International american travel

Located at 8465 SW 40th St in Miami, International American Travel is a registered travel agency that offers various services to prospective travelers. While it maintains a physical, operational storefront that is wheelchair accessible, a deep dive into customer feedback reveals a significant and consistent pattern of negative experiences that potential clients should carefully consider. The agency's services appear to cater heavily to travel to and from Cuba, but the execution of these services has drawn severe criticism.

An Overwhelming Pattern of Customer Service Complaints

One of the most prominent themes in feedback about International American Travel is the quality of its customer service. Multiple clients have reported interactions with staff that they describe as rude, disrespectful, and unhelpful. One potential customer noted that their initial phone inquiry was met with a dismissive attitude and communication difficulties, citing a heavy accent and rushed speech that made understanding information nearly impossible. This initial poor impression was enough to make them seek services elsewhere, from a place they found more accommodating.

This sentiment is echoed and amplified by customers who have completed transactions with the agency. A particularly detailed account from a client alleges a complete change in demeanor from staff once payment is rendered. This customer described employees, specifically naming individuals named Ariel, Alberto, and Carlos, as being pleasant before a sale but becoming reactive, conflictive, and uncooperative afterward. The review claims that when issues arose post-payment, the staff's response was that they were too busy with other customers, creating a frustrating and bewildering experience. This raises serious questions about the agency's commitment to seeing a transaction through to a successful conclusion and providing support throughout the travel process, a key responsibility for any travel consultants.

Allegations of Financial Mismanagement and Deceit

Beyond poor manners, more serious allegations have been leveled against the agency, including accusations of financial loss and dishonesty. One client explicitly labeled the owner, Ariel, a "thief," claiming they lost money on a car rental in Cuba due to the agency's poor handling of the arrangements. According to this review, promises were made to resolve the problem, but subsequent attempts to contact the owner were ignored, suggesting a pattern of avoiding responsibility once a problem becomes financially complicated.

This lack of accountability is a recurring point of contention. The reviews suggest a business model where securing the initial payment is the primary goal, with little to no effective support for the actual services paid for. Customers have expressed immense frustration with what they perceive as arrogance and a lack of empathy from the staff, who reportedly deflect responsibility by stating that issues are "not my responsibility" or that "if you don't like it, go somewhere else." Such responses are antithetical to the problem-solving nature required for successful international travel planning.

Critical Failures in Core Travel Services

A travel agency's reputation rests on its ability to reliably deliver the services it sells. Based on customer reports, International American Travel has faltered significantly in this area, leading to severe disruptions and financial strain for its clients.

Flight Booking and Cancellation Issues

A prime example of service failure involves flight booking. One traveler recounted purchasing a ticket three months in advance, only to be informed on the day of the flight that it was canceled. This is a traveler's worst nightmare, causing immediate chaos and stress. The solution offered by the agency was not a rebooking or a refund, but the option to purchase a new, significantly more expensive ticket for a flight four days later. This response places the entire burden—both financial and logistical—back on the customer, demonstrating a profound failure in service delivery and customer support.

Delays and Inefficiency in Passport Services

The agency also appears to handle sensitive and time-critical documentation, such as passport services, specifically for Cuban passports. One customer described the process as a "horrible" experience, waiting nearly three months for a passport extension. Such a delay is not merely an inconvenience; it can jeopardize entire travel plans, cause visa appointments to be missed, and result in the loss of money spent on other non-refundable bookings. The client described the agency as the "most informal" they had ever dealt with, a sharp criticism for a business that handles official documents. They also noted the existence of a second branch in Homestead, stating that neither location was reliable.

What to Expect: A Summary of Pros and Cons

When evaluating International American Travel, it is difficult to build a substantial list of positives based on available customer feedback. The reality painted by numerous clients is one of high risk and low satisfaction.

Potential Positives

• Physical Location: The agency has an established, operational office in Miami.
• Accessibility: The entrance is noted as being wheelchair accessible.
• Specialization: The agency seems to have a focus on providing Cuba travel services, which could be a draw for those specifically looking for assistance with travel to the island.

Significant Negatives

• Poor Customer Service: Reports are consistent regarding rude, dismissive, and unhelpful staff.
• Lack of Reliability: Critical failures have been reported in core services like booking flights and hotels, passport processing, and car rentals.
• No Accountability: Customers allege that the agency and its owner refuse to take responsibility for errors, leaving clients to deal with the consequences themselves.
• Financial Risks: There are direct accusations of clients losing money due to the agency's incompetence or alleged dishonesty.
• Communication Barriers: Both language difficulties and a reported unwillingness to listen have been cited as major problems.

In conclusion, while International American Travel offers a portfolio of services, particularly for those planning trips to Cuba, the volume and severity of negative reviews present a compelling case for extreme caution. The consistent feedback detailing unprofessionalism, unreliability, and a lack of post-sale support suggests that engaging their services could lead to significant stress, financial loss, and ruined vacation packages. Prospective customers should weigh the convenience of a local agency against the substantial risks highlighted by the experiences of past clients before entrusting them with their travel plans and money.