CheapOair Reviews: Flight Deals or Hidden Fees?

When it comes to booking flights, most travellers turn to online platforms in search of better prices and convenience. Among the many online travel agencies, CheapOair has built a reputation as a budget-friendly choice for those looking to stretch their travel budget. It promises low-cost flights, discounted vacation packages, and quick bookings.

But CheapOair reviews across the internet reveal a divided picture. On one hand, many users praise CheapOair flight deals for saving them money compared to airline websites. On the other, countless complaints about CheapOair hidden fees, refund issues, and poor customer service have led travellers to question whether the platform is worth using.

So, is CheapOair legit? Can you trust it for your next trip, or are you better off booking directly with airlines? In this CheapOair Reviews, we’ll take a deep look at CheapOair’s operations, pricing, customer reputation, pros and cons, and provide practical tips for deciding if this booking site is right for you.

What is CheapOair?

CheapOair is an online travel agency (OTA) that was launched in 2005. It is operated by Fareportal, a New York-based travel technology company that also owns OneTravel and other travel brands. Over the years, CheapOair has become one of the more recognised names in online travel booking.

The company’s platform allows travellers to book:

• Flights (domestic and international)
• Hotels and resorts
• Car rentals
• Vacation packages

Its focus is on affordability, making it a popular choice among students, budget travellers, and frequent flyers. CheapOair also offers a rewards programme where customers earn points that can be redeemed for discounts on future bookings.

Unlike premium booking platforms that emphasise customer experience, CheapOair primarily markets itself around cheap ticket prices. However, whether those savings remain true after fees and restrictions are applied is the point of debate in most CheapOair reviews.

Key Features of CheapOair

CheapOair has become a popular choice for budget-conscious travellers who want affordable flights and vacation packages. While its reputation is mixed, there’s no denying that the platform offers a wide range of features designed to make booking easier. Understanding these features is essential before deciding if CheapOair is the right tool for your next trip.

1. Wide Range of Booking Options

CheapOair is not limited to flights alone. The platform allows you to book:

• Domestic and international flights across hundreds of airlines.
• Hotels and resorts at different price points.
• Car rentals with various providers.
• Vacation packages that bundle flights, hotels, and cars for added convenience.

This all-in-one booking approach appeals to travellers who prefer organising their entire trip in one place.

2. Fare Aggregation and Consolidator Tickets

One of the biggest features of CheapOair is how it sources fares. It acts as both an aggregator and a consolidator. This means it collects real-time flight data from different airlines and sometimes offers bulk tickets bought at discounted rates. These consolidator fares can result in genuine CheapOair flight deals, especially for international and long-haul routes.

3. Price Match Promise

CheapOair promotes a “Price Match Promise” as part of its marketing. If a traveller finds a lower price elsewhere under specific conditions, CheapOair claims it will match or refund the difference. While customer reviews on this feature are mixed, it’s still a selling point for travellers comparing prices across platforms.

4. CheapOair Rewards Programme

Frequent users benefit from the CheapOair Rewards system. Each booking earns reward points that can be redeemed for discounts on future trips. For loyal customers who book regularly, this feature adds value and makes CheapOair more competitive with larger platforms like Expedia.

5. Book Now, Pay Later Option

Through its partnership with Affirm, CheapOair allows U.S. travellers to use the Book Now, Pay Later feature. This lets customers pay for flights in monthly instalments rather than all at once. It’s helpful for travellers managing budgets, though it can increase costs if financing fees apply.

6. Mobile App and User-Friendly Website

CheapOair offers both a responsive website and a dedicated mobile app. Travellers can search, book, and manage trips directly from their smartphones. The app also provides push notifications about fare changes, flight reminders, and special promotions, which makes it easier to stay updated on bookings.

7. 24/7 Customer Support

Another advertised feature of CheapOair is its 24/7 customer service. Travellers can contact support via phone or online chat for help with booking changes, cancellations, or travel advice. While many CheapOair reviews highlight long wait times, the availability of round-the-clock assistance is still a useful feature.

