Skip to content
  • Login
Smartfares

Smartfares

www.smartfares.com
What is your customer experience with Smartfares?

Smartfares Overview

The aggregated data is based on reviews and questionnaires provided by PissedConsumer.com users.

  • Smartfares has 1.2 star rating based on 57 customer reviews. Consumers are mostly dissatisfied.

  • 50% of users would likely recommend Smartfares to a friend or colleague.

  • Rating Distribution
  • Pros: All negative, Low prices, Appears to be cheaper.
    Cons: Offer attractive but false fares, Terrrible customer service, Fraud company that abuse people needs.

View full overview ›

Media from reviews

Smartfares - Not satisfied with this airline ticket sales company
Smartfares - Got rippped offSmartfares - Did get a confirmation email about my flightSmartfares - Did get a confirmation email about my flight - Image 2Smartfares - Claim regarding delayed customer service response to correcting an e-ticket...Smartfares - Flight informationSmartfares - Money discounted without etkts delayed refund
View all media ›

Top Smartfares Reviews

Positive Review

"No reason good service"

stars-rating stars-rating stars-rating stars-rating stars-rating

Good service nice customer service experience. Need to help with current ticket problems. For myself, I purchased a round trip ticket which is still unused....

Critical Review

"Not satisfied with this airline ticket sales company"

stars-rating stars-rating stars-rating stars-rating stars-rating

My disagreement with the way a recent cancellation was handled for an airline ticket I purchased through your platform. Initial requested date: July 8, 2025....

Show reviews that mention
ticket flight seat selection price tickets bank message email cancellation refund
Filter review
Sort by
Jacob D Lej

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Panama City, Provincia De Panama

Not satisfied with this airline ticket sales company

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full
Smartfares - Not satisfied with this airline ticket sales company

My disagreement with the way a recent cancellation was handled for an airline ticket I purchased through your platform. Initial requested date: July 8, 2025.

Displayed and purchased date: July 7, 2025. I accepted this slight change since it still showed arrival on the same day, which was crucial for us. Actual departure date: July 7, 2025. I was sold a ticket departing on July 7; however, the actual itinerary did not meet the requirements: the flight departs on July 7 but arrives on July 8, 2025.

Flights involved: From TLV: El Al Israel Airlines. From MAD: Air Europa Airlines. Reason for Cancellation: The itinerary did not match what was requested, with a total travel time that was unacceptably long. This was not viable for the traveler, who is a person with a medical condition, and required same-day travel.

I acted immediately, contacting two of your agents via chat within less than 30 minutes of the purchase to report the issue. The ticket fare they said will be refunded (I hope so). However, the amount charged for seat selection was withheld, with the justification that it is airline policy. I want to clearly state the following: the cancellation was immediate, nearly instant.

The seat selection was part of a fully canceled purchase and was only made with the expectation of receiving a specific itinerary that your system ultimately did not provide. I also explained during the chat that the passenger requires airport assistance at both TLV and MAD due to his condition. It is unreasonable to charge for a service that was never used, especially when the cancellation was processed so quickly. Therefore, I urgently request a full refund of the seat selection charges, or a clear explanation with documented proof of the policy applied in this case (airline name, clause, terms, etc.).

The original itinerary shown on your screen at the time of booking included a July 7 departure, a ~5-hour layover in Madrid, and same-day arrival at PTY.

This is what I was attempting to purchase. Given the circumstances, I respectfully demand a full refund of all costs, as the service delivered did not match what was agreed upon.

