S
SmartFares
Unclaimed Business
S
SmartFares
Unclaimed Business
8 Reviews (last 12 months)
Does not respond to reviews
Performance(last 12 months):
TrustIndex
0
Ranking
#9
in Travel & Vacation
NPS Score
-100
Recommended: Unlikely
Review Distribution
1|8 Reviews
Jun '25 - May '26
5(0%)
4(0%)
3(0%)
2(0%)
1(100%)
5(0%)
4(0%)
3(0%)
2(0%)
1(100%)
Frequently Asked Questions About SmartFares
SmartFares has a TrustIndex of 0 out of 10 on Hellopeter, based on 8 reviews in the last 12 months. Hellopeter has tracked SmartFares across 8 total reviews. How is the TrustIndex calculated? →
Recent reviews (8)
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your ExperienceDD
De D
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
30 Dec 2025, 08:52
SmartFares ****!
SmartFares advertised the best price on return tickets. I booked and paid BUT the deducted amount was MORE than was advertised! Then they wanted MORE money to secure the flights, I refused and was eventually promised the tickets at the paid amount. Waited for 6 hours, no tickets! Again contacted them online (phone numbers do not work). They AGAIN wanted MORE money sighting a price increase although the airline price remained the same on the carrier website. They again committed to the original paid amount although at this point I had already declined and asked for a refund 6 TIMES! After much hassle I got the tickets canceled and received a full refund (within 24 hours). Do not use SmartFares, you will not save!!! Book with the carrier airline directly!
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)DD
De D
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
30 Dec 2025, 08:52
SmartFares ****!
SmartFares advertised the best price on return tickets. I booked and paid BUT the deducted amount was MORE than was advertised! Then they wanted MORE money to secure the flights, I refused and was eventually promised the tickets at the paid amount. Waited for 6 hours, no tickets! Again contacted them online (phone numbers do not work). They AGAIN wanted MORE money sighting a price increase although the airline price remained the same on the carrier website. They again committed to the original paid amount although at this point I had already declined and asked for a refund 6 TIMES! After much hassle I got the tickets canceled and received a full refund (within 24 hours). Do not use SmartFares, you will not save!!! Book with the carrier airline directly!
0
Replies (0)SS
Suzanna S
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
13 Dec 2025, 07:41
Smartfairs, not so smart T&C’s
Smartfairs linked to Air Tickets, has given me such horrid service. I require a name change on my flight to match my marriage surname as displayed on my passport instead of my ****en surname. A easy mistake to fix. Instead they have a policy stating: when a flight is booked with two different airlines - no name change is possible. Instead you must cancel your ticket, non refundable and purchase a new one. My recommendation, is to rather book with the airlines straight or to use trusted travel agents. Travelstart had my name changed in 24 hours. No hassle. A small fee was paid instead of a new flight ticket.
Helpful (0)
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Suzanna S
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
13 Dec 2025, 07:41
Smartfairs, not so smart T&C’s
Smartfairs linked to Air Tickets, has given me such horrid service. I require a name change on my flight to match my marriage surname as displayed on my passport instead of my ****en surname. A easy mistake to fix. Instead they have a policy stating: when a flight is booked with two different airlines - no name change is possible. Instead you must cancel your ticket, non refundable and purchase a new one. My recommendation, is to rather book with the airlines straight or to use trusted travel agents. Travelstart had my name changed in 24 hours. No hassle. A small fee was paid instead of a new flight ticket.
0
Replies (0)LM
Linz M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
3 Nov 2025, 20:33
Unfair treatment Smartfares
I only realised after checking the reviews of others that they do not treat clients fairly. It’s either you get a refund with penalties or they offer you an expensive flight. I’m so frustrated with them. I’m not sure what needs to be done but as a client don’t go near them please otherwise you will be disappointed.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)LM
Linz M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
3 Nov 2025, 20:33
Unfair treatment Smartfares
I only realised after checking the reviews of others that they do not treat clients fairly. It’s either you get a refund with penalties or they offer you an expensive flight. I’m so frustrated with them. I’m not sure what needs to be done but as a client don’t go near them please otherwise you will be disappointed.
