December 10, 2013

Beware of Traveldotcom.ph, Arkian Austria, Asia Travel

My mom hired traveldotcom.ph to do the legwork for our family reunion this year. She paid everything around June, but the travel date is December, last week.

On Airport Transfers

We spoke with someone named Amir Arzaga and it was such a headache for us. During the trip, he threatened to cancel our airport transfer (land only) because we refused to make a deposit for the boat transfer (which was optional and can be paid at a much cheaper price on the port itself - Amir was charging us 1500php/5pax but it was supposed to be 250php/5 pax only).

On Accommodation

We paid almost 30,000php for room accommodation, and airfare for 5pax. Upon arrival at the hotel, we found out that the room reserved for us was a single room. My mom ended up paying more to change to a much larger room. When we talked with the hotel staff, we found out that traveldotcom.ph and Amir Arzaga is blocked in their hotel. They were just able to book because they used Agoda and our names to reserve the room.

On the Travel Agency itself aka Amir Arzaga / Traveldotcom.ph

He was very rude to my mother and I. When I called him to clarify why he would cancel our airport transfer that we already paid (just because we didn't want to avail of the boat transfer he was offering), he raised his voice and told me that he already explained everything to my mother. Also, his text messages were more than unprofessional, it was tacky, arrogant, and downright rude. I've never been so hassled by a "travel agency" before. And I'm posting this because I was very disappointed and annoyed with their service. 

Because of what happened, my mom doesn't want to arrange our annual family reunion anymore so the responsibility to organize the family trip has been suddenly passed down to me, mleh. 

Beware of them unethical business people!
Arlet

P.S.

Look! I found similar testimonials too: http://go-travel-dot-com-reviews.measuredup.com/8772837

-----UPDATE (February 2, 2015)----------------------------

Just got a message from another traveler:

Hi sis, recent victim of Amir here. he now goes by the name of Arkian Austria. same modus, and Travel Dotcom now uses Asia Travel agency to book with La Carmela.

A simple search in Google, and you'll find other testimonials. Currently, I'm still coordinating with the one who messaged me on how I can help in filing a complaint. Let me know if you have further information or if you'd like to help.

52 comments:

  1. AnonymousApril 29, 2014 at 1:06 PM

    There are many people complaining about the service of this guy and generally the agency itself. Why do these people can't go to a proper venue to report this kind of unethical behavior and practice, like at DTI or City Hall of Mandaluyong. What they are doing is against the Republic Act No. 7394 (THE CONSUMER ACT OF THE PHILIPPINES), particularly on Article 2.b which says: protection against deceptive, unfair and unconscionable sales acts and practices. This way, the SEC / DTI or City Hall will revoke their permits and could no longer operate the business, since they are deceiving their clients. Why don't you contact these people and join your forces to be able to stop this act and that the guilty party shall be penalized and face the consequences of the things they have done.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Arlet VillanuevaApril 29, 2014 at 8:58 PM

      Hello,

      Sure, I would be happy to do that. Would you spare some time to assist me in contacting all the other people and then undergoing the legal process to file a complaint in DTI and then City Hall of Mandaluyong, perhaps we can both take leave of absence the next week?

      Delete
  2. UnknownMay 7, 2014 at 9:38 AM

    We are also the victim of this guy

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownMay 7, 2014 at 10:45 AM

    Please contact me.. me and my friends wr going to complaign this at the police... we also need your help..thank you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Arlet VillanuevaMay 7, 2014 at 8:26 PM

      Hi there! Let me know what you need so I can assist you with it. Kindly leave your contact details too for me to be able to contact you, tapos I'll just delete the comment once I see it.

      Delete
  4. UnknownMay 30, 2014 at 4:35 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Arlet VillanuevaMay 31, 2014 at 10:20 AM

      Hi, emailed you already. Deleted your comment so your email address will not be visible to others and to computer bots. Thanks!

      Delete
  5. AnonymousJuly 9, 2014 at 5:23 PM

    You better check on this new complaints for this agency... before it will be reported inapproriate by them at Trip advisor http://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/ShowTopic-g294260-i6038-k6593380-o10-What_can_you_say_about_TravelDotCom_Inc-Boracay_Visayas.html

    This one too ... http://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/ShowUserReviews-g294260-d637452-r207051440-La_Carmela_de_Boracay-Boracay_Visayas.html

    Thanks..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Arlet VillanuevaJuly 9, 2014 at 8:58 PM

      I've checked that out way back in December, my comment was actually labeled as inappropriate too. They didn't delete it (along with the others) though. Thanks for the heads up then!

      Delete
    2. AnonymousJuly 10, 2014 at 11:21 AM

      So why not coordinate with the CIDG or NBI for an entrapment operation and televise it. Sounds good, right?

      Delete
    3. Arlet VillanuevaJuly 10, 2014 at 9:50 PM

      same reason as why others are not doing so, or probably why you aren't as well.