8. Travel Insurance and Add-ons

CheapOair provides options for purchasing travel insurance, seat selection, and baggage services during booking. These add-ons come with extra costs, but they give travellers more flexibility to customise their trips according to personal needs.

How Does CheapOair Work?

To understand the complaints and praise in CheapOair reviews, it’s important to know how the platform works.

Aggregator and Consolidator Model

CheapOair functions as both a flight aggregator and a ticket consolidator. This means:

• It pulls flight data from multiple airlines and booking systems.
• It sometimes sells bulk tickets purchased from airlines at discounted rates.
• These consolidator fares can appear cheaper than what airlines display directly.

The Booking Journey

A typical CheapOair booking process looks like this:

1. A traveller searches for flights using CheapOair’s website or app.
2. Multiple airline options appear, often with prices lower than the airline’s official site.
3. During checkout, service fees and booking charges are added.
4. Customers can add extras such as baggage or insurance.
5. Payment is completed, and an e-ticket is issued.

Extra Features

• Book Now, Pay Later: Allows customers (in the U.S.) to finance tickets through Affirm.
• Rewards Points: Each booking earns points redeemable for discounts.
• 24/7 Support: Customer service is advertised as always available, though reviews suggest otherwise.

This model explains why CheapOair sometimes delivers great savings but also why unexpected fees and booking complications are so common.

CheapOair Flight Deals: Are They Worth It?

The promise of CheapOair flight deals is the platform’s strongest selling point. Many travellers report finding tickets at lower prices than on airline websites.

When CheapOair Deals Work Well

• International flights: CheapOair often lists discounted fares for long-haul routes.
• Last-minute bookings: Travellers with flexible schedules sometimes save money.
• Bundled packages: Combining flights with hotels or cars may reduce costs.

The Catch

• Savings are inconsistent. For many popular domestic routes, airline websites or competitors like Expedia and Skyscanner match or beat CheapOair prices.
• Once service fees are added, the advertised deal may no longer be cheaper.

In short, CheapOair flight deals are real in some situations, but they aren’t guaranteed. That’s why savvy travellers always compare fares across multiple sites before confirming.

CheapOair Hidden Fees: The Main Concern

One of the most common themes in CheapOair reviews is frustration with hidden fees. Many customers feel misled when a low advertised fare turns into a more expensive final bill.

Types of Extra Charges

• Booking Fees: Added to each reservation, often $30–$50.
• Service Fees: Applied on top of the airline’s base fare.
• Cancellation Charges: Sometimes higher than the airline’s own policy.
• Non-Refundable Tickets: Even if the airline allows refunds, CheapOair may block them.

Travellers often report that CheapOair hidden fees can erase the savings that attracted them in the first place. This is why many CheapOair reviews carry mixed ratings—some users manage to save, while others feel cheated.

Customer Reviews and Reputation

A quick search for CheapOair reviews reveals a polarised customer base.

Positive Feedback

• Many budget travellers praise CheapOair for securing cheap flights.
• Customers with flexible schedules often benefit from last-minute deals.
• Frequent flyers enjoy earning points through CheapOair’s rewards programme.

Negative Feedback

• Refund issues: Many travellers struggle to get money back when flights are cancelled.
• Customer service complaints: Long hold times, unhelpful responses, and poor follow-up are common.
• Unexpected charges: Customers report seeing extra fees added after booking.

Review platforms like Trustpilot, Reviews.io, and ConsumerAffairs show a pattern: CheapOair is legitimate, but customer satisfaction varies widely depending on the booking scenario.

Is CheapOair Legit or a Scam?

The short answer: CheapOair is legit.

It is a real business under Fareportal, a well-established travel technology company. It has been in operation for nearly two decades and works with hundreds of airlines worldwide.

However, being legitimate does not always mean being the best option. CheapOair’s problems with transparency, fees, and service make it a risky choice for travellers who value smooth support and flexibility.

CheapOair is not a scam, but it can be frustrating to deal with when something goes wrong.

