Best Travel Store Inc.
BackLocated at 5777 W Century Blvd in Los Angeles, California, Best Travel Store Inc. presents itself as a convenient option for travelers, particularly given its proximity to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and its advertised 24/7 operating hours. However, a deep dive into customer experiences and its operational structure reveals a complex and often troubling picture for potential clients. This is a travel agency that operates largely in the digital space, most notably under its brand name, Fareboom. Understanding the connection between Best Travel Store Inc. and Fareboom is critical, as the vast majority of online feedback is linked to the latter name. While the promise of low-cost international travel is alluring, the public record is dominated by significant and serious complaints.
Service Accessibility vs. Service Reality
On paper, one of the strongest assets of Best Travel Store Inc. is its constant availability. For travelers dealing with urgent travel arrangements or those in different time zones, a 24-hour service line is a significant advantage. This accessibility suggests a commitment to customer support at any hour. Yet, the chasm between this promise and the reality described by numerous customers is immense. While the agency is technically always open, accessing effective and fair assistance appears to be a major challenge according to a wealth of reviews.
Amidst a sea of negative feedback, there is a rare but notable account of excellent service. One customer, Stefani Tatalović, recounted an "outstanding experience" when booking last-minute tickets. She praised a customer service representative named Jason for his patience and efficiency in correcting a booking error she had made. He reportedly went "above and beyond" to resolve the issue, turning a stressful situation into a seamless one. This particular review highlights that positive outcomes are possible and suggests that capable individuals are employed by the company. However, this experience stands in stark contrast to the overwhelming majority of public comments, which paint a grim picture of the company's customer relations.
The Fareboom Connection
It is impossible to properly assess Best Travel Store Inc. without discussing its primary online presence, Fareboom. The company's own website, bt-store.com, automatically redirects users to Fareboom.com. The Fareboom site identifies itself as a "Best Travel Store Company" and is helmed by CEO Marko Cadez. This means that any review, complaint, or compliment directed at Fareboom is directly applicable to Best Travel Store Inc. Across various platforms like Sitejabber and the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the Fareboom brand has accumulated a substantial record of negative feedback, mirroring the low rating seen on Best Travel Store Inc.'s Google profile. The company is not accredited by the BBB.
A Pattern of Serious Complaints
The grievances lodged against this booking agency are not minor inconveniences; they consistently point to systemic issues related to financial transactions, customer support, and business ethics. Several themes emerge repeatedly from the testimony of dissatisfied clients.
Challenges with Refunds and Cancellations
The most prevalent and serious issue involves the handling of refunds and cancellations. Multiple customers report extreme difficulty in recovering their money after flights were canceled, either by the airline or by the customer within the allowed window. One deeply distressing account from a customer named eena kapoor details a struggle to get a refund for tickets worth over $8,000. The trip was canceled due to an airline policy that prevented her from carrying a deceased sister's ashes as a carry-on. Despite canceling within the refund period, she claims to have waited over nine weeks without receiving her money, accusing the company of being "horrible thieves" and creating endless bureaucratic hurdles during a time of immense grief.
This issue is not isolated. Another customer, Brigitta Soos, reported waiting months for a $2,711 refund for a flight canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She claims the agency kept promising to contact the airline, even though she had separately confirmed with the airline that a refund was warranted. These experiences suggest a significant risk for consumers, especially when travel plans are disrupted by unforeseen circumstances.
Exorbitant Fees and Deceptive Pricing
Another major red flag raised by consumers is the company's fee structure, particularly concerning changes, cancellations, or the use of travel credits. A former 8-year customer, Hikmet West, labeled the company as "Fraud scammers," alleging they refused to honor a rescheduling agreement and then quoted a fee of $2,600 per person just to change a flight—a sum that could purchase new tickets entirely. Similarly, a user named Brandon described an attempt to use a $700 travel credit as a "scam." He found that booking a new flight through the agency, even after applying the credit, would cost significantly more than purchasing the same flight directly from the airline. These accounts strongly suggest that any initial savings on cheap flights may be completely negated by punitive and opaque fees if travel plans need to be adjusted.
Poor and Unprofessional Customer Service
Aside from the positive mention of "Jason," the overwhelming consensus points to a frustrating and unhelpful customer service department. Customers describe staff as rude, disrespectful, and unprofessional. The process of communication is often cited as a major pain point, with one user noting over 50 email exchanges that led to no resolution. During the pandemic, customers were frustrated that the company would not take phone calls, forcing all communication through a website messaging system that proved ineffective for resolving complex issues. This lack of accessible and empathetic support is particularly damaging for a business in the tourism industry, where timely assistance during travel disruptions is paramount.
Conclusion for the Potential Traveler
When considering Best Travel Store Inc., or its online counterpart Fareboom, for vacation planning or booking flights, a potential customer is faced with a high-risk proposition. On one hand, the company offers 24/7 availability and the potential to find attractive flight deals. There is also a slim possibility of encountering a genuinely helpful agent who can provide excellent service.
On the other hand, the volume and severity of negative reviews present a compelling case for extreme caution. The consistent pattern of unresolved refund disputes, allegations of exorbitant hidden fees, and profoundly poor customer service cannot be ignored. The experiences shared by numerous customers indicate that if anything goes wrong with your travel plans—a flight is canceled, a date needs to be changed, or a family emergency arises—you may face a significant financial loss and an incredibly stressful, protracted battle to get assistance or your money back.
Travelers looking for reliable travel agencies should weigh the potential upfront savings against the substantial risks documented by past clients. It is advisable to:
- Compare the final ticket price with the cost of booking directly with the airline.
- Thoroughly read all terms and conditions regarding cancellations, changes, and fees before making a purchase.
- Use a payment method, like a credit card, that offers strong consumer protection and dispute resolution services.