      Delete
  6. AnonymousNovember 19, 2014 at 6:48 PM

    hi I'm here at boracay ok naman ang service saamin ng traveldotcom we've been assisted from the airport , transfer and hotel me and my family had been accommodate properly , they did great job for us thank you so much traveldotcom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Arlet VillanuevaNovember 20, 2014 at 8:43 AM

      Well, If it is true then I'm glad to hear that they are changing, anonymous. But that doesn't change the fact that they have caused inconvenience and emotional traumas to a lot of other people. They should do something to make it up to these people.

      Delete
    2. AnonymousFebruary 6, 2015 at 3:30 PM

      Travel Dotcom's finest Amir Arzaga strikes again, this time using a different name: Arkian Austria. @Arlet, sent u FB msg, let's catch this guy.

      I won't stop until I see him in jail.

      Delete
    3. Arlet VillanuevaFebruary 9, 2015 at 7:53 AM

      Hi, Anon! Yep received your message? What happened with you? How did you know that he's Arkian Austria?

      Let me know how I can help.

      Delete
    4. UnknownMarch 25, 2015 at 9:39 PM

      Hi anu na status nito traveldotcom?

      Delete
    5. Arlet VillanuevaMarch 26, 2015 at 6:44 AM

      Wala, we weren't able to move forward together with the complaints, not sure if Anon pursued e. Let us know if totoo yung isang comment ni anonymous na okay na si traveldotcom.

      Delete
    6. UnknownMay 7, 2015 at 11:23 AM

      this anonymous could be him. scripted ang sagot ganyan din sagot nyan sa iba pang reviews.

      Delete
  7. AnonymousFebruary 18, 2015 at 10:24 PM

    post your email . Kilala ko yan si Amir at alam ko home , office at church address, . https://www.facebook.com/amirarkianchelsea?fref=ts&ref=br_tf

    ReplyDelete
  8. UnknownMarch 25, 2015 at 9:38 PM

    I made a dp of 5k until i just thought of googling this kasi nakita ko sa fb page nila wala masyado comment so i came to this page and andami pa. Paano kaya yun guyz mabilik dp ko?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Arlet VillanuevaMarch 26, 2015 at 6:42 AM

      Hi, Rod! Naku, I don't know. If he's a real ethical business professional, then he must return your dp if you want. Not sure kasi if he's changed na. How did you find traveldotcom?

      Delete
  9. UnknownMay 7, 2015 at 4:36 AM

    Hi Another victim here. Please let us know how can we join you to complaint this guy. Im so much willing to sue this guy hanggang sa mawalan sya ng work. Same bad experiences, napaka unprofessional at mayabang. At full of lies!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMay 7, 2015 at 5:29 AM

      Please email me. grindsk8_2000@yahoo.com. We want to file a complaint in Mandaluyong City hall asap. Maki cooperate po sana yung iba para mabawasan na po ang mga taong ganito. Marami pa pong mabibiktima tong taong to kung papalampasin lang po natin palagi. Salamat po.

      Delete
    2. Arlet VillanuevaMay 7, 2015 at 8:12 AM

      Hi, Chris! I emailed you.

      Delete
    3. UnknownMay 7, 2015 at 10:49 AM

      Hi Arlet, thank you! I replied to your email already. To all other victims, please join us to file a complaint against them para hindi na makapang victimized itong napakayabang at bastos na Amir Arzaga a.k.a Arkian Austria or the TravelDotCom

      Delete
    4. UnknownMay 7, 2015 at 11:18 AM

      this guy even texted me mag complaint daw kame at iintayin nya. Ang lakas ng loob nya maghamon because wala kse nag cocomplain. So kung wala po tayong gagawin patuloy pa sya makakapang biktima ng iba. Please support us, wag po natin i-tolerate mga taong ganito.

      Delete
    5. UnknownMay 7, 2015 at 10:34 PM

      Hi Arlet, any news? Please respond to my email. Thanks

      Delete
    6. Arlet VillanuevaMay 8, 2015 at 7:40 PM

      Hi, Chris! I responded. Sorry a bit busy during weekdays. Pwede ako sumama magfile ng complaint on weekends.

      Delete
  10. AnonymousMay 7, 2015 at 11:42 AM

    me and my friends are also victims of this arkian austria

    dito ko lang nalaman na ung amir arzaga na laging nirereklamo at arkian austria na nag assist sa amin ay iisang tao lang.

    hindi kami papayag na hindi maibalik samin ung mga nagastos namin.

    kelangan makulong yang hayop na yan

    ReplyDelete
  11. AnonymousAugust 11, 2015 at 1:19 PM

    Oh my! Buti nahanap ko to. I am currently negotiatin with Arkian Austria. Kaya nagtataka ako sa offer nya sobrang baba compare dun sa BookingOnline kausap ko... Any advise kung san ung trusted na travel agency for Boracay?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Arlet VillanuevaAugust 11, 2015 at 8:48 PM

      Naku none for boracay, pero parang okay naman yung sa metrodeal/ cashcash pinoy na mga travel deals since may merchant checking yung mga companies na yun.