0
Replies (0)CV
Charles V
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
31 Aug 2025, 08:23
Deceptive marketing, massive penalties
Bought 2x return tickets online for around R34k ($1926). I got a message saying "we could not confirm your reservation" and inviting me to phone the SmartFares call centre. There they told me (a) the price had gone up by $585 (b) I couldn't cancel without a penalty. I eventually paid up, under protest. Online prices (even Smartfares) remained stable for days at the original level, no sign of a "price hike". 2 days later I decided I had been ****med, and cancelled the reservation. They have now withheld about R17k ($965) in"penalties". Don't go near them!
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)CV
Charles V
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
31 Aug 2025, 08:23
Deceptive marketing, massive penalties
Bought 2x return tickets online for around R34k ($1926). I got a message saying "we could not confirm your reservation" and inviting me to phone the SmartFares call centre. There they told me (a) the price had gone up by $585 (b) I couldn't cancel without a penalty. I eventually paid up, under protest. Online prices (even Smartfares) remained stable for days at the original level, no sign of a "price hike". 2 days later I decided I had been ****med, and cancelled the reservation. They have now withheld about R17k ($965) in"penalties". Don't go near them!
0
Replies (0)PG
Paul G
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
26 Aug 2025, 07:21
Price advertised does not guarantee ticket
Twice they advertise the lowest price. They took my money then phone 2 days later and ask for $135 to confirm flight. I ask and got a full refund. When I booked again another flight the same thing happens. They advertise to get your business but the price is below what the airline needs to secure the flight. Its very wrong to do this and no honour the price advertised
Helpful (0)
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Paul G
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
26 Aug 2025, 07:21
Price advertised does not guarantee ticket
Twice they advertise the lowest price. They took my money then phone 2 days later and ask for $135 to confirm flight. I ask and got a full refund. When I booked again another flight the same thing happens. They advertise to get your business but the price is below what the airline needs to secure the flight. Its very wrong to do this and no honour the price advertised
0
Replies (0)GM
HM
Hlengiwe M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
23 Jul 2025, 07:48
No refund. No communication
I booked a ticket for the wrong date. I asked for a refund and till this day nothing has come into my account. Emails are bouncing and nobody is assisting me. I think this is a ****
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)HM
Hlengiwe M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
23 Jul 2025, 07:48
No refund. No communication
I booked a ticket for the wrong date. I asked for a refund and till this day nothing has come into my account. Emails are bouncing and nobody is assisting me. I think this is a ****
0
Replies (0)MY
Marlik Y
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
26 May 2025, 11:04
Higher flight fares charged from what was quoted
Smartfares advertises on the cheap flights websites I selected a flight and it gave me the quote that showed on the website however when payment was made they deducted more than the fare they advertised, it was even more than the fare that showed on the etihad website, they promised a refund but I know noticed on many other reviews that this is how they operate they are deceiving and just rues I would never encourage people booking flights to use that Smartfares Dear Customer, Thank you for your email. We would like to inform you that a refund of $20 has been initiated and will be processed to your bank account. Please allow 10–14 business days for the amount to reflect in your account, depending on your bank's processing time. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Should you have any further questions, feel free to reach out. Sincerely Kester Customer Support Desk - SmartFares International:+1 858-384-4748 Toll-Free: 888-391-3533 En Español: Internacional: +1 858-384-4748 Teléfono gratuito:888-391-3533 Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Open all holidays From: Marlik Yusuf <marlikyusuf@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, April 28, 2025 11:36 PM To: Customer Service <CustomerService@smartfares.com> Subject: Re: Reservation no: C3G1TZ Good day I don't believe that to be correct as I was booking with my friend at the same time yet his account deducted as per the quote on the booking page, and note my bank only charges transactionl fees which are visible on my side however this amount shows that it was deducted