SmallBizGenius Analysis

Smartfares receives mixed reviews, with many users praising its easy booking process and competitive prices. However, some customers report issues with hidden fees, unexpected price increases, and difficulties with customer service.

Category Breakdown

Scores based on analysis of 276 recent reviews

Ease of Booking

8.5/10

Many reviewers praise Smartfares for its user-friendly website and straightforward booking process. Customers found it easy to navigate and quickly find the flights they needed, with some even preferring it over airline websites.

30 reviews mention this

Pricing Issues

3.0/10

A significant number of reviewers report issues with pricing, including unexpected price increases after selecting flights and hidden fees. Some customers claim the final price was higher than initially quoted, leading to frustration and distrust.

25 reviews mention this

Customer Service

4.0/10

Several reviewers express concerns about Smartfares' customer service, citing difficulties in resolving booking issues and long response times. Some customers felt they were left unsupported when problems arose with their reservations.

10 reviews mention this

Website Glitches

5.0/10

A few reviewers mention experiencing glitches and technical issues while using the Smartfares website. These glitches sometimes required them to re-enter information or restart the booking process.

7 reviews mention this

Competitive Pricing

8.0/10

Many reviewers highlight that Smartfares offers competitive prices compared to other travel websites and direct airline bookings. This is a major draw for customers seeking affordable flight options.

15 reviews mention this

Pros & Cons

What Customers Love

Easy to use website and booking process Mentioned 30x
"Very easy to book a trip on this website."
Competitive and low prices Mentioned 15x
"Price was cheaper than any of the other sites and there was no hidden fees."
Quick and efficient service Mentioned 8x
"Quick service, efficient and lowest price available and direct flight is what I was looking for."
Straightforward booking experience Mentioned 5x
"I was very straight forward with no complications"
Good flight options Mentioned 5x
"Very simple, affordable, great options!"

Common Complaints

Unexpected price increases after initial quote Mentioned 25x
"The SMART FARES is absolutely SCAM AGENCY! Don't purchase from them. They will charge you more than you agree to pay after 24 hours later."
Hidden fees and extra charges Mentioned 10x
"They are scammer. Please be careful This website take out 35€ extra . When i was making booking its showed 595€ . Then I checked my account they took 630€ ."
Difficulties contacting customer service Mentioned 10x
"Three hours later I get an email saying I need to contact customer service."
Website glitches and technical issues Mentioned 7x
"There were several glitches while completing the booking."
Inability to select seats for free Mentioned 3x
"I did not like that the price did not include seats. Having to buy a seat to ride on a plane is crazy."

Common Questions About Smartfares

Answers derived from customer review patterns

Is Smartfares legit and trustworthy?

Smartfares has a Trustpilot score of 3.9/5, but reviews are mixed. While some users report smooth booking experiences and competitive prices, others claim to have encountered unexpected price increases, hidden fees, and difficulties with customer service. Some reviewers even label the site a scam, while others found it easier to use than airline websites. It's crucial to carefully verify all prices and terms before booking and to be prepared for potential complications.

Based on 45 reviews

Does Smartfares have good customer service?

Customer service is a point of concern for Smartfares. Several reviewers mention difficulties contacting customer service to resolve booking issues or address unexpected charges. Some customers felt unsupported when problems arose with their reservations, while others did not have any issues. This inconsistency in customer service experiences is a significant drawback.

Based on 10 reviews

Is Smartfares worth it for small business?

Whether Smartfares is worth it for small businesses depends on their priorities and risk tolerance. If the primary concern is finding the absolute lowest fares and the business is flexible with travel dates, Smartfares might be a viable option. However, the potential for unexpected price increases, hidden fees, and difficulties with customer service should be carefully considered. Businesses needing reliable and hassle-free booking experiences might prefer to explore other options.

Based on 20 reviews

What is Smartfares' booking process like?

Many reviewers praise Smartfares for its easy-to-use website and straightforward booking process. Customers found it easy to navigate and quickly find the flights they needed, with some even preferring it over airline websites. The booking process is generally described as quick and efficient, allowing users to secure flights with minimal hassle. However, some users have reported glitches and technical issues during the booking process which can cause frustration.

Based on 30 reviews

Why do Smartfares' prices sometimes change?

Several reviewers report experiencing unexpected price increases after selecting flights on Smartfares. This is often attributed to 'live pricing' fluctuations or the unavailability of the initially quoted fare. Some customers claim the final price was significantly higher than initially advertised, leading to frustration and distrust. It's crucial to carefully verify all prices and terms before finalizing the booking to avoid unexpected charges.

Based on 25 reviews