Traveling around the globe is an enriching leisure activity that provides us with much-needed relaxation and rejuvenation from the pressures of life. However, the initial preparations for the trip and making contact with the travel agency could be arduous, especially if we are busy.
As we are progressing into the future, so is the technology we are interacting with, including booking and managing your trip. One of the popular online travel agencies that you might have come across is eDreams.
Although it may seem legit, there are several negative reviews about the quality of their services. If you are unsure whether they are worth your while or not, then this article will provide you with the insights you need about the legitimacy of the program and help you determine if they are a good online travel booking you can engage with.
Product Overview: eDreams Online Travel Agency
eDreams is an online travel agency that provides a convenient way of booking your flights and hotel accommodations through their website or mobile application. The application helps you manage the essentials of your travel itinerary without the necessity of seeking assistance from an actual travel agency. In essence, it is a two-in-one application that allows you to strike two birds with one stone, so to speak.
If you are familiar with Trivago's price comparison, eDreams has the same features that allow the traveler to compare the costs between airlines and hotels. As a result, it will help you to save money and optimize your budget for the trip.
Furthermore, they offer discounted airfare tickets and hotel bookings since they claim to be in partnership with 600 airlines and hotels. In addition, they also offer car rental services which makes your trip even more convenient if you don't have a vehicle.
You also have to note that eDreams is the middleman between the passenger and the airlines, hotels, car rental services, etc. It means that you can't directly go to eDreams if any unfortunate events occur that would delay your trip.
Although they have a client support feature, you won't be getting any relevant answers because, most of the time, you will be greeted by a chatbot instead of a human agent. Also, you are sharing your personal information with a middleman, which would potentially expose your data to other marketers.
Who Are the People Behind eDreams?
eDreams is the brainchild of Silicon Valley partners James Hare, Mauricio Prietto, and Javier Perez-Tenessa, and the company has been offering travel-related services since 2000. Although their headquarters was originally in Silicon Valley, they moved their base of operation to Spain. In 2010, a change in management took place as the majority shares of eDreams were acquired by Permira, a London-based investment firm.
eDreams eventually merged with Go Voyages, Opodo, and Travellink, forming the group eDreams ODIGEO. They became the front-runner and leading online travel agency in Europe and among the top-rated platforms around the globe.
Features: How eDreams Work
Probably the best feature of eDreams is it allows travelers to compare prices and choose the package that boosts their budget.
Since they are engaged with hundreds of partners, you will find tons of low-cost deals even on big-name airlines and hotels. As a result, it gives you the advantage of better preparing your trip with a good amount of budget on hand.
Booking a flight or hotel reservation on eDreams is straightforward. Firstly, you can either visit their website or download the mobile application. Afterward, you have to register to their platform by providing basic personal information like your name, address, contact number, and email address. From there, you will discover how simple and easy to use the user interface is as well.
Your main dashboard comprises the main tabs for flights, hotels, flights+hotels, and car rentals. Lastly, you only have to fill in the necessary details about your booking and pay for the amount, accordingly.
Another factor that made eDreams well-known is the extra features they offer aside from booking hotels, flights, and car rentals. For example, each package comes with travel insurance, an option to upgrade or avail membership plans, and other bundles that will make your trip as convenient as possible.
In relation to membership plans, eDreams offers two account subscriptions, which include regular and premium membership. A regular account is free, while a premium provides additional bonuses such as huge discounts on airfare tickets and hotel reservations.
The great thing about the premium account is that it gives you a 30-day trial for the program and experience it first before fully committing to the membership plan. Furthermore, premium account holders can share the benefits with loved ones and friends.
Can I Cancel Flights? And Is There a Refund Policy?
You have to remember that eDreams is the middleman between you and the airlines, hotels, or car rental services. What it means is that the regulations on canceling a flight and refund policies entirely depend on the party you transacted with.
For instance, you will find flights on their list that are non-refundable, while others permit refunds on a certain amount or when specific conditions are met. But no matter what the case may be, expect service fees for cancellation of bookings unless you are a premium account holder.
Additionally, cancellation of booking is only applicable on the day of purchase, regardless of the airline or hotel. And beyond 24 hours, the transactions are no longer refundable.
Is eDreams Legit? Or is It a Scam?
eDreams is a legitimate online travel agency. They have been in business since 2000 and garnered positive reviews from satisfied clients. They offer great features that give you the convenience of booking a flight, hotel room, or car rental in one go by using a single mobile application or website.
Pros and Cons of eDreams
Some of the advantages and disadvantages of eDreams are also listed below to help you further whether they are worth your while or not:
Pros:
- It allows the users to compare prices
- Huge discounts for premium account holders which is beneficial if you frequently travel
- High-rating of 4.2 over 5 on Trustpilot
- A large number of positive experiences from its users
Cons:
- Poor customer service
- They offer little help when it comes to cancellations and refunds as they are only a third party to the transaction
Final Thoughts
eDreams is a popular online travel agency for a good reason. Firstly, the user interface is straightforward which makes the application very easy to use. But the most useful feature of the platform is it gives you the advantage of comparing prices from one airline to another.
This is a helpful feature because it allows you to save more money for the trip you are preparing to go to. You also have the chance to earn more and higher discounts if you avail of the premium membership eDreams which is especially advantageous if you travel often.
