Military Fares

Military Fares, operating online with a registered address at 1309 Coffeen Ave, Sheridan, WY, presents itself as a dedicated travel agency for active and retired US Armed Forces members and their families. The core promise is to provide military travel discounts by comparing itineraries from over 650 airlines to find the best possible prices. On its website, the company states it is operated by Military Travel Service, founded by former military members and spouses, aiming to simplify the flight booking process and secure affordable travel. However, a significant volume of customer feedback raises serious concerns about the reliability and integrity of its services, painting a picture that starkly contrasts with its stated mission.

The Intended Service: Exclusive Travel Deals

The business model of Military Fares is centered on a valuable premise: offering exclusive travel deals to a deserving community. The platform is designed to be a one-stop shop for vacation packages, hotels, car rentals, and, most importantly, discounted airfare. According to its own statements, the company leverages partnerships and industry certifications to negotiate special rates, positioning itself as a trustworthy travel service for those who have served. This appeal to military-specific needs, such as potential last-minute travel, is a key part of its marketing. The idea is to provide a seamless and secure booking experience that delivers tangible savings.

A Pattern of Booking and Confirmation Failures

Despite the appealing premise, a recurring theme in user complaints is the failure to secure the advertised fares. Multiple customers report a deeply frustrating process: they find an attractive price, complete the booking, and provide payment details, only to receive an email hours later—sometimes as little as a day before their scheduled departure—stating the fare is "invalid" or that the booking could not be confirmed. One customer recounted this exact scenario happening twice in a row on the eve of their trip, ultimately being told rudely by customer service to book directly with an airline instead. This pattern suggests a significant disconnect between the prices displayed on the website and what the company can actually deliver, causing immense stress for travelers on tight schedules.

Issues with Pricing and Financial Integrity

The problems extend beyond simple cancellations. Some customer experiences suggest bait-and-switch tactics. For instance, a traveler reported that after their initial booking was canceled, they were offered the exact same flight for an additional $300. This practice transforms the promise of cheap flights into an expensive and misleading ordeal. Even more alarming are allegations of serious financial misconduct. One user was given a fake confirmation number that the airline, United, confirmed was not genuine. This same customer was also overcharged and had to resort to filing a fraud claim with their bank and canceling their credit card to resolve the issue. Such incidents erode trust and raise questions about the legitimacy of the transactions processed by the company.

Customer Service and Refund Difficulties

A consistent point of failure highlighted by users is the customer service experience. Reports describe interactions with unhelpful and sometimes rude agents. Customers have noted that phone calls are often routed to international call centers where agents are unable to resolve complex issues. Furthermore, getting a refund for a canceled flight appears to be a cumbersome and lengthy process. Several users have mentioned waiting for refunds that are slow to materialize, if they arrive at all. One individual succinctly summarized the general sentiment by stating it is wiser to pay the standard rate directly on an airline's website than to endure the frustrating process of trying to secure a deal through Military Fares.

Misleading Information and Lack of Guarantees

Another area of concern is the clarity and accuracy of the information provided on the website. A customer pointed out that flights labeled for service members and their dependents were, in practice, only available for active-duty personnel. When they contacted customer service to address this discrepancy, they were met with a dismissive response that the website makes no guarantees on flight eligibility. This lack of accountability in their holiday planning tools can lead to significant problems for military families who rely on accurate information to coordinate their travel.

Contradictory Online Reputation

The online reputation of Military Fares is complex. While the Google reviews provided point to a very low average rating (2.2 stars) and severe user dissatisfaction, other platforms like Sitejabber show a much higher rating, with many positive reviews mentioning good prices and customer service. ScamAdviser gives the site a high trust score, noting its age and valid SSL certificate, though it also points out its low traffic rank. Further complicating matters, there are conflicting records with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). One profile for Military Fares shows an 'A' rating and accreditation, while another profile for "Skytours Online Inc. MilitaryFares.com" is not accredited and has an 'F' rating due to unanswered complaints. This conflicting information makes it difficult for potential customers to get a clear picture of the company's reliability.

Operational Details

For those considering using their services, Military Fares operates primarily online at militaryfares.com. Its listed physical address is 1309 Coffeen Ave, Sheridan, WY 82801. The company's phone number is (877) 536-7237. Their business hours are Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and they are closed on weekends.

Final Considerations for Military Travelers

In conclusion, Military Fares operates under a compelling mission to assist military personnel with affordable travel deals. However, the volume and severity of complaints regarding canceled bookings, questionable pricing, poor customer service, and delayed refunds present a significant risk to potential customers. The pattern of behavior suggests that the advertised low fares may not be consistently attainable, and the process of resolving issues can be exceptionally difficult. While some users report positive experiences on other platforms, the detailed negative reviews highlight fundamental problems with the company's booking and customer support systems. Military members and their families seeking reliable flight booking services should weigh the potential for savings against the considerable risks of last-minute cancellations, financial complications, and frustrating service documented by numerous users.