Consumers baffled by Best Flights demise
Best Flights customers that visited the website this weekend to find that it has been closed down have expressed confusion and disappointment with the turn of events.
Last week, Helloworld confirmed it was axing Best Flights, with the website to cease trading at the weekend. All visitors to BestFlights.com.au and BestCruises.com.au are now being redirected to the Helloworld site.
But, after researching the fate of the company, a number of those visitors took the opportunity to voice their displeasure by commenting on a Travel Today article published on Friday.
“I had no idea what was going on and logged into Best Flights today to book a flight. Closed immediately as I thought I had made a mistake or the site had been hi-jacked. Second try and a closer look . . . goodbye Best Flights,” wrote moigb.
“I have been using BF for many years, with total confidence. As a business owner that trust is invaluable, if not priceless. I can't respect a business that discards such a strong brand in such a cavalier manner. We are a small business looking at about $200,000 in travel this year. Not one cent will go to this new kid on the block I feel for their staff.”
Phil, a “satisfied and regular best flights customer for 15 years” said he was “annoyed and perplexed” by the redirects, and also by the lack of an explanation on the Helloworld website.
Meanwhile, Jay was also “not happy” following his discovery of the change.
“The reason is because I went to the BestFlights website because I could scan and then book a flight easily with no other distractions that I didn't want like hotel, hire car etc. I loved BFlights because of its focus on flights!!”
After attempting to access the site, McCrae 3938 was also left peeved. “I too punched in Best Flights and thought I'd made a mistake,” they wrote. Although they headed to Helloworld.com.au as directed, they were unsatisfied with the experience.
“The new presentation format is restrictive and offers no clues to me as I often book a holiday after browsing through offers.”
That dissatisfaction with the Helloworld.com.au interface was echoed by Thorpey who wrote: “My experience today was terrible, everything I valued about the Best Flights website is gone… Lost my business and revenue after first experience.”.
However, in a statement last week Helloworld claimed customers would see improved technology on the Helloworld site, which is powered by Orbitz Worldwide.
In an emailed statement to Travel Today, Helloworld said: “Best Flights continues to be a wholly owned brand of Helloworld Limited and consumers can expect to liaise with the same highly qualified Best Flights staff.
“Best Flights and Best Cruises are migrating to the new helloworld.com.au platform which provides a comprehensive and improved online offering under helloworld.com.au.
“The new technology offers significant improvements including full optimisation for smartphone and tablet devices.”
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
best flights helloworld helloworld.com.au jtg onlineLatest News
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