      Delete
  12. UnknownAugust 31, 2015 at 8:09 PM

    buti nalang pala di din ako nag bayad sa kanya, and buti nalang nakita ko ung mga comments dito.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Mark PlatonOctober 21, 2015 at 7:54 PM

    i am also a victim of this aka Arkian / Amir. Can i join a group to file a complain to the authorities?

    ReplyDelete
  14. Mark PlatonOctober 21, 2015 at 7:59 PM

    i am also a victim of this aka Arkian / Amir. Can i join a group to file a complain to the authorities?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Arlet VillanuevaOctober 23, 2015 at 8:46 AM

      Hi, Mark. Sorry to find out this person is still victimizing consumers. I am afraid most here acted on their own (no group has been formally made)

      Delete
  15. AnonymousDecember 26, 2015 at 9:35 PM

    We just paid him. Pls help us.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousJanuary 20, 2016 at 6:05 PM

      God.. we just made a deposit kanina lang... anyone of you who could help me trace him? Yung traveldotcom office ba is existing??? Please help...

      Delete
  16. UnknownMarch 23, 2016 at 11:28 AM

    Hi. Im currently dealing with traveldotcom. And i agree with you guys that he is so rude. And their package inclusions say door to door service, however upon receiving my confirmation voucher (i already paid P5k),the sea transfer is optional. I called him, and his tone and languages are very rude. I also called la carmela boracay and the said that traveldotcom is blacklisted in their hotel. Also,as a professional travel agent,he is not capable to converse in good manners. Im willing to let go now my 5k to prevent from further headaches.

    ReplyDelete
  17. UnknownApril 12, 2016 at 11:12 PM

    Hi im currently dealing with this guy. Gosh! I already paid in full. Nung nagdown ako ng 10k for the blocking ng travel dates and reservation sa lacarmela nagsend siya ng voucher then late ko napansin na wala transaction reference number ung sinend niya. Too late.....:( i already deposited the remaining balance of 25,368k. Total of 35, 368. Please help me po.

    ReplyDelete
  18. UnknownApril 14, 2016 at 2:04 PM

    I have also lost 10,000 to him as my deposit :(
    Has the report been made? :(

    ReplyDelete
  19. UnknownApril 14, 2016 at 2:16 PM

    I have also lost 10,000 to him as my deposit :(
    Has the report been made? :(

    ReplyDelete
  20. TheaMay 24, 2016 at 1:43 PM

    Glad to have seen this. We were just about to make a payment toda, but I decided to do a research on this travel agency because it will be a huge amount. I dont want to jump in right away just because this traveldotcom company has a better offer. We are planning our company outing in boracay for next year and their package is affordable compared to others. The person who emailed me is Arkian Austria. So thankful that I came across this page. God is good.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Arlet VillanuevaMay 25, 2016 at 9:02 PM

      I'm glad to hear this, Thea. Actually whenever I book, I search the company involved first for complaints. For example, brand x sucks, etc etc.

      Delete
  21. KatJuly 8, 2016 at 11:46 PM

    OMG! I was so stupid for not checking this before using them. This is my first time using a travel agency since I always do a diy itinerary. I was in a hurry to get a package since I don't have time to arrange anything and don't have time so I opted to take this. He is the worst person I've dealt with in my entire life. I am planning to talk to anyone just to make sure that this person or their company will forever be banned or lose their license.

    Kahet punta pa ako kay Sumbong kay Tulfo para lang masara yung company nila. I swear wala ng hahayop pa sa taong yan (sorry for the term). Sorry fresh pa kasi kanina lang nangyari ang lahat.

    I still can't believe I fall for this crap. I should have done a research about this company. I just didn't have time because of work kaya ako napasign up sa knila.

    Haaayyyy. Bahala na si God sa knila. Karma na lang talaga.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Arlet VillanuevaJuly 17, 2016 at 8:39 PM

      Sorry to hear, Kat. I remembered ganyang ganyan din feelings ko dati for my mom :( Sorry too I couldn't help now.

      Delete
  22. AnonymousSeptember 23, 2016 at 2:25 PM

    natuloy po ba yunh complaint para sa traveldotcom specialy dun sa rude na agent?

    ReplyDelete
  23. AnonymousDecember 7, 2016 at 3:24 PM

    Hi Everyone. May I have an update regarding this complaint? I just deposited 5K and just saw the commentaries online. Has anyone tried going to their office address in Mandaluyong? Please help.

    ReplyDelete
  24. AnonymousDecember 12, 2017 at 6:57 PM

    Their websites are no longer working, so anyone knows what happened. Did any group file a complaint against them at the City Hall of Mandaluyong? Did the authorities close this business because of the complaints or was it KARMA forced them to close their business because there are no more travelers booking thru them? Please update me. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete

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