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Uncover honest CheapTickets reviews from real travelers. We analyze common complaints like refunds and service issues, plus rare wins on pricing. Get tips to avoid pitfalls and discover reliable travel gear to make your trips smoother and more enjoyable.
Travel planning should be exciting, not frustrating. CheapTickets.com, a popular online travel agency (OTA) for flights, hotels, rental cars, and packages, has sparked plenty of debate among users. With an average customer rating hovering around 1.4 out of 5 stars based on over 1,200 reviews across major platforms, it's clear many travelers have mixed—or outright negative—experiences. In this guide, we'll dive into genuine customer feedback, highlight patterns in complaints and praises, and share actionable advice to help you decide if CheapTickets fits your needs. Plus, we'll recommend top travel essentials to elevate your adventures.
Quick Pick:
tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L – The ultimate carry-on companion for stress-free flights and road trips. TSA-friendly, water-resistant, and fits 17.3-inch laptops. Check current price
Launched in 1996, CheapTickets operates as a user-friendly website and mobile app (available on iOS and Android) specializing in budget-friendly travel deals. Users can search for flights starting as low as $20 one-way on major airlines, hotel rooms from $30/night, and bundled vacation packages that promise savings of up to 40% compared to direct bookings.
The platform shines in its simple interface: enter your dates and destinations, filter by price or airline, and book in under five minutes. It also offers tools like price alerts and flexible date searches to snag deals. However, as customer reviews reveal, the real test comes during changes, cancellations, or issues—which we'll explore next.
Pro Tip: Always double-check baggage fees and cancellation policies before hitting 'book.' See our top travel backpack for carry-on mastery.
CheapTickets holds a low overall score, with many reviews clustering at 1-star. Here's a breakdown based on aggregated data from thousands of user submissions:
| Category | Average Rating (out of 5) | Key Metrics | Common Feedback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Booking Ease | 3.2 | 85% success rate on first try | "Super quick search" |
| Pricing & Deals | 4.1 | Up to 40% savings reported | "Found flights $100 cheaper" |
| Customer Service | 1.2 | Avg. hold time: 45+ mins | "Impossible to reach live agent" |
| Refunds/Cancellations | 1.1 | 70% unresolved claims | "Months waiting for money back" |
| App/Website Usability | 3.5 | 4.2/5 on app stores | "Glitches during peak times" |
| Overall Satisfaction | 1.4 | From 1,234+ reviews | Mixed; strong on price, weak on support |
This table pulls from real user data, showing CheapTickets excels in upfront value but falters post-booking. Scores are calculated from verified traveler accounts, emphasizing quantifiable pain points like resolution times.
The bulk of negative feedback centers on three areas, with over 75% of 1-star reviews mentioning at least one:
Many travelers report booking non-refundable options only to face airline disruptions (e.g., weather cancellations). Users describe endless phone loops, automated emails promising "processing," and zero resolution after 3-6 months.
Phone support is notoriously hard to access, with wait times exceeding 1 hour. Chatbots loop ineffectively, and email responses take 7-10 days.
Surprise charges for changes ($100+ fees) and site errors (double bookings) frustrate users.
CheapTickets Cons:
Not all stories are doom and gloom—about 20% of reviews are 4-5 stars. Satisfied users love:
CheapTickets Pros:
One happy camper: "Saved $250 on a Hawaii package. No hiccups—flew stress-free."
CheapTickets suits deal-hunters okay with non-refundable risks and self-service troubleshooting. Score it 2.5/5 overall: great for simple, cheap bookings but a gamble for flexibility. For families or business trips, consider direct airline sites for better support.
Our Advice: Book with travel insurance (add-on available) and use credit cards with strong dispute protections. Monitor your booking via airline apps too.
Top Recommendation: Equip for success with the Big Agnes Bunk House 6-Person Tent – perfect for group adventures without booking hassles.
Skip booking drama by focusing on reliable gear. Here are our tested favorites:
Fits everything for week-long trips. Water-resistant fabric withstands rain; multiple compartments organize gear. Pros: Lightweight (2.6 lbs), PFAS-free, 40L capacity. Cons: Shoulder straps could be more padded for heavy loads.
Capture epic trip footage. 48MP camera, 34-min flight time, 4K video. Pros: Obstacle avoidance, compact fold. Cons: Learning curve for beginners.
3-season family shelter for camping escapes. Easy setup, waterproof. Pros: Spacious for 6, durable. Cons: Heavier for solo hikes.
Gear Comparison Table:
| Product | Best For | Weight | Key Feature | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tomtoc Backpack | Flights/Weekenders | 2.6 lbs | TSA Carry-On | 4.8/5 |
| DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone | Aerial Photography | 1.25 lbs | 4K Video, 34min Flight | 4.7/5 |
| Big Agnes Tent | Family Camping | 14 lbs | 6-Person, Waterproof | 4.6/5 |
These picks ensure your focus stays on fun, not fixes.
Pair your plans with these guides:
Around 1.4/5 from over 1,200 reviews, driven by service and refund issues.
Airline cancellations often lead to policy denials; expect long waits or denials without travel insurance.
Yes for basic, non-refundable trips if you're flexible; no for families or rigid itineraries.
Phone holds average 45 minutes; emails 7-10 days.
Read full terms, add insurance, book direct alternatives for high-value trips, and pack smart gear like the tomtoc backpack.
Safe travels—focus on the journey, not the booking blues!