Pros and Cons of CheapOair

To fairly assess CheapOair, let’s break down its strengths and weaknesses.

Pros

• Access to discounted international fares.
• Occasional last-minute flight savings.
• Package deals that combine flights and hotels.
• Loyalty programme offering points for future travel.
• Book Now, Pay Later financing for U.S. travellers.

Cons

• Service fees and booking charges that inflate prices.
• Refund and cancellation difficulties.
• Poor customer service reputation.
• Non-refundable fares limit flexibility.
• Savings not always better than direct airline bookings.

Tips for Using CheapOair Safely

CheapOair is known for promoting low-cost tickets and attractive vacation deals, but CheapOair reviews often highlight concerns about hidden fees, refund challenges, and inconsistent customer support. If you still want to benefit from CheapOair flight deals, there are smart ways to protect yourself and avoid unnecessary stress. By following a few careful steps, you can reduce the risks while enjoying potential savings.

1. Compare Prices Before Booking

One of the most effective ways to use CheapOair safely is to compare fares before you commit. Airlines often sell tickets directly at the same price or even cheaper once you include CheapOair service fees. Checking competitors like Expedia, Skyscanner, and Google Flights can reveal whether the CheapOair deal you see is truly a bargain. Comparing fares ensures you are not misled by an initial low figure that turns into a higher cost at checkout.

2. Check Fees Carefully at Checkout

CheapOair hidden fees are the most common issue highlighted by travellers. These charges may include booking fees, service charges, baggage costs, or seat selection fees. The price you see in the search results is often lower than the amount you will actually pay once everything is added at checkout. To avoid surprises, carefully review the final fare breakdown before making your payment. This step will help you make an informed choice about whether the deal is worth it.

3. Read Refund and Cancellation Policies

Refund and cancellation problems are another major concern in CheapOair reviews. Many tickets sold through the platform are non-refundable, and those that are refundable often come with high penalties for changes. Even when airlines themselves offer flexibility, CheapOair may add restrictions that make refunds harder to secure. Always read the policies closely before confirming your booking. If you think there is a chance your plans may change, it may be better to pay slightly more for a flexible ticket.

4. Use a Credit Card for Extra Protection

Booking through CheapOair is safer if you use a credit card rather than a debit card. Credit cards provide additional consumer protections that allow you to dispute charges if something goes wrong. For example, if you are charged unexpected CheapOair service fees or if your refund is delayed, your credit card company may be able to help you recover the money. This safety net gives you more security when dealing with an OTA that has mixed customer service reviews.

5. Keep Records of All Communication

Customer support at CheapOair receives both positive and negative feedback, which means experiences can vary. To protect yourself, always document your interactions. Save booking confirmations, email correspondence, and screenshots of your reservations. If you speak to a representative by phone, note the date, time, and the name of the person you spoke to. Having detailed records can make it easier to escalate complaints or provide evidence if you need to file a chargeback with your credit card provider.

Alternatives to CheapOair

Travellers who prefer transparency and stronger customer support may want to consider alternatives such as:

• Airline websites – often provide the same or lower fares with better support.
• Expedia – well-established OTA with package deals.
• Skyscanner – strong fare comparison tool.
• Google Flights – reliable for searching and tracking price changes.
• Kayak – helpful for comparing multiple booking sources.

For many routes, these platforms offer comparable prices without the risk of CheapOair’s service fees.

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FAQs:

Final Verdict:

CheapOair is a legitimate travel booking site that can provide genuine savings, especially on international routes and last-minute fares. However, its reputation is mixed because of frequent complaints about hidden fees, refund difficulties, and poor customer service.

Travellers who are flexible and willing to read the fine print may benefit from CheapOair flight deals. But for those who value hassle-free booking and reliable support, booking directly with airlines or using established OTAs like Expedia and Skyscanner is often a safer choice.

In conclusion, CheapOair reviews show that the platform is not a scam, but it is not always the best choice either. Whether it offers flight deals or hidden fees depends largely on how carefully you book and whether you are prepared for the risks involved.