View full review

User's recommendation: Not to buy with Smartfares, used a serious company

Sylvie J Jpb

This review is written by an individual who has purchased the reviewed product/service and/or confirms being a paying customer of this company. Check our FAQ

Verified Buyer
|

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Got rippped off

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full
Smartfares - Got rippped off
Contains 2 confidential files for company representatives

Purchased a ticket on 28th january for 3000 aud and received an email immidiatelly that unable to confirm the flight call this number (+1 85* *** ****) i have been told that during my reservation the flight price went up double...of course i have said that we would like a refund.They said they cancell and refund the money in 24 hours which obviously didnt happen.I have been calling them every single day and than they told me they never took the money off from my card.I have emailed them my bank statement and alos the withdrawal message of my phone but all ive got as an answer to contact with my bank.My bank can see they amount of withdrawal but they never refund it.I call them every day and it is a same answer every day.However after my cancellation the same tickets were available for the same orignal price which is *** .

View full review
Loss:
$1759
Cons:
  • No responding
  • Non reliable
  • Fake

Preferred solution: Full refund

User's recommendation: DO NOT BOOK !!!!SCAM

Nour E Per

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Request to Cancel Ticket – Payment Was Decline

Dear Customer Service,

I hope this message finds you well.

Yesterday, I attempted to purchase a ticket through SmartFares, but the payment was declined due to an issue with my bank. Despite the failed payment, I received an email regarding the ticket.

I would like to confirm that I no longer need this ticket, as someone has already purchased it for me today. Kindly disregard or cancel any pending booking associated with my name or email.

Please let me know if you need any additional information from my side.

Thank you for your assistance.

Best regards,

View full review

Preferred solution: Apology

Anonymous
map-marker Johannesburg, Gauteng

Refund

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full

Still waiting for my refund.Bought tickets online and later they called me to say the ticket price has gone up and offered another flight which I refused and asked for my refund. Ive been calling everyday and they tell me that my refund was processed but still nothing on my bank.

Please help

View full review

User's recommendation: Stay away from smartfares for

Anonymous
map-marker Gadsden, Alabama

WHERES MY MONEY?!?

I was told to contact you by email. We purchased a ticket over a month ago from Pensacola, Florida to Cleveland Ohio.

The last name on the passenger is KIRK and the email address associated with purchase was slatorralutz@***.com.

The flight was either purchased on March 29 or March 30 for some reason the original flight was canceled unknown why and they said that they would be reimbursing us still no money. The cost of the ticket was around $350-$400 and so weve been patiently waiting I would appreciate some help with this please.

View full review

User's recommendation: Don’t bother they were of NO HELP!! I guess I’m just out $350+! It’s theft, plain and simple. I paid the ticket cost and when I was double checking right before the flight it had been cancelled with no contact to me at all and there was no explanation as to why?!? I then had to purchase another ticket which was almost double the cost. Now, they say they have no record of anything concerning the ticket purchase.

YENYNATALIA C

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Medellin, Antioquia

Devolución dinero

Buenas tardes

el 10 de febrero realice la compra de unos boletos aéreos, numero de reserva 100339, el dia 11 de febrero me envian un correo en el que me dicen que la reserva fue cancelada por no disponibilidad de la Aerolinea por lo cual me realizarán la devolución del dinero.

Me comunico al Banco ya la fecha no se ve reflejado la devolución del dinero, quisiera tener información sobre algún soporte que me envien como constancia de la cancelación y devolución del dinero.

RESERVA 100339

Quedo atenta.

gracias

View full review
Jose O Hrl

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

SCAM, no response, robbed me

Smartfares sold me a intinerary with a 50 minutes connection in NY, from Dallas, before a international flight. Barely I knew the correct is to have 4 or at least 3 hours between connection flights.

I feel taken advatage off. So what happened was: the flight to NY was 20 minutes delayed and the international flight was a couple of minutes early. I had less than 30 minutes, maybe about 25 minutes or less, to, after the plane landed, get off, walk to the airport, walk to the gate... And do everything else we have to do before the next flight.

I lost it. It left without me, even though I was right there at the airport. It dindn't even wait for minimal 5 minutes and I didn't even once heard my name being called. Staff was giving me different information about the gate as well, saying it was not the same as on the ticket.

