Add The New York Post on Google A Texas couple got taken for a ride by a dubious discount travel club, and now they’re warning other travel lovers to beware.
Long-term members of a reputable discount travel club, Diane and Reid McNabb of Dallas were pressured to re-up their membership during a high-stakes 90-minute sales pitch.
The salesperson told the couple their old company had been purchased by a new enterprise, Member Getaways, and offered a replacement contract along with the promise of deep discounts on future travel.
Convinced by the pitch and lured by the promise, the McNabb’s paid the new company nearly $3,000.
However, their dreams of discount journeys were shattered when they tried to use their paid-for perks, only to realize they were utterly worthless.
With their previous membership, the McNabb’s enjoyed total flexibility; if they wanted to change or cancel a flight or hotel reservation, they could do so without issue.
Under their Member Getaways membership, the company refused to honor changes and, according to the McNabb’s, used popular and public sites like Expedia.com and Booking.com to make their members’ reservations.
“We can get lower rates ourselves. We’re not idiots. We can pick up the phone and use Expedia ourselves,” Diane McNabb told The Watchdog.
In addition, when the couple wanted to use their hotel-loyalty cards to score discounts and reward points, they were told they were not allowed.
In light of these limitations, the McNabb’s requested a refund from Member Gateways several times but have yet to get a single dollar back. Instead, Member Gateways extended their contract free of charge through 2029.
“We won’t be using it,” Diane McNabb assured.
The Watchdog notes that the McNabb’s story is unfortunate but not uncommon and provides tips for other travelers to protect themselves from predatory perk peddlers.
Among these is the advice to never buy anything that is advertised as a one-day-only offer, IE if you don’t purchase that day, the price goes up.
The Watchdog urges the unsure to show the contract to a lawyer if possible and, at the very least, to meticulously comb it for trouble spots.
“Slow down. Ask questions. Do your homework. And never let a salesperson’s deadline become your deadline,” they advised.
Customers were also urged to test communications with the company by emailing and calling; when the McNabbs attempted to make contact this way, no one replied.
The Watchdog also encourages folks to do cursory research on the company they are considering.
“This is very important. Do a web search of the company name with words like these: review, scams, fraud, and complaints. Better to do this before getting ensnared, rather than after when it’s too late,” they said.
The Watchdog also underscored that the promise of a free cruise, flight, hotel, or vacation is a red flag.
“Don’t fall for it. Finding dates is tough because of blackout dates. The company will offer you travel dates in summer months and during major events or holidays just when you can’t go,” they explained.
In addition, these travel clubs often include hidden annual dues and allowances.
If you are determined to join one of these clubs, The Watchdog emphasized that you can save cash by negotiating for a lower membership cost.
Further, if the company makes promises that they fail to follow through on or if you suspect fraud, you can dispute the charges with your credit card company and/or report the company to the Better Business Bureau, which posts complaints on its website.
The Post has reached out to Member Getaways for comment.
Regarding travel clubs and reflecting The Watchdog’s advice, Reddit is rife with recommendations and red flags.
“Anything that includes time pressure is designed to take advantage of impulsivity and inattention to detail. 99% of the time you’ll get an equal or better deal tomorrow,” advised one commenter.
“I have avoided the ‘lobby sharks’ or ‘body snatchers’ at all costs… No’ is a powerful word,” said another.
“Other members are not allowed to share their pricing on social media, and there is no official published price list. This is purposeful so you cannot see what others have paid, no matter how much they swear it’s because ‘you’re getting such an amazing deal!,’ offered a third.
