Hotwire.com - trouble using site purchasing tickets, overticketing

# 7 for January 9, 2002

Complaints.com received the following e-message on January 8, 2002:

From: amrit boparai [Email User]

Hotwire.com - trouble using site purchasing tickets, overticketing

Sent To: Email User

Once you have selected the flights on hotwire.com, their software does not acknowledge that you have purchased the ticket. However, after leaving their web site and thinking you did not get the ticket, hotwire.com's software may complete the transaction and you will be charged for that tickect!!! In my case, for only needing to fly once (coast to coast), I am being charged for three flights. After first attempt to get a ticket I was not told that my transaction was complete. So, I tried the second time. Same thing, no message that the purchase was confirmed. However, on the third try, their software confirmed my purchase. I thought I finally have a ticket. Hotwire.com, however, is charging me for three flights!!! They are charging me twice for being on the same flight, and once for another flight. Hotwire.com has figured out a way to complete the transcation after you leave their website, thinking you did not purchase anything. All, I can say is it better to get on line tickets directly from the airlines.