MIGHT BE BETTER HELP DO NOT USE THIS AIRLINE NOT SAFE

Date of experience : 12 April 2022

Do not use Airborne Travel

Do not use Airborne Travel! One of the worst experiences I've had with customer service. I was put on hold for over 15 minutes. I called back and spoke to a rep who started talking all over me when I was trying to explain my problem. Showed no empathy at all. Finally I called a third time and did get the info that I should have gotten with my first call. This is a pathetic company that should not be in business!

Date of experience : 24 July 2022

TOTAL SCAM!!!!

This company is a complete rip-off.They are quick to take your money but you will never get your e-ticket.Never answer the phone or return your calls.Had to dispute it with my credit card company. Hopefully i will get my money back.STAY CLEAR OF THESE BANDITS! HORRIBLE,HORRIBLE!!!!

Date of experience : 20 June 2022

Twice now we have bought tickets…

Twice now we have bought tickets through this company. They took our money instantly didn't buy our tickets and won't refund us. $900 in April and $724 in July. If you demand to speak to a supervisor they hang up on you. Place really sucks

Date of experience : 16 July 2022

Really want to give this website no stars ,because they don't deserve not one... it's nothing but a scam I've exceeded the 21-28 days waiting for my money an Never received it... I'm too mad

Date of experience : 23 July 2022

This company is a scam.

This company is a scam. Cancelled my parent's flight and never refunded their money. It's been about 2 months and have never been refunded back. They were told it would be at most 30 days. Horrible scam.

Date of experience : 27 July 2022

No refund for my booking

Hii, My name is Amandeep kaur. I booked a flight for 2 passengers on May 4th. But due to some reasons, my flight got cancelled by your company. The amount of US $436.70 was deducted from my credit card. It has been 2 months now, but I didn’t get my refund back yet. Everytime I do call the customer service, they are making excuses that I’ll be getting my refund in next 15 business days. One of your representatives named Robert said, I will email our seniors and you will get it in next 3 days. And it has been more than2 months, I don’t know why it is taking so long. They are not even responding to my emails.. what the hell?

Date of experience : 28 July 2022

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6 Travel Scams to Avoid

Aarp's fraud watch team warns you of cons that could ruin your getaway plans.

Sari Harrar,

Patricia Frolander, 78, walked into the Rapid City, South Dakota, Regional Airport last year with a ticket to St. George, Utah. She was on her way to visit a dear friend — but never got there. An airline employee broke the bad news: Her $398 ticket was for a nonexistent flight.

"I booked my trip through a travel agency website that looked legitimate,” Frolander says. The only red flag: fine print on Page 5 of her ticket saying she couldn't contest the reservation once purchased. “When my granddaughter checked online, she traced the website to a travel agency with a very bad history with the Better Business Bureau,” Frolander says. Her credit card company investigated and agreed to refund her money.

Watchdog Alerts

Sign up for biweekly updates on the latest scams.

Scammers are constantly looking for ways to part people from their money, and, unfortunately, have found lucrative targets among travelers .

Here's how experts say you can avoid six current travel scams.

1. Free or rock-bottom deals

Phone calls, emails and postcards with enticing travel offers are tempting, but a deal that's way under the value of a trip — like five nights in a hotel plus airfare to Maui for $200 — means it's probably a scam, says Amy Nofziger, AARP's anti-fraud expert.

Avoid this scam: Simply walk away from any deal that seems too good to be true. And if a company asks you to pay with a prepaid gift card instead of a credit card or debit card, it's a scam, Nofziger says. Always work with a trusted travel agency or company that has a long, proven history of offering travel opportunities, she says.

Scam Tracking Map

No matter where you live, fraud is never far away. Report a scam or search for existing scams near you.

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2. Rental-car cons

Scammers set up phony customer service numbers online that look just like those of major rental-car companies. When you call, they take your money and personal information, then leave you stranded.

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Avoid this scam: Before you call or click to reserve a car, verify that you're calling the real customer service department, or that you're on a legitimate company website.

3. Third-party websites for TSA PreCheck  and Global Entry programs

Look-alike websites are popping up and claiming to be able to help you renew or enroll in the  U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck or the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Global Entry program , which speed you through airport security for a fee. But these sites are trying to con you out of money and personal information.

Avoid this scam:  Travelers interested in enrolling in or renewing TSA PreCheck should start the process by going to the official government website, tsa.gov .

4. Disappearing vacation rentals

Scammers capitalize on the popularity of vacation properties rented out on legit sites like Airbnb and Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner) by offering — online or via social media — properties that don't exist, don't belong to them or don't measure up to the gorgeous photos.

Avoid this scam:  Keep all of your interactions with a vacation property's owners on the website of legitimate companies. A request to take your conversation off the site is a sign of a likely scam. If a property has few reviews or seems too good to be true, search the address online, or check it on Google Maps.

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5. Airport and hotel Wi-Fi hacks

Connecting to public Wi-Fi gives savvy hackers easy access to your personal information.

Avoid this scam:  Use your smartphone's hot spot to connect to the internet more securely. Or invest in a virtual private network (VPN), a service that encrypts your data to keep unscrupulous hackers from stealing sensitive information online. A VPN costs about $30 to $100 per year.

