AirfareExperts

I understood i bought non-refundable tickets with Air Canada from Phoenix to Rome (via YYZ). Due to COVID-19, Air Canada canceled the flights, a fair decision. Airfare Experts said Air Canada had my money and wouldn't refund me, just vouchers would be given. Well, guess what? Looked at my credit card statement and the full amount was charged by Air Fare Experts. Here are excerpts of emails exchanged with Airfare experts:

4/1/2020
"Please be informed that the Airline did not release any Goodwill policy for June travellers, request you to wait till the end of May. If you wish to cancel as per fare rules, you will get a partial refund of $1056. 00"

WELL, IF FLIGHTS ARE STILL SCHEDULED AND TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE, WHY IS AIRFARE EXPERTS OFFERING ME A REFUND OF USD 1056? HOW DID THE COME UP WITH THIS AMOUNT? FLAVOR OF THE DAY?

4/22/2020
"In accordance with the airline policies, since the flights are still scheduled to travel for your trip, these are the following best options available as of now:
Future credit for a full value of $2894. 30 up to 12 months from date of booking.
To process refunds today, refund amount will be $1199. 25"

THIS IS A SCAM! 21 DAYS AFTER THE MESSAGE ABOVE, MY REFUND GREW TO USD 1199, 25? HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE? A MIRACLE? AND REMEMBER, TECHNICALLY THE TICKET IS NON-REFUNDABLE.

4/26/2020
"We can cancel your reservation rite now and keep your ticket in open status so you can use the ticket amount of $2894. 30 as a future credit to reebok the flights. Customers must pay any fare difference, if applicable, at the time of ticketing of the new fare.The new ticket must be reissued on/before 24 months from the original ticket date."

THIS IS ALSO NOT TRUE! AIR CANADA'S COVID 19 PAGE OFFERED THE OPTION OF A VOUCHER VALID FOR 24 MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF THE CANCELATION OF THE FLIGHT.

5/29/20
"seems like you are the lucky one to get an Air Canada refund.
Refund amount is $2300. 30. Customers who booked directly with airlines may avail full refunds by submitting their refund claims on their respective airline.
But customers who have booked with us a special/discounted deal with us, we have clearly indicated on the invoice that you are buying a "non-refundable ticket and all service fees are non-refundable". Kindly refer to your initial purchase confirmation. We are in "Service-business" and we work on very thin margins, hence with the help of our airline partners, we are offering the full value of your tickets towards future credit for next 24 months. This way, you will save the entire amount. Many customers have already started to rebook their next trip instead of losing money on non-refundable fees and tickets.
But those customers, who do not have intention to fly within the next 24 months, can avail refunds less our service fees. We are processing refunds within 14 days from time of the request.""

THIS IS HOW SUDDENLY I BECAME THE CHOSEN ONE ENTITLED TO A REFUND OF $2300. 30! THEY CHARGED ME $2894. 30 AND DECIDED TO KEEP USD594 AS SERVICE FEES. PROBLEM IS NO SERVICE WAS RENDERED, THE FLIGHTS WERE CANCELLED! 20.52% IS THEIR SERVICE FEE FOR CANCELED FLIGHTS? I HAVE ALL THEIR DOCUMENTATION AND NONE OF THEM STATES ANY FEES FOR SERVICES NOT RENDERED AND NO 20% SERVICE CHARGE WAS EVER MENTIONED.

NOW YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE DEALING WITH. DON'T LET AIRFARE EXPERTS KEEP A PENNY OF YOUR MONEY. THIS IS WHAT YOU CAN DO:

1) DISPUTE THE TRANSACTION WITH YOUR CREDIT CARD COMPANY FOR SERVICES NOT RENDERED.

2) WRITE A COMPLAINT THE US DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION. IT ONLY TAKES A FEW MINUTES

3) REPORT THEM TO ORGANIZATIONS LIKE THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU -

4) WRITE REVIEWS EVERYWHERE YOU CAN: TRUSTPILOT, TRIPADVISOR, SOCIAL MEDIA, ETC.

5)MAKE SURE YOU KEEP ALL THE DOCUMENTS AND EMAILS RECEIVED FROM AIRFARE EXPERTS.

DON'T LET AIRFARE EXPERTS WIN: TAKE ACTION NOW!

I BOUGHT FROM THEM IN THE PAST, NEVER AGAIN.