It made me waste even more time. So the international flight, by LATAM, to São Paulo, Brazil, left. After this, I tried talking to different people that work at the airport but no one could help me. I was considered a "no-show" and even my flight back got cancelled (which is nonsense 'cause it was for one month later, I could be in Brazil anyways.) I had to buy another flight from a total different company because it was such a big issue and so expensive to rebook me.

I had to waste almost the double I was already wasting and I feel my hard earned money was thrown in the trash. I also had to go to a different airport to take a flight more than 24h apart from the previous one, whitout mentioning the extra money I had to waste on the expensive airport food. In addition, I lost almost 2 days of my stay in Brazil. It is all so frustrating.

So, no, Smartfares didn't meet my expectations.

I forgot to mention that I also had problems contacting Smartfares support in the very beggining.

Whenever someone would finally answer my call, they woud simply hang up on me after I asked them about the flight tickets or any information about the flight. I thought it was a scam and got really anxious with all the situation, but gradly the problem was later solved (after making me pay more, of course).

View full review
Loss:
$1950
Cons:
  • Scam

Preferred solution: Full refund

User's recommendation: Don't book with them, haven't answered me in almost 3 years!

1 comment
Guest

While they definitely shouldn’t have planned that itinerary, you also had a responsibility to review it.

Sharon E Qtk

This review is written by an individual who has purchased the reviewed product/service and/or confirms being a paying customer of this company. Check our FAQ

Verified Buyer
|

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Kailua Kona, Hawaii

Very angry and frustrated.

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full
Contains 2 confidential files for company representatives
Updated by user Sep 18, 2023

After my last message to smart fares. We had to arrange seats for Turkish airlines.

Smartfares was going to charge us $100 per flight! We called Turkish airlines and explained the trouble we had. They booked the seats for a total of $ $35. Turkish airlines rips you off where ever they can.

Turkish airlines told us after they mistakenly cancelled our tickets.

They should have just rebooted us. Instead the chage my husband and I $800 more on our tickets.

Updated by user Aug 19, 2023

I have been trying to work with Turkish Airlines and Smartfares for 4 hours. Turkish airlines need confirmation from the booking agents since there was a flight change.

The people at Smartfares did not speak English good enough and they kept giving me the wrong information. They gave me knew ticket numbers which allowed Turkish airlines to find my reservation finally and insisted that is what they needed. That is not what they needed. Turkish airlines needed a confirmation directly from Smartfares.

But the smartfares people could not get this, so I still cannot get my reservation confirmed and my seats arranges. We are working on hour 4.5!

Original review Aug 19, 2023
I booked a one way trip from Eugene Oregon to Cairo. They confirmed the flight on Feb.

2. On March 4th I got a schedule change. They added Copenhagen to New York! I called Smartfares to figure out what happened.

He suggested I just do not get on the flight. It must have been a technical error. I called Turkish airlines to get our seats. They no longer had my flight!!!

Turkish airlines said I had to call the agent that booked the flight. I am leading a tour of 20 people. I called for an hour.

They give a 2 digit number to get through to customer service that they say is open 24 hours. I called repeatedly and no one answered the phone.
View full review

User's recommendation: Never!!!!!

1 comment
Guest

Eugene to Cairo. That's a new one to me.

By means of NYC, Copenhagen and Turkey ? OMG.

ghufran Z Has

This review is written by an individual who has purchased the reviewed product/service and/or confirms being a paying customer of this company. Check our FAQ

Verified Buyer
|

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Claim regarding delayed customer service response to correcting an e-ticket typo.

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full
Smartfares - Claim regarding delayed customer service response to correcting an e-ticket...
Contains 7 confidential files for company representatives

Dear Manager;

I am writing to file a claim regarding [customer services ].Unfortunately, I have encounters a very bad experience with customer care response, specifically after the payment has drawn !!!