6. Tourist visa scams

Popular destinations (Australia, India, Vietnam, for instance) require visas from American visitors, and scammers have stepped in, creating third-party websites promising to get tourists their visas quickly, for a fee. They not only request money to expedite your visa, they request personal information valuable to criminals for identity theft. Some travelers who’ve used these sites have ended up with a fake visa — or no visa at all.

Avoid this scam : Get your tourist visa directly from the website of your destination country. (You’ll find links at https://travel.state.gov .) Many countries have turnaround times as short as one day for electronic visas, and some even allow visitors to procure them upon arrival at the airport or border crossing.

Sari Harrar is an award-winning journalist and contributing editor to AARP publications.

Sari Harrar is an award-winning reporter and contributing editor to AARP publications who writes on health, public policy and other topics. ​

MORE FROM THE FRAUD WATCH NETWORK

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AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline: 1-877-908-3360

Get guidance you can trust.  Call our toll-free service Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET

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No matter where you live, fraud is never far away. Report a scam or search for scams near you

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Airborne Travel & Tourism LLC   Reviews

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These people are scammers don't ever use them you will never get your money back dirty

Date of experience : 21 July 2022

Highly professional staff

Highly professional staff. As a travel agent definetly recommend them.

Date of experience : 29 January 2020

I feel as though I have just been…

I feel as though I have just been ripped off by this company and from the reviews its looking that way...absolutely pissed off right now...I booked a flight with these people at a sale price and when I called they they said the price I paid was no longer available and the ticket price went up at the time of purchase. I said how is that possible if I purchased a ticket it should be honored to which he said sorry sir....sorry !!. So they asked me for more money for the flight. He said he would refund my 791.00 and then he wanted to recharge me more money an extra 100.00 and some odd dollars. I said I can't afford to purchase another flight because you took my money and now I have to wait for my money to be returned before I can purchase the higher priced ticket now, I am not rich. I asked how long before I can receive my 791.00 and it went from 3 business days to 14 to 21 business days but it has been remitted. I called my bank and they said they cannot do anything about it....that I have to wait and if I am not refunded the said money they can put me in touch with the fraud department..... I see reviews on here and it leaves me with little hope. Update…, after freaking out on every source I spoke to I was reimbursed my money but had to wait an extra few days because they were also going to pull more funds and the bank was waiting for that to go through but in the end it did not I had my card canceled and had to go get a new card and change my password Not a kool place to deal with at all

Date of experience : 02 April 2022

SCAM!, avoid at all cost

SCAM!! They charge your credit card and don’t book your flight. They’ll just delay and pocket your money. Stay away from those filthy scumlords

Date of experience : 01 April 2022

Good agency with supportive staffs

It is good agency with nice service and proffessional team.

I was scammed

This people are thieves I booked a flight and I cancelled it immediately and they sent an email that I will receive my money in full and up till now I haven’t still seen my money it’s been over five months anytime I call they keep telling me the same thing that it will be processed under 14 days… please if you have a means on how we can all get our money back please inform… this people are just so useless

Date of experience : 27 August 2022

THIS COMPANY IS A SCAM!

THIS COMPANY IS A SCAM! I paid for travel, they canceled, never got my 500$ back!!!! Now they hang up on me when I call.

Date of experience : 10 August 2022

A complete scam

A complete scam. Responsible US authorities please band this scam company from functioning.

Date of experience : 18 May 2022

Scam! They are thieves! Booked a flight and then they cancelled it and I am still fighting with them to get my 510.00 back. They hang up on me they are so rude. How are they still in business?

Date of experience : 02 September 2022

This site is a scam

This site is a scam! Took my money and I had no flight. I will be going through my credit card in order to get my money back. Don't use this site!

Date of experience : 22 June 2022

TOTAL SCAM. Got to the airport and they had NO record of my flight. Tried calling them and they kept hanging up on me. DONT DO IT!!!!!

Date of experience : 13 June 2022

Zero Stars!!

I have been waiting 8 weeks for my refund. How stupid of me. Please DO NOT use this site!!

Date of experience : 24 August 2022

Scam. Don't buy any tickets, f....g scam. I hope , what you take from me you will spend for pills for you and your family.

ABSOLUTELY A SCAM COMPANY

ABSOLUTELY A SCAM COMPANY. DO NOT USE THEM

Date of experience : 22 December 2022

Scam ! Stay away They hung up on me repeatedly when i tried to cancel a ticket

Date of experience : 27 April 2022

Never again

Never again. Scam 🤑still can't get a refund.

Date of experience : 14 April 2022

We all good

After a minor Inconvenience.. airborne traveler made good.

Date of experience : 11 June 2022

Scam company - Took my money and never booked me on flight

Company is a scam (Is there not an option for ZERO stars?). I booked tickets for a flight between two Hawaiian islands and they never even made a reservation for me with the airline. I got an e-mail 4 days before my flight to say that it had been cancelled (at least they had the decency to let me know THAT). When I called the airline they said I'd never been booked and I had to buy new tickets. Their 800 number is unmonitored. They promised a refund within 6-8 weeks for the "cancelled" (really, never booked) flight but I didn't waste any time. I just filed a fraud report with my CC. I'm guessing that they prey on people who go off the beaten path for small flights between islands that the major airlines don't service. Do yourself a favor and book directly with the airlines in those cases.

Date of experience : 05 August 2022

great service

Date of experience : 11 March 2020

Good service

Date of experience : 30 January 2020