to smart fares Yahoo Mail: Search, organise, conquer On Mon, 28 Apr 2025 at 18:53, Customer Service <CustomerService@smartfares.com> wrote: Dear Customer, Thank you for your email. Please be advised that selecting a currency other than USD is done with the intention of providing you with the equivalent fare for the chosen currency. However, it is important to note that on the final booking page, just above the 'BOOK' tab, the total trip cost is clearly specified in USD. We recommend verifying the currency conversion details with your bank, as the conversion process is managed by the credit card issuing bank. This will ensure clarity and transparency regarding the final amount charged. Should you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us. We are here to assist you. Sincerely, Kester Customer Support Desk - SmartFares International:+1 858-384-4748 Toll-Free: 888-391-3533 En Español: Internacional: +1 858-384-4748 Teléfono gratuito:888-391-3533 Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Open all holidays From: Marlik Yusuf <marlikyusuf@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, April 28, 2025 8:09 PM To: Customer Service <customerservice@smartfares.com> Subject: Reservation no: C3G1TZ Good day Kindly assist with the above reservation no C3G1TZ, I booked a ticket that is quoted R9800.00 as per below however on my bank account it has jumped and charged for R10576.18. I repeatedly checked the price before clicking on booking. Kindly forward me the final statement of my booking
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)MY
Marlik Y
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
26 May 2025, 11:04
Higher flight fares charged from what was quoted
Smartfares advertises on the cheap flights websites I selected a flight and it gave me the quote that showed on the website however when payment was made they deducted more than the fare they advertised, it was even more than the fare that showed on the etihad website, they promised a refund but I know noticed on many other reviews that this is how they operate they are deceiving and just rues I would never encourage people booking flights to use that Smartfares Dear Customer, Thank you for your email. We would like to inform you that a refund of $20 has been initiated and will be processed to your bank account. Please allow 10–14 business days for the amount to reflect in your account, depending on your bank's processing time. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Should you have any further questions, feel free to reach out. Sincerely Kester Customer Support Desk - SmartFares International:+1 858-384-4748 Toll-Free: 888-391-3533 En Español: Internacional: +1 858-384-4748 Teléfono gratuito:888-391-3533 Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Open all holidays From: Marlik Yusuf <marlikyusuf@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, April 28, 2025 11:36 PM To: Customer Service <CustomerService@smartfares.com> Subject: Re: Reservation no: C3G1TZ Good day I don't believe that to be correct as I was booking with my friend at the same time yet his account deducted as per the quote on the booking page, and note my bank only charges transactionl fees which are visible on my side however this amount shows that it was deducted to smart fares Yahoo Mail: Search, organise, conquer On Mon, 28 Apr 2025 at 18:53, Customer Service <CustomerService@smartfares.com> wrote: Dear Customer, Thank you for your email. Please be advised that selecting a currency other than USD is done with the intention of providing you with the equivalent fare for the chosen currency. However, it is important to note that on the final booking page, just above the 'BOOK' tab, the total trip cost is clearly specified in USD. We recommend verifying the currency conversion details with your bank, as the conversion process is managed by the credit card issuing bank. This will ensure clarity and transparency regarding the final amount charged. Should you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us. We are here to assist you. Sincerely, Kester Customer Support Desk - SmartFares International:+1 858-384-4748 Toll-Free: 888-391-3533 En Español: Internacional: +1 858-384-4748 Teléfono gratuito:888-391-3533 Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Open all holidays From: Marlik Yusuf <marlikyusuf@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, April 28, 2025 8:09 PM To: Customer Service <customerservice@smartfares.com> Subject: Reservation no: C3G1TZ Good day Kindly assist with the above reservation no C3G1TZ, I booked a ticket that is quoted R9800.00 as per below however on my bank account it has jumped and charged for R10576.18. I repeatedly checked the price before clicking on booking. Kindly forward me the final statement of my booking
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Replies (0)