My request was not responded about the error modification before issuing E.ticket , despite the multiple emails and multiple phone calls to send an amended E.ticket that was issued through your agency .

This has caused me significant inconvenience, as [I charged my phone many times for international calls which is costing and time consuming ] with out any action!!!

I would like to request that you take action to remedy this situation. Specifically, I would appreciate [send me amended E.ticket with the correction of the third passenger name as clarified in my previous emails ].

Please take an action as soon as possible before travel date to prevent any delay or disruption in my travel .

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

View full review

Preferred solution: Price reduction

Anonymous
map-marker Howell, Michigan

Not honest Agent

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full

I bought round trip tickets, and my return flight was canceled by airline in early August 2023. Smartfares offered me a refund amount and I accepted.

Then I spent extra money to buy a new ticket. Afterward, I called many times about refund. They told me the refund was on the way within a few days. But I have never received anything.

So far after two months waiting, I still have not gotten the refund. In my last call a few weeks ago, the rep said they only received small portion of refund from the airline, and it was much smaller than the initial agreed amount. They asked me if I accepted the reduced amount of refund. They said if not accepted, then they won't process any refund.

I refused the reduced amount and I complained to the airline. The airline investigated and told me: they had refunded a much big amount to SmartFares two months ago. During the two months time, SmartFares was lying to me, and they cut off refund amount and only offered a portion to me initially. Then they cut off even more later on.

After the airline's help, they agreed to refund me the full amount from what their getting from the airline. But so far, after one week waiting, I am still waiting for the refund.

This company lied. I felt very bad about this company.

View full review

User's recommendation: In case of refund, please double check with airline directly.

Jorge T Jbm

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer
| map-marker Monterrey, Nuevo Leon

Delayed refund

Dear SmartFares

I am writing this letter to express my dissatisfaction with the delay in the refund of my purchase of E-Ticket 101827****. I made the purchase on Jun 04, 2023 and according to your company's terms and conditions, the refund had to be processed within 30 days.

To date, I have not received any refunds.

I have tried to contact your company several times through customer service, but have not received a response.

I understand that there may be unforeseen circumstances that may delay the processing of a refund. However, in this case, the delay is unacceptable.

I have already waited more than 120 days and I need my money as soon as possible.

Therefore, I request you to immediately start the refund process. If I do not receive the refund within 5 days, I will be forced to take legal action.

Attached to this letter is a copy of my purchase receipt.

I appreciate your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

Jorge Trisca

View full review

User's recommendation: Hello, No, I have not received any response about delay refund.

Partap N

Cheating on air tickets refunds -

I has booked my airticket on Air Canada for my travel Calgary-Delhi-Calgary in August 2020. However, due to Covid my flight was cancelled and Air Canada made a full refund of CAD943 as one way fare Delhi-Calgary to the Agency Smartfares.com.

The agency not only kept the refund money for more than a year without informing me but refunded only CAD500 saying that Air Canada only refunded the basic fre WHICH WAS A TOTAL. When I shared the email I recd from Air Canada that full amount of CAD943 was refunded to the agency, they promised to refund me the balance immediately which they haven't done TILL TODATE.

My several calls to their CS Dept are never answered. SO PLS STAY AWAY FROM DEALING WITH SUCH CORRUPT AGENCY.

View full review
Loss:
$443
Cons:
  • All cons

Preferred solution: Full refund

User's recommendation: CUSTOMERS R ADVISED NOT TO MAKE ANY BOOKINGS WITH CORRUPT AGENCIES.

Ramon M Gud

This review is written by an individual who has purchased the reviewed product/service and/or confirms being a paying customer of this company. Check our FAQ

Verified Buyer
|

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Ilanramon81@***.com

Contains 1 confidential file for company representatives

Por este medio dejo saber q me cobraron 87 dolares de un ticket q compré y no me hicieron la reservacion y me cobraron el dinero necesito q me devuelvan el dinero y si se van a contactar conmigo q sea en español por favor

View full review
Loss:
$87

Preferred solution: Full refund

Travel Expert Talks

How to Travel Safely During the Pandemic

How to Travel Safely During the Pandemic

Apr 2, 2021

Do you plan a trip? Uncover top travel tips during the pandemic. In this video interview, Latifah Al-Hazza, a co-founder of Femscape Sojourns and a travel journalist, explains how to safely book a trip online, how to avoid unexpected situations during travel, and what to do if your trip was canceled.

Read full article
Latifah Al-Hazza
Latifah Al-Hazza

Latifah Al-Hazza is a travel expert who visited over 50 countries. She is also a co-founder of Women's Travel Company and an Emmy Award-Winning travel journalist.

Anonymous

This review is written by an individual who has purchased the reviewed product/service and/or confirms being a paying customer of this company. Check our FAQ

Verified Buyer
| map-marker Doha, Baladiyat Ad Dawhah

Double indebtedness for same ticket

Contains 1 confidential file for company representatives

Dear sir/madam

I had a booking with you on 25.05.23 on Air India to Trivandrum.I made the booking using my credit card and the next day I realized that it wasI debited two times for a single ticket.I complained in the corresponding bank and it took two months for a reply that to contact the merchant. Meanwhile, I contacted airlines and they also directed toward you. Please resolve the issue as soon as possible.All details are attached with this mail.

Date of transaction:25.05.23

App time of transaction:12.30pm

Transaction no:420****

Amount paid: USD 505.10

Name of passenger:Dinoop Sdasivan Pillai ,Ameya Dinoop

Sector of travel:Kerala

Date of travel:17.06.23

Flight no:AI 982

website/booking made:smart fares

Payment mode:credit card

Last four digits of card:2243

Card holder name:DINOOP SADASIVAN PILLAI

Screenshot of transaction is attached

View full review
Michael D Gkc

Flight cancelled it’s been a month haven’t received refund yet

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full

Canceled flight in Jamaica had to purchase another ticket was supposed to receive a refund flights canceled due to runway issue on August 10 havent heard or seen anything about my refund

View full review
Loss:
$902
Pros:
  • Good bookings
Cons:
  • Kill you on new ticket purchases when emergencies like this happen

Preferred solution: Price reduction

Ramya N Gxm

This review is from a real person who provided valid contact information and hasn't been caught misusing, spamming or abusing our website. Check our FAQ

Verified Reviewer

Thieving Conmen!!

stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full stars-rating-full

These guys charged us for seats they were unable to assign. When asked they promptly said we will refund the amount.

Yet to see that refund after more than 15 calls over 2+ months! Every time we call we are told it will be refunded in 2-3 days or 3-5 days or 7-10 days!

They dont intend to refund. This company is a FRAUD do not Eve buy from them!

View full review
Loss:
$500
Cons:
  • Cheaters

Preferred solution: Full refund

User's recommendation: Fraud!! Do not use this service!!

About

Related Companies

LBF Travel, Travelation, HotelWiz

Summary

SmartFares specializes in travel reservation solutions. The company was founded in 2006. Its headquarters is based in San Diego, California, USA. SmartFares offers an opportunity to reserve different travel products online. There are web tools designed to help customers to choose destination, dates, number of adults and children, as well as trip types. The company works with individuals and businesses from all over the world. SmartFares takes service fees for tickets purchasing. The company offers coupons and promo codes with discounts. It has an affiliate program for partners and website owners. Available payment options are Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and Diners Club.

Smartfares reviews and complaints

Smartfares is ranked 217 out of 2940 in Travel category

Area Served

Other

Why Trust Reviews on PissedConsumer?

  • Professional auto and live moderation
  • 100% user-generated content
  • Equal opportunity and protection
  • Zero tolerance for fake reviews
  • Verified content
  • PissedConsumer is on the Inc. 5000 list

For more information read Blog article